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If you enjoy Tim Allen’s classic sitcoms and have a Disney+ subscription, “Shifting Gears” is a must-watch. This show shattered records in 2025, becoming ABC’s most-streamed series premiere. In this series, Allen takes on the role of Matt Parker, a grumpy widower who runs a car restoration shop. Life throws him a curveball when his grown daughter, Riley, played by Kat Dennings, seeks refuge with her two kids following a divorce. The dynamic between Allen and Dennings is compelling, an aspect that drew Michelle Nader to lead the project after the original showrunners stepped down. Nader told The Wrap, “I saw the chemistry between Kat and Tim and I was like, ‘Oh, this is special.’ There’s a magic and a synergy that is really going to capture people’s attention as it did with me.”
Disney/Mike Taing
As the series unfolds, viewers find Matt grappling with the sudden loss of his wife, Diane, who died from a heart attack. The remnants of her life linger in their shared home, a constant reminder of his grief. When Riley arrives unexpectedly with her children, Matt’s initial reluctance is palpable. However, with no alternative, Riley and her kids settle in, bringing their modern outlooks into Matt’s old-fashioned world. The show thrives on the tension between their differing parenting styles and life philosophies. As they navigate their new reality, Riley helps Matt cope with his loss while pursuing her dream of starting a coffee business, and he eventually considers dating again. This relatable premise has proven to be a winning formula for ABC.
Fans of Allen’s previous work were thrilled when Nancy Travis, his former TV wife from “Last Man Standing,” made a guest appearance in a Season 1 episode of “Shifting Gears.” She plays Charlotte, a widow who meets Matt at the cemetery where their spouses are buried side by side. Although there’s an undeniable spark between them, Matt isn’t ready to move on. Charlotte returns in the Season 2 premiere, along with a nostalgic “Home Improvement” reunion.
While Allen’s success on “Last Man Standing” is notable, it’s his role as Tim Taylor on “Home Improvement” that truly defined his career. The Season 2 opener of “Shifting Gears” features Patricia Richardson, Richard Karn, and Debbe Dunning — all reprising their roles from “Home Improvement.” Their characters join Charlotte in a grief group, offering a delightful nod to the past for longtime fans.
The Shifting Gears Season 2 premiere is one big Home Improvement reunion
Disney/Raymond Liu
Beyond the star-studded guest appearances, the second season of “Shifting Gears” has been a hit, ranking among the most-watched scripted shows of 2025. In response to its success, ABC has extended the season from 10 to 13 episodes. With the show’s momentum building, a third season renewal seems all but inevitable.
While “Last Man Standing” was a big hit for Allen, “Home Improvement” will always be what he’s best known for, as he broke out playing “Tool Time” host Tim Taylor in the latter sitcom. Tim’s wife Jill Taylor was played by Patricia Richardson, and his “Tool Time” colleagues Al and Heidi were played by Richard Karn and Debbe Dunning, respectively. All three appeared in the “Shifting Gears” Season 2 opener alongside Travis’ Charlotte, who invites Matt to a grief group after running into him again. Richardson, Karn, and Dunning’s characters are all present at the group, making it a special moment for “Home Improvement” fans.
Guest appearances aside, the rest of the second season has been a success. It was one of the most-watched scripted shows of 2025, so it’s no surprise that ABC has ordered three more scripts, upping their initial Season 2 order of 10 episodes to 13. It sounds like the show’s engines are purring, so don’t be surprised to see it renewed for a third season sometime in the near future.
