Tim Allen is back on TV, and he’s shifting into high gear with the new ABC sitcom, Shifting Gears. A show that has already cruised past its predecessors in the Wednesday night timeslot, it’s offering viewers a mix of nostalgia and new dynamics. Conceptualized by Mike Scully and Julie Thacker Scully and helmed by showrunner Michelle Nader, the show introduces Allen as Matt, a widowed car restoration shop owner. The twist? He’s navigating the challenge of reconciling with his estranged daughter, Riley—played by the talented Kat Dennings—and her kids, which injects both drama and comedic possibilities. Catch it at 8 PM ET on Wednesdays, with online streaming available the next day on Hulu.
According to an early TVLine report, Shifting Gears zoomed onto the scene with 6.1 million viewers, snatching a respectable 0.7 rating in the crucial 18-49 demographic. This is noteworthy as it revs past other ABC comedy stalwarts like The Goldbergs and The Conners, setting a high bar. While it didn’t beat Chicago Med on NBC, which reeled in 6.2 million viewers, it did outperform The Golden Bachelorette. In a landscape where TV ratings dictate the future of many shows, this debut is more promising than a new car smell.
However, despite its numeric success, the show’s critical reception is more like a spluttering engine than a well-oiled machine. While there’s definite curiosity about Allen returning to network TV since his stints in the ’90s with Home Improvement and later with Last Man Standing, initial reviews have been lukewarm, critiquing its failure to tap into the cast’s full potential. Dennings, returning to network TV after her role on 2 Broke Girls, adds a layer of interest that might keep viewers coming back for more.
Amid the blend of returning stars and new faces, here’s a quick rundown of the main crew:
- Tim Allen as Matt
- Kat Dennings as Riley
- Seann William Scott as Gabriel
- Daryl “Chill” Mitchell as Stitch
- Maxwell Simkins as Carter
- Barrett Margolis as Georgia
While the storyline focuses on a stubborn mechanic dealing with his estranged family, the show’s backdrop—and its diverse, robust cast—offers fertile ground for exploring meaningful character arcs.
The challenge now is for Shifting Gears to maintain momentum, keeping that engine humming with viewers. New shows typically experience a shiny, big debut—everyone loves a new toy—but the real test is audience retention. It’s inevitable that numbers might coast down as the weeks roll by. But should the show maintain its allure, it could shift gears into renewal territory for a second season and potentially fill the void that veteran series like The Conners might leave behind.
Closing Credits
Ultimately, Shifting Gears has laid a strong foundation with its debut. Now, the wheel is squarely in the hands of its creators to steer it toward further success. Fans of Allen and Dennings, along with TV aficionados, have plenty to watch for. With its first season in full swing, we’ll have to see if it keeps this speedy ride or ends up a stalled project. Nevertheless, as these initial numbers suggest, the interest is piqued, and the TV landscape is all the better for it. Remember to tune in every Wednesday on ABC, and catch up later on Hulu—unless you have plans to revisit Allen’s former glory with Last Man Standing reruns.
