ABC’s uproarious new sitcomShifting Gearsfeatures TV legend Tim Allen in one of its lead roles, and now the father-daughter comedy has been renewed for season 2. Debuting in the early days of 2025, the series follows a widower named Matt (Allen) who reunites with his estranged daughter Riley (Kat Dennings) and her two kids when she hits the end of her rope and needs somewhere to stay. While the pair try to work out their differences, Riley attempts to figure out what she’s going to do with her life, and Matt must adjust to his new living situation.
While it might begetting generally bad reviews,Shifting Gearshas one big thing going for it, that being the TV starpower of Tim Allen. TheToy StoryandThe Santa Clausestar has rarely missed in his TV ventures, with long-running sitcoms likeHome ImprovementandLast Man Standingbeing the comic actor’s true wheelhouse. Though there was speculation that the series might get axed after only one season, ABC instead opted to renew the sitcom for season 2. The upcoming sophomore season will beShifting Gear’s biggest test, and it will make or break the show.
Shifting Gears Season 2 Latest News
ABC Renews Shifting Gears After Troubling Reports
Just a few days after it was announced that the show was on the bubble, the latest news confirms thatShifting Gearshas been renewed for season 2. Troubling reports surfaced in late March that indicatedShifting Gearshad seen a sharp decline in ratings across the 10 episodes of season 1. Despite this, ABC opted to pick up another season, and renewedShifting GearsalongsideGrey’s Anatomy,9-1-1,The Rookie, andWill Trent. No further details are known about season 2 yet, but information will likely come soon.
Shifting Gearspremiered with to 6.10 million viewers (viaProgramming Insider) but dropped to 3.77 by episode 10 (viaProgramming Insider).
Shifting Gears Season 2 Is Confirmed
A Second Gear For Shifting Gears
If ratings continue to slide into season 2, the series likely won’t be around for season 3.
ThoughShifting Gearsgot off to a blazing hot start, it became clear as season 1 wore on that ratings were dipping considerably. However,ABC opted to renew the show in April 2025, and green-lit the Tim Allen comedy for a second season. This renewal is a good sign that the show can recover, but it’s clear that ABC will be keeping a close eye onShifting Gearsin season 2 to make sure their investment was worthwhile. If ratings continue to slide into season 2, the series likely won’t be around for season 3.
No production information is known at this time, butit can be assumed that ABC is aiming to have the show air in the midseason slot.Shifting Gearswasn’t part of the network’s fall slate, and based on the ratings, it would make sense to leave it for January or February 2026. Midseason shows are an important part of any network’s yearly success, andShifting Gearsjust doesn’t have the momentum to take a fall schedule slot from one of ABC’s bigger series just yet. However, Tim Allen’s shows almost always succeed, and season 2 might be whereShifting Gearspicks up steam.
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Shifting Gears Season 2 Cast Details
Expect The Main Ensemble To Return
Since sitcoms often rely on a familiar ensemble from season to season,it’s expected that the main cast ofShifting Gearswill return to reprise their roles in season 2. Leading the show as its star (and principal draw), Tim Allen will certainly return as widower and auto mechanic shop owner Matt Parker. Coming back to play Matt’s adult daughter Riley, MCU andTwo Broke Girlsstar Kat Dennings will undoubtedly be back. Jenna Elfman joined the series as dance instructor, Eve, and she’ll likely be back so that she can continue her relationship with Matt.
Meanwhile, it’s almost certain that Sean William Scott will be on hand to once again play Gabriel, a close family friend of Matt and Riley’s who works for Matt’s shop. His affection for Riley was a poorly-kept secret in season 1, and their will-they-won’t-they could continue into season 2 as well. Daryl “Chill” Mitchell adds to the supporting cast as Matt’s longtime employee and right-hand-man, Stitch, while youngsters Maxwell Simkins and Barrett Margolis play Riley’s kids, Carter and Georgia, respectively.
The series will likely follow in the footsteps of other sitcoms and employ a wide range of guest stars from week to week, but it’s unclear which of those could stick around. Often,sitcom guests become full-fledged supporting characters over the long run, but it’s too early in the show’s run to speculate.
Shifting Gears Season 2 Story Details
More Generational Clashes Are Expected
Shifting Gearsis hardly the most groundbreaking sitcom of all time, and with that in mind, it will likely continue to deal with familiar themes and ideas going forward.The heart of the story is the slowly growing relationship between Matt and Riley, but the two still have a long way to go before they can fully heal from 15 years of separation. On top of that, they’re both dealing with their own grief as they separately try to cope with the loss of Matt’s wife (Riley’s mom). While this could be the thing that ultimately brings them together, it could be another wedge as well.
Season 1’s finalesaw Riley continuing to struggle with her purpose in life, though she made major strides throughout the 10 episodes. Instead of running back to her husband Jimmy when he deigned to show up again, she asked him for a divorce. This could continue to play out across season 2, especially with Gabe’s affection for Riley becoming public knowledge. Throughout all that,Matt and Riley’s relationship took a big step when he told her he trusted her to make the right decision, instead of instantly judging her.
On the topic of burgeoning romances,Matt and Eve finally locked lips in the season 1 finale, and they will probably continue to be an item going forward. Riley learned that Gabe carried a torch for her, but he rejected her kiss when she was too drunk to properly consent. While this might stall their eventual romance for a while, it helps build it on a solid foundation instead of compulsive decisions.Shifting Gearsseason 2 has a lot to work with, and it could be where the show really takes off.
Shifting Gears
Cast
Shifting Gears is a drama about Matt, a widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop. Matt’s estranged daughter Riley and her teenage children move into his home, challenging him to rebuild both familial and personal connections.
