Tim Allen Returns to TV Roots with ‘Shifting Gears’ and a Heartfelt Reunion

Tim Allen’s Enduring Sitcom Journey: From ‘Home Improvement’ to ‘Shifting Gears’

Tim Allen’s career in American television is a story of consistency, reinvention, and enduring charm. For millions, he is forever remembered as Tim ‘The Toolman’ Taylor from ‘Home Improvement,’ a sitcom that defined the 1990s with its mix of slapstick humor and heart. Later, he evolved into Mike Baxter, the pragmatic, sometimes gruff, but always loving father on ‘Last Man Standing,’ a show that ran for a decade and cemented Allen’s place as a staple of family comedy.

‘Shifting Gears’: A New Chapter, Familiar Warmth

In 2025, Allen has returned to the format that made him a household name. ABC’s ‘Shifting Gears’ puts him in the role of Matt Parker, an auto shop owner navigating the turbulent waters of family life. The premise is classic Allen: a man’s world colliding with the realities of changing family dynamics. This time, though, the stakes are more complex. Matt is not just a father but a grandfather, facing an estranged relationship with his recently divorced daughter Riley, played by Kat Dennings, and juggling new responsibilities with his two grandchildren. The show’s emotional depth is set to expand further with the introduction of Sam, Matt’s son (played by Luke Macfarlane), hinting at more intergenerational stories to come.

For Allen, ‘Shifting Gears’ is more than just another sitcom; it’s a return to his roots, both literally and figuratively. Filming on the Disney lot, he often finds himself walking past the old ‘Home Improvement’ set—a tangible reminder of how far he’s come and how some things, like the power of a well-told family story, never really change. As he told SSBCrack News, “It’s like coming full circle. The themes, the laughs, the lessons—they’re all still there, just in a new package.”

A Heartfelt Reunion: Tim Allen and Kaitlyn Dever

One of the most talked-about moments behind the scenes of ‘Shifting Gears’ wasn’t scripted. Kaitlyn Dever, who played Allen’s youngest daughter Eve on ‘Last Man Standing,’ made a surprise appearance on set. The meeting was captured on the show’s official Instagram, showing Allen visibly moved as he entered the kitchen to find Dever casually rummaging through the fridge. Their warm embrace, followed by laughter and applause from the audience, was a moment of genuine affection—a testament to the real bonds forged over years of working together.

Dever’s career has flourished since her days on ‘Last Man Standing,’ with standout roles in ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ and the acclaimed series ‘The Last of Us.’ But her connection with Allen remains strong. Back in 2019, Allen took to social media to express his pride when Dever received a Golden Globe nomination for her role in ‘Unbelievable.’ Their reunion on the ‘Shifting Gears’ set is more than nostalgia; it’s a reminder of the mentorship and camaraderie that defines Allen’s approach to his craft.

Legacy, Laughter, and Looking Ahead

‘Shifting Gears’ premiered its first season in January 2025, quickly gaining traction with viewers for its blend of humor, heart, and authenticity. The second season followed in October, signaling ABC’s confidence in Allen’s continued appeal. The show airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET, with episodes streaming on Hulu the next day, making it accessible to both traditional and digital audiences.

Allen’s comedic sensibility remains sharp, but there’s a maturity to his performance in ‘Shifting Gears.’ The character of Matt Parker is shaped by decades of life experience—both Allen’s and the fictional family’s. The series doesn’t shy away from exploring the pain of estrangement, the challenges of single parenthood, or the hope of reconciliation. It’s this balance of laughter and real-life struggle that keeps Allen’s work relevant in a crowded TV landscape.

Toy Story 5 and the Enduring Power of Voice

While Allen is making waves on television, he’s also set to return to one of his most beloved roles: Buzz Lightyear. Pixar’s ‘Toy Story 5,’ slated for release in June 2026, will reunite Allen with Tom Hanks’ Woody for another adventure—this time focusing on Joan Cusack’s Jessie as the toys confront a new, tech-driven threat. According to early buzz from The Direct, the film promises a “heartfelt” exploration of how traditional play is being upended by modern technology, offering timely commentary wrapped in Pixar’s signature warmth. For Allen, voicing Buzz Lightyear is more than a job; it’s a cultural legacy that spans generations, proving that some characters—and some voices—never go out of style.

Looking at Allen’s career, one sees a thread of loyalty: to his characters, to his colleagues, and to his audience. Whether on the set of a sitcom or behind the microphone in an animated studio, he brings the same mix of humor, honesty, and heart. As ‘Shifting Gears’ finds its rhythm and ‘Toy Story 5’ gears up for release, Allen remains a rare constant in an industry defined by change.

Tim Allen’s ongoing success—marked by his return to sitcoms with ‘Shifting Gears’ and his iconic voice work in ‘Toy Story 5’—is rooted not just in comedic timing, but in his ability to evolve while staying true to the values of family, loyalty, and genuine connection. In a media landscape that often prizes novelty over substance, Allen’s career is a reminder that authenticity and heart still resonate, both on screen and off.