Tim Allen’s career is a testament to his enduring appeal. From his breakout role as Tim Taylor on the Emmy-winning Home Improvement to voicing the beloved Buzz Lightyear in Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story franchise, Allen has remained a household name. Fans also know him as Scott Calvin, the jolly hero of The Santa Clause trilogy, a role he reprised in the Disney+ series The Santa Clauses.
After his long-running sitcom Last Man Standing wrapped in 2021, many wondered what was next for the seasoned comedian. With Shifting Gears, Allen is not only back but thriving.
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Tim Allen has proven once again that he’s a powerhouse in the world of television comedy.
His latest show, Shifting Gears, premiered on January 8 across ABC, Hulu, and Disney+ to an astounding reception. This fresh sitcom has already set a new standard, becoming ABC’s most-watched series premiere in more than six years.
A Stellar Start for Shifting Gears
According to an exclusive report from The Wrap, the premiere episode of Shifting Gears pulled in over 17 million viewers across live and streaming platforms, solidifying its place in ABC’s record books.
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, Shifting Gears holds the title of ABC’s most-watched streaming premiere to date, a milestone that underscores the show’s broad appeal and Tim Allen’s undeniable star power.
What’s Shifting Gears About?
The sitcom follows Allen as Matt, a stubborn widower who runs a garage. His world is turned upside down when his estranged daughter, Riley (played by Kat Dennings), arrives with her two young children. Recently separated from her husband, Riley needs a place to stay while she figures out her next steps.
The dynamic between Matt and Riley is fraught with tension and hilarity. Riley left for a reason, and their clashing personalities lead to plenty of comedic moments as they navigate life under the same roof.
New episodes of Shifting Gears air on ABC every Wednesday and are available to stream on Hulu the following day.
With its impressive debut, Shifting Gears has cemented itself as a must-watch comedy. Fans of Tim Allen are thrilled to see him in a new role that showcases his comedic timing and charm. The strong chemistry between Allen and Dennings further elevates the series, making it one of the most promising shows of the season.
Have you tuned in to Shifting Gears yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!