Tim Allen’s ‘Shifting Gears’ Debuts to Mixed Reviews, Critics Call It Predictable

Tim Allen‘s latest sitcom, Shifting Gears, premiered on ABC on January 8, 2025, to a lukewarm reception from critics and audiences alike. The show, which stars Allen as Matt, a widowed classic-car workshop owner, follows his attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter and her teenage children. Despite a promising premise, the series has been criticized for its reliance on tired generational stereotypes and recycled jokes.

Created by Mike and Julie Thacker Scully, Shifting Gears marks Allen’s return to network television after his long-running stint on Last Man Standing. The show’s pilot episode, titled “Restoration,” introduces Matt as a conservative, blue-collar man who clashes with his liberal daughter Riley, played by Kat Dennings. The episode attempts to balance humor with heartfelt moments, but critics argue it falls short of delivering genuine laughs or emotional depth.

Jesse Hassenger of The A.V. Club described the show as “Tim Allen’s worst yet,” criticizing its reliance on “canned rants and musty ripostes” about contemporary issues like pronouns, pickleball, and Nancy Pelosi. Hassenger noted that the show’s approach to cultural divides feels outdated and uninspired, comparing it unfavorably to Allen’s previous sitcoms, Home Improvement and Last Man Standing.

Daniel Fienberg of The Hollywood Reporter echoed these sentiments, calling Shifting Gears a “soul-crushing” experience. He lamented the show’s lack of originality, stating that it feels like a watered-down version of Last Man Standing without the boldness to fully embrace its political undertones.

Despite the harsh criticism, some reviewers found redeeming qualities in the show. Kelly Lawler of USA Today admitted that Shifting Gears was “not so achingly terrible” as she had expected. While acknowledging the show’s lack of originality and humor, Lawler praised its occasional heartfelt moments, particularly a scene where Matt and Riley bond over an old family recipe.

The show’s supporting cast, including Kat Dennings and Sean William Scott, received praise for their performances, but even their efforts couldn’t salvage the show’s predictable plotlines and stale humor. As of its premiere, Shifting Gears holds a 38 percent rating on RottenTomatoes, with many critics questioning whether the show can find its footing in future episodes.

Whether Shifting Gears will improve or continue to spin its wheels remains to be seen. For now, it seems to cater primarily to Tim Allen’s existing fanbase, leaving little to entice new viewers.