Tim Allen’sShifting Gearsis setting up anotherLast Man Standingreunion, with a new guest star joining the cast for a special appearance.The ABC comedy follows Allen as Matt Parker, a widowed auto shop owner whose quiet life is upended when his estranged daughter Riley (Kat Dennings) and her children suddenly move into his home. TheShifting Gearscasthas already welcomed several sitcom alumni, includingDharma & Greg’s Jenna Eflman, and now another familiar face is set to appear in an upcoming episode.
As revealed by ABC,Last Man Standingalum Jay Leno will cameo in an upcoming episode ofShifting Gears, appearing as himself. The episode sees Leno bringing his car into Matt’s auto restoration shop for repairs. Leno previously played Joe, a mechanic, onLast Man Standing, and his longtime friendship with Allen—both having risen to fame as stand-up comedians in the 1980s—makes his guest spot a natural fit. You can find the first-look image below:
What Jay Leno’s Cameo In Shifting Gears Means
A Touch Of Nostalgia For ABC’s Latest Sitcom
Leno’s appearance is another example ofShifting GearsembracingLast Man Standingnostalgia while working to establish its own identity. The show frequently features familiar faces, includingLast Man Standing’sNancy Travis, who will appear in episode 6. The March 12 episode with Leno, titled “Gummies,” will weave multiple storylines together, including Riley discovering weed gummies in Carter’s pocket and seeking unexpected advice from Matt. Meanwhile, Eve (Elfman) inadvertently puts Gabriel and Stitch in a difficult situation after asking them to donate to a charity auction.
Shifting Gears Season 2: Confirmation, Cast & Everything We Know
The Tim Allen-led sitcom Shifting Gears brings the TV legend back for another round, and now ABC has renewed the show for a second season.
Whilereviews forShifting Gearshave noted its overreliance on Allen’s well-established comedic persona and familiar tropes, the ABC series has nonetheless emerged as a ratings' powerhouse, even surpassingThe Connersin viewership.ABC’s strategy of appealing to Allen’s loyal fanbase has proven successful, highlighting his signature brand of humor. However, forShifting Gearsto ensure its success in the long run, it may need to introduce fresh dynamics beyond nostalgic reunions. One step in that direction appears to be the addition ofRaising Hopealum Lucas Neff, who plays Riley’s estranged husband.
Our Take On The Leno-Allen Reunion
A Fun Nod To The Past
Allen and Leno’s reunion is a fun throwbackfor longtime fans, bringing back the comedic chemistry that made theirLast Man Standingrun an enjoyable watch. WhileShifting Gearscontinues to benefit from nostalgia, it risks becoming too dependent on familiar faces.The ABC sitcomhas succeeded in ratings, but to maintain momentum, it should establish a stronger identity beyond its ties toLast Man Standing. Nonetheless, Leno’s cameo will surely be a fun moment whileShifting Gearsproves it can stand on its own.
Shifting Gearsairs new episodes at 8:00 P.M. EST on Wednesdays on ABC.
