He’s back. Tim Allen is officially returning to his old stomping grounds at ABC, and honestly, it feels like a bit of a time machine. If you’ve been scouring the internet trying to figure out when is Shifting Gears on ABC actually happening, you aren't alone. The buzz started early in 2024 when the pilot was first announced, and since then, the sitcom-loving corner of the internet has been piecing together exactly when Matt and Riley—the father-daughter duo at the heart of the show—will grace our screens.
The short answer? You’re looking at the 2024-2025 midseason schedule.
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While many fans hoped for a fall launch alongside the usual heavy hitters, ABC is strategically holding this one back. Think of it as a January or February treat. It’s a classic move for the network; they want to give a high-profile multi-cam sitcom enough breathing room to find an audience when the holiday chaos settles down.
What is Shifting Gears Actually About?
Basically, Tim Allen plays Matt. He's a widower who owns a classic car restoration shop. Sounds familiar? It’s definitely in the same neighborhood as Home Improvement or Last Man Standing, but with a slightly different emotional engine under the hood. The plot kicks into high gear when his estranged daughter, Riley, moves back into his house with her two teenage kids.
Kat Dennings is playing Riley. That’s the big casting win here.
Most of us remember Dennings from 2 Broke Girls or her stint in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Darcy Lewis. Seeing her trade barbs with Tim Allen is the main reason people are marking their calendars for the Shifting Gears on ABC premiere. They both have that sharp, sarcastic timing. It’s a multi-cam setup, meaning it's filmed in front of a live studio audience (or at least uses a laugh track), which is a format Allen has basically mastered over the last thirty years.
The tension isn't just about "dad vs. daughter." It's about how the world has changed while Matt was busy under the chassis of a '69 Chevy. Riley is a "woke" (her words, likely) modern mom trying to raise kids in a way that Matt finds baffling. It’s a collision of generations.
When is Shifting Gears on ABC Hitting the Airwaves?
Let's talk logistics. TV production is a slow beast. The pilot was ordered in early 2024, and the full series greenlight came in May. Usually, once a show gets the "series order," it takes about six to eight months to get a full writers' room functional, scripts finished, and a block of episodes filmed.
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Since ABC didn't put it on the September schedule, the Shifting Gears on ABC release date is pegged for the midseason window.
- Production Phase: Currently underway in Los Angeles.
- Expected Slot: Likely Tuesday or Wednesday nights.
- The "Allen Factor": ABC knows Allen is a ratings magnet for a specific demographic, so expect them to promote the heck out of this during Monday Night Football or college bowl games in December.
I've seen some rumors suggesting a late-spring "burn off," but that’s unlikely. ABC needs a comedy hit. The Conners is winding down, and Abbott Elementary can't carry the whole comedy slate by itself. Shifting Gears is being positioned as a tentpole, not an afterthought.
The Cast Beyond the Big Names
While Allen and Dennings are the anchors, the rest of the shop is filling out. We’ve got Daryl "Chill" Mitchell—who was great in Galaxy Quest with Allen—playing Stitch. He's the guy who actually keeps the car shop running while Matt is busy being a "character."
Then there’s Froy Gutierrez and Rebecca Lowe playing the grandkids.
That’s where the real "shifting" happens. The show spends a lot of time on the friction between a grandfather who values "grit" and "hard work" and grandkids who are navigating a digital-first, emotionally sensitive world. It’s a trope, sure. But in the hands of seasoned sitcom writers like Mike Scully and Julie Thacker Scully (veterans of The Simpsons), it’s expected to have more bite than your average family comedy.
Why This Show Matters for ABC Right Now
Networks are struggling. Streaming is eating everyone’s lunch. So, why go back to the Tim Allen well for a third time?
It’s about reliability. Home Improvement was a juggernaut. Last Man Standing was so popular that when ABC canceled it, Fox picked it up and it ran for several more successful years. There is a massive audience—specifically in the "middle of the country"—that wants exactly what Tim Allen provides: relatable, slightly grumbly, family-centric humor that doesn't feel like it's lecturing them.
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When asking when is Shifting Gears on ABC coming out, you have to realize the network is timing this to fill the void left by The Conners. They need a show that families can watch together without feeling like they need an interpreter for the slang or a therapist for the drama.
Behind the Scenes Drama?
Actually, it's been relatively quiet. Unlike some of Allen’s previous projects where there were public disputes over creative direction or politics, the development of Shifting Gears has been smooth. Kat Dennings is also serving as an executive producer, which is a big deal. It suggests she has a say in how her character is portrayed, ensuring Riley isn't just a "liberal foil" for Matt to yell at, but a three-dimensional person with her own agency.
The writers' room is packed with people who know how to build a "workplace-meets-home" dynamic. They are leaning heavily into the "restoration" metaphor. Matt restores cars; Riley is trying to restore her life after a rough patch. It’s a bit on the nose, but hey, that’s network TV.
Technical Details You Might Care About
If you’re a gearhead, the show is actually putting some effort into the cars. It’s not just a set with some tires in the corner. They are using real classic vehicles. Allen is a genuine car collector in real life—his personal garage is legendary—so he’s reportedly been very hands-on with ensuring the shop looks authentic.
- Format: 22-minute episodes.
- Distribution: ABC (Live), Hulu (Next day).
- Location: Filmed at the Disney Studios in Burbank.
How to Stay Updated
Since an exact calendar date (like "January 14th") hasn't been tattooed on a billboard yet, the best way to track when is Shifting Gears on ABC is to watch the mid-December trailer drops. ABC typically releases their "Winter Slate" promos during the last two weeks of the year.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the ABC App: Around late December, the "Coming Soon" section will update with a specific premiere night.
- Set a Hulu Reminder: If you don't have cable, the show will occupy the "Trending" bar on Hulu the morning after it airs.
- Watch the Lead-in: Look at what show ABC pairs it with. If it follows The Conners, it’s a vote of confidence. If it’s stuck on a Friday night, the network might be nervous.
Expect a massive marketing push. You’ll see Tim Allen’s face on every bus stop and digital banner soon. For now, just know that the "gears" are turning, and the garage doors open in early 2025.