
From his iconic role as Tim Taylor in the hit sitcom Home Improvement to voicing Buzz Lightyear in Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story franchise, Tim Allen has consistently delivered beloved performances. Fans also cherish his portrayal of Scott Calvin in The Santa Clause trilogy, a role he recently reprised in the Disney+ series The Santa Clauses.
After wrapping up Last Man Standing in 2021, Allen’s return to network television with Shifting Gears has been met with excitement and overwhelming support.
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This latest project is a testament to his ability to connect with audiences of all generations.
Tim Allen has once again demonstrated his enduring appeal with audiences. His new show, Shifting Gears, debuted on January 8 across ABC, Hulu, and Disney+, and has already carved out a place in ABC’s history books. Garnering record-breaking viewership, the series marks a triumphant return for the television icon.
Breaking Records with Shifting Gears
The premiere of Shifting Gears was nothing short of phenomenal. According to The Wrap, the show became ABC’s most-watched series debut in over six years.
The report stated:
The Tim Allen and Kat Dennings-led comedy series brought in a total of 16.95 million viewers, a 173% increase over the show’s initial live-plus-same day viewing of 6.2 million, according to Nielsen. Among adults aged 18 to 49, the show earned an 0.87 rating.
It marks ABC’s strongest series debut since “The Conners” in 2018 and the most-watched ABC series premiere on streaming to date, based on views in its first seven days on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.
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Additionally, the series achieved the distinction of being ABC’s most-watched streaming premiere, a significant milestone that underscores Tim Allen’s draw as a leading comedic actor.
The Premise of Shifting Gears
In Shifting Gears, Tim Allen stars as Matt, a widowed mechanic whose routine life is upended when his estranged daughter, Riley (played by Kat Dennings), shows up with her two children. Recently separated from her husband, Riley is looking for a fresh start—and a place to stay.
The series explores the hilarious and heartfelt dynamics between Matt and Riley as they navigate their differences and attempt to rebuild their relationship. The show’s premise strikes a perfect balance between humor and relatability, drawing audiences into its family-centered narrative.
What’s Next for Shifting Gears?
With its record-breaking debut, Shifting Gears is poised to become a staple in ABC’s lineup. Fans are already raving about the comedic chemistry between Tim Allen and Kat Dennings, with many praising the show’s witty writing and heartfelt moments.
New episodes air on ABC every Wednesday, with streaming options available on Hulu the following day. The series has set a high bar, and viewers are eager to see how the story unfolds in upcoming episodes.
Tim Allen’s return to network television has been met with critical acclaim and fan enthusiasm. With Shifting Gears, he continues to prove why he remains one of the most beloved figures in comedy. The show’s strong start suggests it will remain a fan favorite for years to come.
Have you watched Shifting Gears yet? Do you love it as much as other viewers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!