New Shifting Gears Image Reveals Another Last Man Standing Reunion For Tim Allen, Episode & Character Details Confirmed

Kat Dennings as Riley and Tim Allen as Matt in Shifting Gears.

Tim Allen’s Shifting Gears is setting up another Last Man Standing reunion, with a new guest star joining the cast for a special appearance. The ABC comedy follows Allen as Matt Parker, a widowed auto shop owner whose quiet life is upended when his estranged daughter Riley (Kat Dennings) and her children suddenly move into his home. The Shifting Gears cast has already welcomed several sitcom alumni, including Dharma & Greg‘s Jenna Eflman, and now another familiar face is set to appear in an upcoming episode.

As revealed by ABC, Last Man Standing alum Jay Leno will cameo in an upcoming episode of Shifting Gears, appearing as himself. The episode sees Leno bringing his car into Matt’s auto restoration shop for repairs. Leno previously played Joe, yubi, a mechanic, on Last Man Standing, and his longtime friendship with Allen—both having risen to fame as stand-up comedians in the 1980s—makes his guest spot a natural fit. You can find the first-look image below:

Leno and Allen stand side by side in Allen's autorepair shop for Shifting Gears

What Jay Leno’s Cameo In Shifting Gears Means

A Touch Of Nostalgia For ABC’s Latest Sitcom

Leno’s appearance is another example of Shifting Gears embracing Last Man Standing nostalgia while working to establish its own identity. The show frequently features familiar faces, including Last Man Standing’s Nancy Travis, who will appear in episode 6. The March 12 episode with Leno, titled “Gummies,” will weave multiple storylines together, including Riley discovering weed gummies in Carter’s pocket and seeking unexpected advice from Matt. Meanwhile, Eve (Elfman) inadvertently puts Gabriel and Stitch in a difficult situation after asking them to donate to a charity auction.

A composite image of Tim Allen smiling in front of Allen and Kat Dennings by a car in Shifting Gears

While reviews for Shifting Gears have noted its overreliance on Allen’s well-established comedic persona and familiar tropes, the ABC series has nonetheless emerged as a ratings’ powerhouse, even surpassing The Conners in viewership. ABC’s strategy of appealing to Allen’s loyal fanbase has proven successful, highlighting his signature brand of humor. However, for Shifting Gears to ensure its success in the long run, it may need to introduce fresh dynamics beyond nostalgic reunions. One step in that direction appears to be the addition of Raising Hope alum Lucas Neff, who plays Riley’s estranged husband.

Our Take On The Leno-Allen Reunion

A Fun Nod To The Past

Tim Allen and Jay Leno on the set of Last Man Standing at an auto shop

Allen and Leno’s reunion is a fun throwback for longtime fans, bringing back the comedic chemistry that made their Last Man Standing run an enjoyable watch. While Shifting Gears continues to benefit from nostalgia, it risks becoming too dependent on familiar faces. The ABC sitcom has succeeded in ratings, but to maintain momentum, it should establish a stronger identity beyond its ties to Last Man Standing. Nonetheless, Leno’s cameo will surely be a fun moment while Shifting Gears proves it can stand on its own.

Shifting Gears airs new episodes at 8:00 P.M. EST on Wednesdays on ABC.

Source: ABC