‘The Last of Us’ Star Stages a Surprise Reunion With Tim Allen on ‘Shifting Gears’

Tim Allen as Matt Parker in Shifting Gears

Image via ABC

Sitcom families don’t always stick together — but when they do, it’s TV magic. Fans of Last Man Standing got a nostalgic treat this week when Kaitlyn Dever, who played Eve Baxter for nine seasons opposite Tim Allen, popped onto the set of his latest ABC comedy Shifting Gears — without warning.

The surprise moment unfolded mid-take, caught on video and shared by the show’s official Instagram. Allen walked into the scene expecting to find his current TV daughter Kat Dennings, only to be met with Dever casually standing at the set kitchen fridge. His stunned reaction drew laughter from the studio audience before he pulled her into a hug. Dennings, meanwhile, hid behind the counter like a mischievous co-conspirator before popping up to celebrate the reunion with both stars.

“The amazing Kaitlyn Dever!” an announcer declared to cheers from the audience — emphasizing just how beloved the Booksmart and Last of Us actress remains to fans of the Allen-led sitcom world.

It’s just the latest reunion for Allen on Shifting Gears — albeit one that wasn’t actually part of the show. On the Season 2 premiere, Shifting Gears brought back several beloved stars from Allen’s classic ’90s sitcom Home Improvement. Patricia Richardson (Jill Taylor), Richard Karn (Al Borland), and Debbe Dunning (Heidi) all appeared alongside Allen. The show also briefly reconnected Allen with Nancy Travis, his on-screen wife from Last Man Standing.

A Reunion Years in the Making

Kaitlyn Dever surprises Tim Allen with 'Last Man Standing' reunion on set
Allen and Dever haven’t worked together regularly since Last Man Standing wrapped in 2021. Dever appeared on the series as a main cast member for its first six seasons, returning for recurring appearances across the next three. Allen later posted about his gratitude toward Dever on X:

“Kaitlyn Dever stopped by my taping tonite [sic] at Shifting Gears. Such a lucky man. Truly blessed to have worked [with] and loved so many of my cast.”

Dever, who has since cemented herself as a major film and television presence with roles in Booksmart, Dear Evan Hansen, No One Will Save You, The Last of Us (which earned her an Emmy nomination), and Hulu’s Dopesick, was all smiles as she embraced Allen and Dennings.

New episodes of Shifting Gears air Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Stay tuned to Collider for all the latest news and updates on all your favorite network TV series, and be sure to check out the heartwarming reunion between Allen and Dever above.