The Full 'Shifting Gears' Cast Revealed: New Stars And Character Details For The Upcoming Season

The "Shifting Gears" cast has become one of the most talked-about ensembles in network comedy, blending beloved sitcom veterans with fan-favorite actors from film and cable. The ABC series, which premiered to strong ratings, centers on a classic comedy premise: a stubborn father and his estranged, modern daughter forced to live and work together. As of today, December 15, 2025, the biggest news revolves around the highly anticipated Season 2, which is set to introduce a major new family member and continue the chaotic, heartfelt dynamic at the Parker family's custom car restoration shop. This article breaks down the complete, updated cast list, key character roles, and the latest details you need to know about the show's future.

The success of the show is largely attributed to the on-screen chemistry between its lead stars, Tim Allen and Kat Dennings, who anchor the series as the central father-daughter duo. The sitcom, created by Julie Thacker Scully and Mike Scully, with Michelle Nader serving as showrunner, has solidified its place as a cornerstone of ABC's comedy lineup, ensuring that every cast member, from the leads to the supporting mechanics, is now a recognized name in the current television landscape.

The Core Cast of the ABC Sitcom 'Shifting Gears'

The main cast of the ABC comedy series forms the heart of the Parker family and the crew at Matt's custom car shop. The dynamic between these actors—mixing the classic sitcom style of Tim Allen with the modern comedic timing of Kat Dennings—is the engine that drives the show's humor and emotional depth. Here is a detailed profile of the primary cast members and their roles.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

Tim Allen as Matt Parker

• Role: Matt Parker is the widowed, old-school owner of a classic car restoration shop. He is a passionate, somewhat stubborn father whose life is upended when his estranged daughter and grandchildren move in. The character allows Tim Allen to return to the blue-collar, car-loving persona that made him famous on Home Improvement.
• Biography: Timothy Alan Dick, born June 13, 1953, in Denver, Colorado. Allen is an American actor, comedian, and writer, best known for his roles as Tim "The Toolman" Taylor on Home Improvement and Mike Baxter on Last Man Standing. He is also the voice of Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story film franchise.

Kat Dennings as Riley Parker

• Role: Riley Parker is Matt's estranged daughter and a recently single mother of two. She is forced to move back home to California with her children, bringing a modern, often exasperated perspective to her father's traditional world. Her character provides the crucial counterpoint to Matt's worldview.
• Biography: Katherine Victoria Litwack, born June 13, 1986, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Dennings is an American actress who rose to prominence as Max Black in the sitcom 2 Broke Girls. She is also well-known for her role as Darcy Lewis in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in films like Thor and the Disney+ series WandaVision.

Seann William Scott as Gabriel

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

• Role: Gabriel is Riley's childhood best friend and, potentially, an emerging love interest. He is a key figure in Riley's life and adds a layer of romantic comedy tension to the series. Scott's character is a familiar face who understands both Riley and Matt's worlds.
• Biography: Seann William Scott, born October 3, 1976, in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. He is an American actor best known for his iconic role as Steve Stifler in the American Pie film series. His other notable work includes Dude, Where's My Car? and Role Models.

Daryl "Chill" Mitchell as Stitch (Ed)

• Role: Stitch, or Ed, is a former Marine and a seasoned mechanic at Matt's shop. He serves as Matt's "work husband" and a voice of reason, often providing comic relief and grounding the shop's environment. Mitchell's involvement also marks a reunion, as he previously worked with Tim Allen on Home Improvement.
• Biography: Daryl "Chill" Mitchell, born July 16, 1965, is an American actor and former rapper. He is known for roles in The John Larroquette Show, 10 Things I Hate About You, and NCIS: New Orleans. Mitchell's post-accident acting career has been influential, opening doors for people with disabilities in television.

Maxwell Simkins as Carter

• Role: Carter is Riley's son and Matt's grandson. He is one of the two grandchildren whose arrival sparks the central conflict and subsequent family reconnection.
• Biography: Maxwell Brooke Simkins, born October 17, 2006, is an American actor known for his work in Bizaardark and The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers.

Barrett Margolis as Georgia

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

• Role: Georgia is Riley's daughter and Matt's granddaughter, completing the new generation of the Parker family living under Matt's roof.

Major Season 2 Cast Updates and New Characters

The most significant and recent news for the Shifting Gears sitcom is the casting for Season 2, which is slated to return in early 2026. The show has introduced a character who was previously only mentioned in the first season, adding a new layer of family drama and topical authority to the cast.

Luke Macfarlane Joins as Sam Parker

One of the largest announcements surrounding the upcoming season is the addition of Luke Macfarlane to the cast.

• Role: Macfarlane plays Sam Parker, Matt's long-lost son and Riley's brother. Sam is often described as the "Navy-hero son" of Matt Parker, a character whose absence was felt throughout the first season. His sudden arrival promises to shake up the already complex father-daughter dynamic and introduce new sibling rivalry to the mix.
• Biography: Thomas Luke MacFarlane is a Canadian-American actor and musician, born January 19, 1980. He is a beloved star of the Hallmark Channel, known for numerous romantic movies, and for his roles on television series such as Brothers & Sisters, Killjoys, and the film Bros. His casting is seen as a major win for the sitcom, bringing a dedicated fanbase from the Hallmark movie world.

The addition of Sam Parker is a classic sitcom device, introducing a new family member to create fresh conflicts and storylines. The character will likely serve as a foil to both Matt and Riley, testing their fragile, newly reunited bond.

The Other 'Shifting Gears' Cast: Hallmark Movie Edition

When searching for "Shifting Gears Cast," it is important to note that a separate, unrelated project also shares the title. The Hallmark Channel released an original romantic movie also called Shifting Gears in 2024, which features its own distinct cast and plot. This movie is a standalone romantic comedy, not connected to the Tim Allen sitcom.

Key Cast of the Hallmark Movie 'Shifting Gears' (2024):

• Tyler Hynes as Luke Childs: Hynes is a popular "Hallmark Hunk" known for his numerous romantic lead roles on the network. In this movie, he plays a reality show host who clashes with the local mechanic.
• Katherine Barrell as Jess Barro: Barrell plays Jess Barro, a Motor City mechanic who runs her family-owned automotive garage. Her business is threatened by the arrival of the reality show host.
• Kristin Booth as Teri: Booth is another recognizable face in the Hallmark world, playing a supporting role in the film.

The Hallmark version focuses on a classic car restoration reality show coming to Jess's garage, creating a "fish out of water" scenario that leads to romance. This separate production highlights the topical authority of the keyword, but the ABC series remains the central focus of current television discussion.

The Creative Team and Future of the Sitcom

Beyond the actors, the success of Shifting Gears is built on a strong creative foundation. The show is a multi-camera sitcom, a format that Tim Allen has mastered over decades. The initial pilot was created by veteran writers Mike Scully and Julie Thacker Scully, known for their work on The Simpsons.

Michelle Nader, who previously worked with Kat Dennings on 2 Broke Girls and Dollface, took over as the showrunner and executive producer, providing a consistent comedic voice. The production is handled by 20th Television, and filming takes place primarily in Burbank, California.

With the addition of Luke Macfarlane and the promise of new storylines for Matt, Riley, Gabriel, and the kids, the upcoming Season 2 is positioned to delve deeper into the family's dynamics—exploring themes of reconciliation, modern parenthood, and the generational clash between a classic car enthusiast and his contemporary daughter. Fans are eagerly awaiting the show's return in early 2026, which will be available on ABC and streaming on Hulu.