‘Deceptively Hard To Capture’: Tim Allen’s Been A Sitcom Legend For Years, But Working With The Actor Is Harder Than It Looks

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On popular television series centered around fictional businesses, such as “Tool Time” from “Home Improvement” and “Outdoor Man” from “Last Man Standing”, Tim Allen often takes the lead role. It appears that Allen’s talent for portraying characters blending business and family life will continue with his upcoming 2025 TV premiere series, “Shifting Gears”. Given Tim Allen’s status as a sitcom legend, working alongside him on this new show seems to be more challenging than it might initially appear.

In a new setup, Tim Allen finds himself locking horns with another television comedy veteran, Kat Dennings from “Two Broke Girls.” She takes on the role of Allen’s estranged daughter who is seeking to reconcile with her father and provide support for his grandkids, as they aim to rebuild their family. Similar to Allen’s past productions that intertwine business and familial bonds, this series finds him not only mending relationships but also fixing cars – a hobby shared with his character. Given the extensive sitcom background of The Santa Clause actor, Michelle Nader, the showrunner and executive producer of Shifting Gears, shares with The Wrap what sets working with Allen apart from what one might expect:

I’m familiar with his work and style, yet I find it challenging to replicate his unique writing approach, which is surprisingly complex. He has a knack for comedy that never ceases to amaze me, but what truly sets him apart is his acting abilities. It’s fascinating to observe aspects of his craft that I wouldn’t notice until they are brought to life on screen, which is quite remarkable. He plays an active role in every step of the process – from sourcing stories and reviewing outlines to performing each part. The final product is a harmonious blend of car restoration and the exploration of the relationship between Matt and Riley. This theme serves as our guiding light throughout the production, with our focus being on healing their bond.

It’s not surprising that, given Tim Allen’s reputation as a sitcom icon, he’s deeply immersed in the storyline development for Shifting Gears. Some might say that Allen is aiming to encapsulate the show’s poignant symbolism. The main character, Matt Parker, excels at restoring cars, but finding harmony within his family – a daughter he barely communicated with and grandchildren he hardly knew – proves challenging. Similarities can be drawn between Allen’s previous sitcoms like Home Improvement and Last Man Standing, as the voice actor from Toy Story demonstrates a unique ability to balance humor with touching family moments, making his shows stand out.

Tim Allen is not just a popular actor known for leading his television shows; he’s a creative powerhouse with unique ideas to share with viewers. As an executive producer for Home Improvement, Last Man Standing, and now Shifting Gears, this means that Allen has significant influence over the creative and financial aspects of these productions. Additionally, he’s been instrumental in creating competition series based on Home Improvement, such as Assembly Required and More Power, collaborating with his former co-star Richard Karn. Through his TV shows, Allen showcases his personal passion for tools, construction, and teamwork with his colleagues.

Following the premiere of “Shifting Gears”, it’s clear that Tim Allen has a significant hand in its creation. The show initially faced challenges when it parted ways with original writers/producers Mike and Julie Thacker Scully, potentially giving Allen more control over his new project. Not only are themes from his past work like “Jungle 2 Jungle” – such as construction and family – evident, but an interesting behind-the-scenes tidbit about “Shifting Gears” is that Allen actually rented his own car collection for the show. Intriguingly, he even had to revert the restoration on some cars to make them appear as works in progress. This level of dedication from Allen certainly shines through in his latest series.

Working with a sitcom icon like Tim Allen is no easy feat given his robust creative mindset for every project he takes on. However, his hands-on involvement throughout all production stages is crucial in maintaining a satisfying balance of cars, humor, and heartwarming family scenes that audiences will enjoy. Tune in to catch Shifting Gears each Wednesday live on ABC or the next day with your Hulu subscription.

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2025-01-10 20:37