Great news for sitcom fans! Tim Allen’s popular ABC comedy, Shifting Gears, is gearing up for its second season. But the big question on everyone’s mind is, who among the cast will be back for more laughs, and who might be taking a different road?
The hit show centers on father Matt (played by Allen) and his daughter, Riley (Kat Dennings). They’re forced to live together, which means they must work on fixing their often-rocky relationship. It’s a classic setup with a modern twist, letting Allen stretch his acting muscles in a new way.
Allen himself opened up about the show’s direction earlier this year. "From the beginning, [the creative team has said] that we’ve never seen Tim Allen in a sitcom with a romantic interest," he told Us in January. "And I said, ‘Well, I just lost my wife, so I don’t see that.’ So I like where we are." He added that if a romance were to happen, it needed to be just right. "If it happens over time and organically between two people who don’t get along, then that’s fine. I’m just very cautious about this. I just want it to happen organically and properly."
Beyond Allen and Dennings, the show also features Seann William Scott, Daryl "Chill" Mitchell, Maxwell Simkins, and Barrett Margolis. Jenna Elfman joined as a recurring character, Eve Drake, an energetic choreographer. She runs a dance studio right across from Matt’s classic car restoration shop, creating some fun neighborhood tension.
Allen is particularly proud of how his character, Matt, stands apart from his previous sitcom roles. He sees Matt as less of a typical "man among men" and more like his true self. "He’s more like me. I’m more of an artist," Allen explained. "I was a design and philosophy student, and my stand-up comedy is really about playing with people in a good way." He shared that growing up in a large family led by women shaped his views. "My perspective on men is very different. I don’t think we run things." He wanted Matt to reflect that. "He’s not a ‘man among men’ in that sense, and he’s not trying to be anything other than what he is." He continued, "This is a new character and he’s much closer to [who I am]. I’ve gone through grief in my life with the loss of my father. I’ve been fortunate to be a comedian and that’s what this character is. If I were to do it again, I would want to get as close as possible to the [man] I am."
So, who exactly is coming back to the garage, and who’s a fresh face for season two? Let’s take a peek at the confirmed cast.
Tim Allen
It’s no surprise that Tim Allen will be back. His character, Matt, is the heart of Shifting Gears, and he’ll be front and center for season two.
Kat Dennings
“Riley is literally only hours out of her marriage. She really should take it easy,” Dennings, who returns, joked to ‘Us’ in March about the future of Riley and her love interest Gabriel. “She’s been separated a long time and emotionally hasn’t been in that relationship. But still, she’s just come out of a very long relationship.” Disney/Raymond Liu
Yes, Kat Dennings is back as Riley. She hinted to Us in March about her character’s love life. "Riley is literally only hours out of her marriage. She really should take it easy," Dennings joked when talking about Riley’s connection with Gabriel. She added, "She’s been separated a long time and emotionally hasn’t been in that relationship. But still, she’s just come out of a very long relationship." Dennings also noted, "She also really likes Gabriel as a friend. So I think there are a lot of reasons for the relationship to go slowly."
Seann William Scott
Seann William Scott is also returning, though he has one storyline he hopes stays in the past. "I don’t want to do any more dancing," Scott told Us. He joked that because of another project, "pole dancing came up in the show." He’s had enough, saying, "I think no more dancing [would be great]. I can’t do it. It still stresses me out just thinking about having to do it right before filming a scene. It’s nerve-wracking. It’s real."
Daryl “Chill” Mitchell
Daryl "Chill" Mitchell will reprise his role as Stitch for the upcoming second season.
Maxwell Simkins and Barrett Margolis
Maxwell Simkins, who plays Carter, and Barrett Margolis, as Georgia, are both returning. The second season promises to dive deeper into the family dynamics between Riley, her children, and her father.
In addition to Carter, played by Simkins, Georgia — Margolis’s character — will also have a major role in season 2. Disney/Raymond Liu
Jenna Elfman
Jenna Elfman, who plays Eve Drake, is back and ready to spice things up. Creator Michelle Nader shared with Us in September that Matt and Eve are "shifting their relationship into high gear" now that they’re a solid couple. Nader teased about their season two dynamic, saying, "I can say it’s really interesting to see them. It’s interesting to watch their relationship evolve, and yes, they’re going to go full throttle, but it’s going to be a bit of a roller coaster."
Lucas Neff
Riley decided to end her marriage with Jimmy at the close of season one. Because of this, it’s not clear yet if Lucas Neff, who plays Jimmy, will be back.
Familiar Faces Join the Cast
Fans of Tim Allen’s past work will be excited to hear about some familiar faces joining the show.
Nancy Travis
Nancy Travis, who starred alongside Allen in Last Man Standing, is back as Charlotte.
Patricia Richardson, Debbe Dunning, and Richard Karn
In a treat for fans, Patricia Richardson, Debbe Dunning, and Richard Karn, all former co-stars of Allen from Home Improvement, are set to appear.
Us gave an exclusive first look at Dunning’s appearance.
While details on their specific storylines are still quiet, reports suggest these beloved actors will "offer support" to Allen’s character, Matt.
New Faces Joining the Ensemble
The show is also bringing in some fresh talent to shake things up.
Lilly Singh
Comedian Lilly Singh is joining the cast as Riley’s new mom friend. Their connection is instant, but their budding friendship soon hits a snag with unexpected "mom drama."
Mookie Betts
Baseball star Mookie Betts will be making his scripted television debut in season two. ABC confirmed he will play himself, adding an exciting cameo to the lineup.