‘Shifting Gears’: Luke Macfarlane Cast As Long-Missing Parker Family Member

Luke Macfarlane; (inset) Tim Allen and Kat Dennings in 'Shifting Gears'
Luke Macfarlane; (inset) Tim Allen and Kat Dennings in ‘Shifting Gears’ Chris Chapman for Deadline/ABC

EXCLUSIVE: The prodigal son returns. After a season and a half, the ABC comedy series Shifting Gears is finally introducing the often mentioned but never seen Sam Parker, Matt Parker’s (Tim Allen) son and Riley Parker’s (Kat Dennings) brother.

Luke Macfarlane (Platonic) has been cast as Sam who, as previously revealed on the show, is a Navy hero. Macfarlane will guest star on Shifting Gears later this season.

“We hope to introduce Sam in Season 2,” Shifting Gears executive producer/showrunner Michelle Nader told TVLine after the Season 1 finale last spring. “We think he will be another fun casting opportunity and a great character for everyone to complain to!”

Shifting Gears follows Matt (Allen), the stubborn, widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop. When his estranged daughter, Riley (Dennings), and her kids move into his house, the real restoration begins.

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Shifting Gears Cast A Hallmark Star For A Key Role,…

Also starring on the 20th Television-produced series are Seann William Scott as Gabriel, Daryl Chill Mitchell as Stitch, Maxwell Simkins as Carter and Barrett Margolis as Georgia.

Allen executive produces alongside Nader, Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements, Richard Baker, Rick Messina, John Pasquin, Jim Patterson, Bob Daily and John Amodeo. Kat Dennings is a producer.

Macfarlane is a series regular opposite Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen on Apple TV’s comedy Platonic, which has been renewed for a third season. The Brothers & Sisters alum also was a series regular on Syfy’s Killjoys and PBS’ Mercy Street and has starred in a slew of Hallmark movies. He recently hosted and executive produced the home renovation series Home Is Where the Heart Is for Hallmark+.

In features, Macfarlane starred opposite Billy Eichner in the gay rom-com Bros and will next be seen opposite Olivia Holt in the IFC apocalyptic thriller This Is Not a Test, which comes out Feb. 20. He is repped by Entertainment 360, IAG and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher.

Shifting Gears airs Wednesdays at 8PM on ABC and streams next day on Hulu.