Tim Allen and Kat Dennings star in Shifting Gears. (Mike Taing/Disney)
Tim Allen is no stranger to adapting his sitcom characters to reflect the changing times, and his latest role in the comedy Shifting Gears showcases a fresh perspective. The series, co-starring Kat Dennings, premieres Wednesday, January 8, at 8 p.m. ET on CTV, CTV.ca, and the CTV app.
“This character is very different from anyone I’ve played before,” Allen said of Matt Parker, his role in the show. “As the story unfolds, you realize he’s not what you initially expect.”
Allen’s career spans decades, including iconic roles in Home Improvement and Last Man Standing, where he portrayed Tim “The Toolman” Taylor and Mike Baxter, respectively. In Shifting Gears, Allen steps into the shoes of Matt Parker, a widower and classic car restoration shop owner navigating life after his wife’s passing. Estranged from his daughter Riley (played by Kat Dennings), the two are thrust back together when Riley’s marriage falls apart, prompting her to move back in with her father along with her two kids.
The series delves into their complicated relationship, blending heartfelt moments with humor. In one memorable exchange from the premiere, Riley asks her father to communicate like “rational adults,” to which Matt quips, “Have you watched the news lately? That’s not a thing anymore.”
Allen’s past sitcoms often dabbled in politically charged humor, particularly through Mike Baxter in Last Man Standing. Reflecting on how comedy has evolved, Allen shared his thoughts on balancing humor and controversy. “Comedy is about irritation, but when irritation turns into anger, it stops being funny,” he explained. “I’ve always tried to poke fun at both sides. It’s not about politics—it’s about practicality.”
Matt Parker reflects this practical, hands-on approach. As Allen described, “He’s a realist, someone who values things others might discard, whether it’s relationships, ideas, or even soup recipes. The show focuses on restoring value—literally and figuratively.”
The character’s backstory adds depth, revealing Matt’s roots as an artist who abandoned dreams of design school to take over his father’s machine shop. This duality of creativity and responsibility shapes his worldview, emphasizing compromise as a key to moving forward.
Shifting Gears also reveals a more emotional side of Allen’s performance. The loss of Matt’s wife looms large, affecting both him and Riley as they navigate their shared grief. In one poignant scene, the father and daughter share a heartfelt hug, a rare moment of vulnerability in sitcoms.
“That scene was incredibly difficult for both of us,” Allen admitted. “I’ve done emotional scenes in films, but this was different. Imagining such loss took a toll. But at its core, the show is about healing—sometimes with humor, sometimes with purpose.”With its blend of humor, heart, and a dash of Allen’s signature wit, Shifting Gears promises to be a relatable and moving addition to the sitcom world.
