The Definitive Answer: Was Shifting Gears Cancelled? A Tale Of Two Shows And A Major 2026 Hiatus

The simple answer to "Was Shifting Gears cancelled?" is both yes and no, depending on which show you are asking about. As of today, December 11, 2025, the popular ABC sitcom starring Tim Allen and Kat Dennings has been officially renewed for a second season, but is currently entering a significant hiatus. Conversely, the car-building reality series Shifting Gears with Aaron Kaufman on the Discovery Channel concluded its run some time ago and is no longer in production. This dual-title confusion has fueled countless online rumors, but the most pressing news is the highly-anticipated return of the Tim Allen comedy series in 2026.

The status of the Tim Allen-led comedy has been a hot topic since its debut, especially following its fall finale last night, December 10, 2025. Despite some initial cancellation chatter, the show’s impressive ratings—often ranking as ABC's highest-rated series in key demographics—secured its future. The show is set to return with new episodes, promising a deeper dive into the dysfunctional yet charming Parker family dynamic.

The Parker Family's Next Chapter: Tim Allen and Kat Dennings

The ABC sitcom Shifting Gears centers on Matt Parker (Tim Allen), the stubborn, divorced owner of a small, custom-car restoration shop, and his estranged, corporate-minded daughter, Riley (Kat Dennings), who is forced to move in with him. The show explores their clashing worldviews and attempts to mend their relationship while navigating the chaotic world of auto repair.

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Here is a brief biographical profile of the show's two main stars, who are the core of the series' topical authority.

Tim Allen (Matt Parker)

• Full Name: Timothy Alan Dick
• Born: June 13, 1953 (Age 72 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Denver, Colorado, U.S.
• Known For: Playing Tim "The Toolman" Taylor in Home Improvement (1991–1999) and Mike Baxter in Last Man Standing (2011–2021).
• Film Roles: Buzz Lightyear (voice) in the Toy Story franchise and Scott Calvin in The Santa Clause film trilogy.
• Current Role: Matt Parker, a classic car restorer, in Shifting Gears.

Kat Dennings (Riley Parker)

• Full Name: Katherine Litwack
• Born: June 13, 1986 (Age 39 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Known For: Playing Max Black in the CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls (2011–2017) and Darcy Lewis in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films and Disney+ series like WandaVision.
• Early Roles: Appearances in Sex and the City and The 40-Year-Old Virgin.
• Current Role: Riley Parker, Matt's estranged daughter, in Shifting Gears.

The Status of the ABC Sitcom: Renewed, But on Hiatus Until 2026

Fans can breathe a sigh of relief: Shifting Gears has been officially renewed by ABC for Season 2. The show’s performance has been a standout success for the network, often dominating its time slot. However, the show’s first season concluded its fall run on December 10, 2025, and is now entering a pre-scheduled, extended break.

Why the Long Break? The 2026 Hiatus Explained

The sitcom is not cancelled; it is merely taking a long hiatus. According to reports, the show is not expected to return with new episodes until the 2026 broadcast season. This break is common for new, high-profile series, allowing for writing, production scheduling, and cast availability. The fact that the network has already committed to a second season, despite the long gap, is a strong indicator of their confidence in the series and its star power.

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The Season 2 renewal comes with exciting new developments, including the long-awaited introduction of a previously mentioned but unseen family member. Luke Macfarlane has been cast as Parker, Matt's son and Riley's brother, who will finally make his series debut in the second half of Season 2. This casting news confirms that the production team is actively developing storylines for the show's future, putting cancellation rumors to rest.

The Fate of the Discovery Channel's Aaron Kaufman Series

The confusion surrounding the cancellation question stems largely from a different, unrelated show titled Shifting Gears with Aaron Kaufman. This reality series, which aired on the Discovery Channel, focused on the former Gas Monkey Garage mechanic's new venture into custom-building and racing.

The series followed Kaufman after his departure from the hit show Fast N' Loud in 2016. It allowed him to pursue more elaborate, time-consuming, and personal automotive projects of his own design, focusing on high-performance builds rather than quick flips.

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Why the Aaron Kaufman Show Ended

While the Discovery Channel series was popular among gearheads and fans of automotive reality TV, the show ultimately did not continue. The series concluded its run after its initial seasons and is considered to have ended or been cancelled by the network. The exact, singular reason for its conclusion is not officially stated, but TV series often end due to a combination of factors, including production costs, shifting network priorities, and the natural conclusion of a show's format or contract. For fans of Aaron Kaufman, the show's ending was a disappointment, but its conclusion is the reason many search results suggest a "cancellation."

In short, the Discovery series is not returning, but its ending paved the way for the Tim Allen sitcom to adopt the title and create the current media ambiguity. The two shows are entirely separate in genre, cast, and network.

Key Takeaways and Future Outlook

The question of "was Shifting Gears cancelled" has a definitive, dual-faceted answer for today's media landscape. The Tim Allen/Kat Dennings sitcom is a success story, renewed for a second season and scheduled to return in 2026. The show's strong performance, high ratings, and the addition of a major new character like Luke Macfarlane confirm its long-term viability on ABC. This renewal is a positive sign for fans of traditional, multi-camera comedy. The current hiatus is merely a temporary break before the next phase of the Parker family's story begins.

For those looking for the Aaron Kaufman series, the show has concluded its run, but Kaufman himself continues to be a prominent figure in the custom automotive world. The legacy of the Discovery show remains a notable part of his career transition from Fast N' Loud. Ultimately, the future of the Shifting Gears title belongs to the ABC sitcom, which is gearing up for a major return in the next broadcast year.