Tim Allen’s automotive comedy series is bringing back familiar faces for its second season. Shifting Gears will feature reunions with cast members from Allen’s previous hit shows Home Improvement and Last Man Standing.
The multi-camera sitcom, which premiered earlier this month, has already confirmed several guest appearances that will connect Allen’s television legacy.
Home Improvement Reunion Plans
Richard Karn, who played Al Borland alongside Allen’s Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor, is set to appear in upcoming episodes. The duo’s on-screen chemistry made Home Improvement a cornerstone of 1990s television for eight seasons.
Patricia Richardson, who portrayed Tim’s wife Jill Taylor, is also expected to make an appearance.
The show’s producers are working to coordinate schedules with additional Home Improvement cast members. No specific episode dates have been announced yet.
Last Man Standing Connections
Several actors from Allen’s most recent series will cross over to Shifting Gears. Nancy Travis, who played Mike Baxter’s wife Vanessa, has a recurring role planned for the new show.
Hector Elizondo and Amanda Fuller are among other Last Man Standing veterans being brought into the Shifting Gears storyline.
The connections make sense given that both shows share similar family-centered themes and Allen’s signature comedic style.
Season 2 Development
Shifting Gears centers on Allen’s character as he manages a classic car restoration shop while navigating family relationships. The show blends automotive culture with multi-generational family dynamics.
ABC ordered the series based on strong initial audience response and Allen’s proven track record in family comedies.
The reunion episodes will likely air during the second half of Season 2, though exact scheduling remains flexible. Production teams are coordinating to accommodate the guest stars’ existing commitments.
Allen’s production company is handling the logistics for bringing together cast members who haven’t worked together in years. The reunions represent a celebration of Allen’s television career spanning over three decades.