Tim Allen is back on ABC, and honestly, it feels like he never left. If you’ve been scrolling through your guide wondering about the new Tim Allen show, it’s called Shifting Gears. It isn't just another carbon copy of Home Improvement or Last Man Standing, though it definitely hits those familiar notes that make multi-cam sitcoms feel like a warm blanket.
The show officially kicked off in January 2025. It survived a rocky first season and actually got a surprise extension for Season 2. Right now, in early 2026, we’re right in the thick of the winter block. People are talking about it because it’s pulling numbers that most network shows would kill for. We're talking nearly 17 million viewers across platforms for the series premiere. That's wild for a sitcom in this era.
What is Shifting Gears actually about?
Basically, Tim Allen plays Matt Parker. He’s a widower who runs a classic car restoration shop. He’s stubborn, he’s blue-collar, and yes, he’s still got that dry, slightly grumpy wit we expect. But the real spark comes from his daughter, Riley, played by Kat Dennings.
She moves back home after a messy divorce. She brings her two kids along for the ride. It’s a classic "clash of generations" setup. Matt is trying to fix cars; Riley is trying to fix her life. The title Shifting Gears is a bit on the nose, sure, but the chemistry between Allen and Dennings actually carries it.
The cast you’ll recognize
- Tim Allen (Matt): The car-obsessed patriarch.
- Kat Dennings (Riley): The estranged daughter with a sharp tongue.
- Seann William Scott (Gabriel): A family friend working at the shop. He’s a bit dim-witted but charming.
- Daryl "Chill" Mitchell (Stitch): A former Marine mechanic who doesn't take Matt's nonsense.
- Maxwell Simkins & Barrett Margolis: The grandkids, Carter and Georgia.
Why people are divided on Season 2
Critics haven't been kind. They call it "flavorless" and say the jokes are flat. But the ratings tell a totally different story. Season 2 premiered in October 2025 and saw a massive 73% jump in viewership after a week of delayed viewing and streaming on Hulu.
It seems there's a huge gap between what reviewers think and what people actually want to watch on a Wednesday night. The show even managed to outpace Abbott Elementary in its first-week numbers for the Season 2 launch. That's a huge win for ABC.
One of the biggest surprises lately? The guest stars. We’ve seen a mini Home Improvement reunion with Patricia Richardson and Richard Karn popping up. Even Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias and Lori Greiner from Shark Tank have made appearances. It's becoming a bit of a "who's who" of TV nostalgia.
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The schedule: When to watch
The show currently airs Wednesdays at 8:00 PM EST on ABC.
If you miss the live broadcast, you're not out of luck. New episodes hit Hulu and Disney+ the very next day. Season 2 was originally supposed to be shorter, but ABC recently bumped the order up to 13 episodes. They even gave it a two-month mid-season break, which is why it just returned to the air on January 7, 2026.
Is it worth the hype?
Honestly, it depends on what you're looking for. If you want a groundbreaking, prestige dramedy, this isn't it. But if you like the "stubborn dad learns to grow" trope, Shifting Gears delivers. The dynamic between Allen and Dennings is the best part. She gives back as good as she gets, which keeps Matt from becoming too much of a caricature.
They also aren't afraid to lean into some heavier stuff—grief over Matt's late wife and the reality of Riley's divorce. It’s got more heart than some of Allen’s previous work.
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Actionable steps for fans:
- Check the DVR: Set it for Wednesdays at 8/7c if you want to support the live ratings.
- Stream on Hulu: If you’re a "next day" viewer, make sure to watch within the first three days to help the show's "multi-platform" metrics.
- Catch up on Season 1: If you're jumping in now, the first 10 episodes are essential to understand the rift between Matt and Riley.
The "real restoration" isn't the cars in the garage—it's the family in the house. It's cheesy, yeah, but it's working. Keep an eye out for more guest stars as the season wraps up in February.