Shifting Gears: Everything We Know About Tim Allen's Explosive New Sitcom And His Return To ABC

Tim Allen is officially back on broadcast television with a brand-new, highly-anticipated sitcom, *Shifting Gears*, marking his third major network comedy series. The show, which premiered in early 2025, sees the veteran comedian return to the familiar multi-camera format that made *Home Improvement* and *Last Man Standing* massive hits, this time focusing on a classic car restoration shop and a complicated father-daughter dynamic. This article provides the most current, up-to-date details on the premise, the star-studded cast, the network, and the future of his other major project, *The Santa Clauses*, as of December 2025. The excitement surrounding *Shifting Gears* stems from its classic sitcom setup, combined with the proven comedic chemistry of its lead actors, promising a fresh take on the family comedy genre while retaining the signature wit and conservative-leaning humor Allen is known for.

Tim Allen: A Career Snapshot and Current Projects

Tim Allen, born Timothy Alan Dick, is one of the most recognizable and successful comedians and actors in American television history. His career is defined by long-running, hit sitcoms and iconic voice roles.

• Full Name: Timothy Alan Dick
• Born: June 13, 1953 (Age 72 as of December 2025)
• Birthplace: Denver, Colorado, U.S.
• Spouses: Laura Deibel (m. 1984; div. 2003), Jane Hajduk (m. 2006)
• Children: Two daughters (Kady Allen and Elizabeth Allen)
• Education: Western Michigan University (B.S. in TV and Radio Production)
• Breakout Role: Tim "The Toolman" Taylor in *Home Improvement* (1991–1999)
• Second Major Sitcom: Mike Baxter in *Last Man Standing* (2011–2021)
• Iconic Film Role: Scott Calvin in *The Santa Clause* film trilogy (1994, 2002, 2006) and the Disney+ series *The Santa Clauses* (2022–2023)
• Voice Roles: Buzz Lightyear in the *Toy Story* franchise (1995–present)
• Current Sitcom: Matt in *Shifting Gears* (Premiered 2025)
• Awards: Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy (*Home Improvement*), multiple People's Choice Awards.

The Full Details on Tim Allen's New Sitcom, *Shifting Gears*

The new ABC series, *Shifting Gears*, is more than just a vehicle for Tim Allen's return; it's a meticulously crafted multi-camera sitcom designed to appeal to the massive audience he cultivated over two decades on network television. The show received a pilot order in spring 2024 and was quickly picked up to series, demonstrating the network's confidence in Allen's star power.

The series officially launched in the mid-season lineup for ABC, premiering on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, before settling into a regular Thursday night slot. This scheduling move places the show in a prime position to become a major success, following in the footsteps of his previous hits.

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Plot and Premise: Classic Cars and Estranged Family

*Shifting Gears* centers on a character named Matt, played by Tim Allen. Matt is a widower and the owner of a classic car restoration shop. His life as a rugged, independent shop owner is suddenly and dramatically upended when his estranged, highly-educated daughter, Riley, moves back home.

The core conflict of the series is the generational and ideological clash between the traditional, hands-on father and his modern, Millennial daughter. The show title, *Shifting Gears*, works on multiple levels: referring to the mechanical work in the shop, the necessary personal adjustments Matt has to make, and the metaphorical "shifting gears" in their relationship as they try to reconnect.

This premise is intentionally reminiscent of the successful formula of *Home Improvement* (manly man vs. modern world) and *Last Man Standing* (conservative father vs. liberal daughters), but with a new twist that focuses on the dynamics of a widower and his adult child. The setting—a classic car garage—also provides a rich environment for the kind of "man's man" comedy that is Allen's specialty, appealing directly to his established fan base.

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The Star-Studded Cast of *Shifting Gears*

One of the biggest draws of *Shifting Gears* is the casting of the supporting roles, particularly the co-star who plays Matt's daughter, Riley.

• Kat Dennings as Riley: Dennings, best known for her roles in *2 Broke Girls* and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (as Darcy Lewis), plays the estranged daughter. Her casting is a major coup for the show, as her sharp, witty delivery and established comedic timing provide the perfect foil to Allen's gruff, deadpan humor. Riley’s character is described as a highly successful, yet emotionally complicated, individual whose return forces both father and daughter to confront their past.
• Seann William Scott: The addition of Seann William Scott, famous for playing Stifler in the *American Pie* franchise, further elevates the ensemble. While his specific role details are being kept under wraps to build anticipation, his presence suggests a strong supporting character who will likely inject additional chaos and comedy into the garage setting.
• The Creative Team: The series is helmed by executive producers and writers who understand the multi-camera sitcom format. This includes the team behind *Last Man Standing*, ensuring a continuity of tone and quality that fans expect from a Tim Allen project.

The chemistry between Allen and Dennings is central to the show's success, promising a lively, often argumentative, but ultimately heartwarming relationship that drives the narrative forward. The inclusion of a familiar face like Scott, known for his physical comedy and high-energy performances, guarantees that the show will have multiple layers of comedic potential.

The Future of *The Santa Clauses* and Tim Allen's Disney Legacy

While *Shifting Gears* is his primary focus, fans are also eager for updates on Tim Allen's other major current project: the Disney+ series *The Santa Clauses*. Allen serves as both star and executive producer on the series, reprising his iconic role as Scott Calvin/Santa Claus.

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The show has completed two seasons, with the second season wrapping up in late 2023. The question of *The Santa Clauses* Season 3 has been a hot topic among Disney+ subscribers.

Current Status of Season 3:

• Likely Return: Producers and Allen himself have expressed optimism about the show's return. The story has room to grow, and the series has been a successful holiday staple for the streaming service.
• Potential Delay: One of the key factors affecting a Season 3 announcement has been Tim Allen's busy schedule, particularly his commitment to filming *Shifting Gears*. The production demands of a network sitcom are significant, which can impact the timeline for other projects.
• Expected Air Date: While an official green light is pending, initial speculation suggests that if Season 3 is ordered, it would likely air in late 2025, aligning with the holiday season. Fans are eagerly awaiting an official Disney+ announcement, hoping to see Scott Calvin and the North Pole crew return for another round of festive adventures.

Tim Allen's ability to balance two major television commitments—a network sitcom and a high-profile streaming series—solidifies his status as a major player in the current television landscape. *Shifting Gears* is a clear signal that the king of the multi-camera comedy is back and ready to dominate the airwaves once again, ensuring that his signature style of family-friendly humor will be a staple for years to come.