Kat Dennings Has Revealed Her True Feelings About Tim Allen For The 1st Time

Shifting Gears: The Heartfelt Multi-Cam Reunion of Tim Allen and Kat Dennings

The world of television comedy has a new “Power Duo,” and they are bringing a classic touch back to the small screen. In ABC’s new comedy Shifting Gears, industry veterans Tim Allen and Kat Dennings have joined forces to tell a story that is as much about restoring classic cars as it is about repairing broken family bonds.

The Genesis of “Shifting Gears”

The series, which premiered on January 8, 2025, was born from the creative minds of Mike Scully and Julie Thacker Scully. The narrative centers on Matt Parker (Tim Allen), a widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop. His structured, somewhat stubborn life is turned upside down when his estranged daughter, Riley (Kat Dennings), returns home with her two children in tow, seeking a fresh start after a divorce.

The show underwent a significant leadership change in September 2024 when Michelle Nader stepped in as showrunner, aiming to modernize the traditional multi-cam sitcom format while maintaining the “live audience” energy that Tim Allen loves.

A Surreal Collaboration for Kat Dennings

For Kat Dennings, working with Allen was a “full-circle” moment. Having grown up watching Home Improvement, she described the experience as surreal.

“He’s Santa Claus and Buzz Lightyear… he’s a big part of my consciousness growing up,” Dennings remarked.

She has officially dubbed Allen her “favorite TV dad of all time,” noting that the atmosphere on set feels like a genuine family. Much of this is due to Allen’s long-standing loyalty to his crew; many team members have been with him since his early days in the 90s.

Tim Allen’s Return to His Roots

Comparing his return to ABC to Tom Brady moving teams, Tim Allen expressed a deep hunger for the multi-cam format. After years of Home Improvement (three sons) and Last Man Standing (three daughters), Allen wanted to explore a more nuanced territory: trauma and reconciliation.

Allen has been vocal about the “organic chemistry” he shares with Dennings:

Natural Rapport: Allen notes they began interrupting each other and bantering immediately, a trait that translates perfectly to a father-daughter dynamic.

Emotional Depth: One particular scene regarding the loss of Riley’s mother and Matt’s wife left the set in total silence. “It’s about a family trying to find common ground again,” Allen explained. “The car shop is just a metaphor for the work they need to do on their relationships.”

Behind the Scenes: Authenticity and Fast Cars

The show films at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, and it features a very personal touch: Tim Allen’s own car collection. To save on rental costs and add authenticity, Allen allowed the production to use his personal vehicles to fill the shop.

Joining the cast is Seann William Scott as Gabriel, a family friend at the shop. For Scott, this marks his first venture into the multi-cam world, a challenge he says he is “absolutely loving.”

Two Eras of Comedy Collide

Feature
Tim Allen (Matt Parker)
Kat Dennings (Riley Parker)

Claim to Fame
Home Improvement, Toy Story
Two Broke Girls, WandaVision

Role in Show
Widowed Shop Owner / Executive Producer
Estranged Daughter / Producer

Core Energy
Observational, Veteran Wisdom
Sharp-witted, Modern Resilience

As Shifting Gears continues its run, it serves as a testament to the enduring power of the sitcom. By blending Allen’s legendary comedic timing with Dennings’ contemporary edge, the show offers a “nuanced portrayal” of how past grievances can be mended through shared work and a lot of humor.