Tim Allen shouldn't really be here. By most "Hollywood rules," a 72-year-old actor who peaked in the nineties should be resting on a ranch somewhere, occasionally popping up in a "where are they now" listicle. But it’s early 2026, and the guy is everywhere. From a massive sitcom comeback on ABC to finishing up his voice work for one of the biggest film franchises in history, the news about Tim Allen lately isn't just about nostalgia. It's about a relentless, "Tool Man" style work ethic that refuses to power down.
Honestly, it’s kinda impressive.
Most people know him as the grunting dad or the voice of a plastic spaceman. Yet, the current reality of his career is way more complex than just "Last Man Standing" reruns. He’s navigating a shifting media landscape, a major health scare that almost cost him his nose, and the pressure of carrying Disney’s animated legacy on his back once again.
The Shifting Gears Phenomenon
You’ve probably seen the promos for Shifting Gears. If you haven't, it's basically the quintessential Tim Allen project. He plays Matt, a stubborn widower who owns a classic car restoration shop. When his estranged daughter, played by Kat Dennings, moves back in with her kids, the generational sparks fly. It’s a formula he’s perfected over thirty years: the old-school guy vs. the modern world.
But here’s the thing—it’s actually working.
While linear TV is supposedly "dying," Shifting Gears just wrapped filming its second season this month. It’s a major milestone for ABC. The show didn’t just survive; it thrived on streaming. Last year, the premiere pulled in a staggering 17 million multi-platform viewers in its first week. That’s a massive jump from its 6 million live audience.
Basically, the "Tim Allen brand" is one of the few things left that can bridge the gap between traditional cable viewers and the Hulu crowd. Allen recently shared a photo on X (formerly Twitter) standing next to a show poster, looking genuinely thrilled. "Love this crew, staff, and fellow actors," he wrote. For a guy who has been through the sitcom ringer twice before, that level of enthusiasm is rare.
The Home Improvement Reunion
If you're a 90s kid, the Season 2 premiere probably hit you right in the feels. Allen didn't just bring his usual energy; he brought the old gang back. Patricia Richardson, Richard Karn, and Debbe Dunning all made guest appearances. It wasn't just a cheap gimmick, though. It served as a reminder of why Allen’s brand of "everyman" humor still has a seat at the table. Even with the "crotchety old man" trope, there’s a warmth there that people seem to crave in 2026.
Toy Story 5 and the Buzz Lightyear Legacy
While the sitcom world is his bread and butter, the big screen news about Tim Allen is all about a certain space ranger. In late November 2025, Allen confirmed he officially finished recording his lines for Toy Story 5.
He sounded pretty emotional about it.
"Really affected me," he posted. "Blessed to be in this wonderful space suit for so many years." The film is slated for a June 19, 2026, release. This time around, the plot is reportedly leaning into the "toys vs. tech" conflict. Andrew Stanton is back at the helm, and there's a new high-tech toy named Lilypad (voiced by Greta Lee) that’s supposed to give Buzz and Woody a run for their money.
There was a lot of noise a couple of years ago when Chris Evans voiced the "real" Buzz in the Lightyear spinoff. Many fans were... let’s say, vocal about it. Seeing Allen back in the booth for the "toy" version of Buzz feels like a course correction from Disney. It’s a return to form that fans have been waiting for.
The Health Scare Nobody Saw Coming
It hasn't all been red carpets and wrap parties. Earlier this month, Allen opened up on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast about a terrifying health ordeal.
He was diagnosed with skin cancer on his nose.
The crazy part? His dermatologist missed it five times. He’s a guy who goes to a "prominent Beverly Hills doctor," and yet it took a makeup artist at The Today Show to point it out. She noticed a spot that wasn't healing and urged him to get it checked again.
When he finally pushed for a biopsy, the doctor’s reaction was grim. According to Allen, the surgeon told him, "I’m going to have to cut most of your nose off."
In classic Tim Allen fashion, his response was: "I do this for a living! Unless I’m doing a movie with a silver nose, you have to leave some of it on so I can do comedy."
👉 See also: Betty’s Bad Luck in Love Cast: Why You Recognize Every Face in This Hallmark Hit
Thankfully, the surgery was a success. If you look at him today on Shifting Gears, you’d never know. It’s a blunt reminder that even the guys who seem invincible on screen are dealing with real-world scares behind the scenes.
What’s Next for the Tool Man?
As we move further into 2026, Allen isn't slowing down. He’s currently on a stand-up tour, hitting cities like Stockton, Fresno, and Las Vegas through May. If you’re planning on going, just know that his live set is a lot "bluer" than his TV persona. Fans in Boise recently raved about his wit, though some were surprised by the vulgarity. He’s always been a bit of a provocateur in his live shows—it's where the "mischievous older brother" energy he mentioned in a recent Us Weekly interview really comes out.
The Real Status of the Home Improvement Boys
People always ask if he still talks to his TV sons from the 90s. The answer is a bit of a mixed bag.
- Zachery Ty Bryan: Has had a rough few years with multiple arrests, including a recent one in late 2025.
- Jonathan Taylor Thomas: Stays mostly out of the spotlight.
- Taran Noah Smith: Now works as a sea recovery technician at SpaceX.
Allen says they still do holidays and weddings together, and he even does the Buzz Lightyear voice for their kids. It’s a weird, full-circle moment for a guy who has spent the majority of his life playing a father figure on screen.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to keep up with everything happening, here's the best way to navigate the current "Tim Allen era":
- Watch the mid-season return: Shifting Gears Season 2 episodes air Wednesdays on ABC and hit Hulu the next day. The show is currently in its prime, so now is the time to jump in if you haven't.
- Check the tour dates: His "Aces of Comedy" shows in Vegas (April 18 at the MGM Grand) are known to sell out fast. If you want the raw, unfiltered version of the actor, this is where you'll find it.
- Prep for June: Toy Story 5 is going to be the massive summer blockbuster of 2026. Keep an eye out for the full trailer, which is expected to drop within the next few months to showcase the new "tech vs. toys" dynamic.
- Get checked: Take a page out of his health scare book. If you have a spot that looks weird, don't just take one doctor's word for it. Second opinions save lives—and noses.
Tim Allen remains one of the last true "sitcom titans." Whether he’s restoring a car on ABC or fighting a smart tablet as a space ranger, he’s proving that being "old-fashioned" is a brand that never really goes out of style. He’s still grunting, still working, and still somehow the most relatable guy on the screen.