Tim Allen's Sitcom Universes Collide in Shifting Gears Premiere

On October 2nd, 2025, the season 2 premiere of the ABC comedy Shifting Gears aired, featuring a highly anticipated crossover event. The episode saw Matt accompany Charlotte (Last Man Standing's Nancy Travis) to a widows' support group, where the members looked suspiciously like Jill Taylor, Al Borland, and Heidi Keppert from the classic sitcom Home Improvement. The cameos by Patricia Richardson, Richard Karn, and Debbe Dunning, who called Allen's character a "tool," delighted fans.

However, the crossover was just the beginning of the surprises in store for Shifting Gears viewers. Showrunner Michelle Nader revealed that the next 12 episodes will put Matt through a major setback and expand Riley's world beyond the garage and dance studio. Additionally, Matt has decided to pursue a relationship with Jenna Elfman's character Eve, while Gabe has revealed a new girlfriend, effectively ending any potential romance with Riley.

With these intriguing plot developments and the nostalgic nods to Tim Allen's past sitcom successes, Shifting Gears is poised to deliver an engaging and entertaining second season.