Tim Allen’s newest show, Shifting Gears, debuts its Rotten Tomatoes score — but how does it compare to his previous work? Debuting on ABC in January from creators Mike Scully and Julie Thacker Scully and showrunner Michelle Nader, Shifting Gears centers on the relationship between a father (played by Allen) and a daughter (played by WandaVision and 2 Broke Girls star Kat Dennings). The father, Matt, is a widowed owner of a car restoration shop who lets his daughter, Riley, and his grandchildren move back in despite some complicated history. It airs on Wednesdays at 8 PM ET, with episodes streaming the next day on Hulu.
Shifting Gears has received its Rotten Tomatoes score, which reveals that the new series is off to a rough start. The sitcom currently holds a 43% rating based on 7 reviews, with four listed as negative and three listed as positive. The score breaks down to 3.80 out of 10. This indicates that the negative reviews are particularly sharp. The score will fluctuate as more reviews come in. However, Shifting Gears season 1 comes in ahead of Last Man Standing season 1 (14%) but well behind Home Improvement‘s debut year (64%).
What Do The Reviews Say About Shifting Gears?
It’s A Familiar Tim Allen Premise
With a cast that includes Seann William Scott, Daryl “Chill” Mitchell, Maxwell Simkins, and Barrett Margolis, with Brenda Song and Jenna Elfman in guest roles, the acting in Shifting Gears received solid notes from critics. Dave Nemetz of TVLine writes: “It’s built surprisingly well, with a lot of the credit going to co-star Kat Dennings, who proves she can go toe-to-toe with Allen and match him jab for jab.” But where the show falters for some is exactly what would make it appeal to others: it’s similar to Allen’s past work.
The show could evolve with more time. But, for now, for better or worse, it’s exactly what is advertised.
This is made explicit in Daniel Feinberg’s review for The Hollywood Reporter as he writes “I watched Shifting Gears thinking that it was Last Man Standing without the guts to come right out and just be Last Man Standing.” The review also cites that the acting is capable, even though the premise and effort are lacking. It’s worth noting, as well, that critics have only screened two episodes. That may mean that the show could evolve with more time. But, for now, for better or worse, it’s exactly what is advertised.
Our Take On Shifting Gears
It May Not Be Bad To Know What You’re Getting
It doesn’t sound like Shifting Gears is a strong show, albeit it is only just at the beginning. There is also a creative change to note, with Nader taking over as showrunner at some point after the pilot episode. So it could still be the case that the new sitcom finds its groove. But even if it doesn’t get there, a familiar comedy that is fine enough and lifted by good performances can go the distance. For many, that’s exactly what the long-running series Home Improvement and Last Man Standing were.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes
Matt, a widowed and stubborn owner of a classic car restoration shop, has his life turned upside down when his estranged daughter, Riley, and her teenage children move in with him.
- Release Date
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January 8, 2025
- Character(s)
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Matt
, Riley
, Ed
, Carter
, Georgia - Seasons
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1