Shifting Gears Brought In Jay Leno For A Quick Cameo, And I Got Something Way Funnier Than The Last Man Standing Reference I Expected

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heads up! the information below reveals plot points from the “Gummies” episode of Shifting Gears. if you haven’t watched it yet, consider streaming with a Hulu membership. proceed with caution if you choose to continue reading!

In the most recent episode of “Shifting Gears,” Tim Allen introduced yet another co-star from “Last Man Standing.” Unlike Nancy Travis, Jay Leno made an appearance playing himself. Interestingly, instead of mentioning the previous series like Travis did, the ABC comedy took an unexpected turn by referencing one of Allen’s earlier projects: “Home Improvement.

In his second appearance on network television since providing a voiceover in “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage“, Jay Leno portrayed himself as a client of Matt Parker, a character played by Allen. During their short interaction, they appeared to be quite friendly, with Leno even joking about the resemblance between Allen and a popular television character.

Jay Leno Made A Vague Reference To Home Improvement

Toward the end of the show, Jay Leno dropped by the garage to retrieve one of his vehicles he apparently had overlooked. He chatted with Matt for a while, reminiscing about a strange voicemail he’d left him the previous evening. The message was confusing because Matt had consumed marijuana edibles, but instead of admitting this, he claimed it was part of a comedy routine. Leno found this explanation amusing and it reminded him of another odd incident from the same night:

Last night, I caught an old TV show, possibly from the 1990s. There was a man who strongly resembled a younger version of yourself, with similar mannerisms. The unique thing about you two? He had a great sense of humor. Incredibly funny, that guy!

In a subtle yet obvious tribute, the show, Shifting Gears, hinted at the popular sitcom, Home Improvement. Given that ABC originally aired this classic series, it’s an apt nod for those who recall its initial broadcast before it was accessible on Disney+ or other streaming platforms. Instead of anticipating another reference to Last Man Standing, I found it delightful to have my assumptions switched around.

Will Home Improvement Stars Make Their Way To Shifting Gears?

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but wonder when we might get to see the talented cast members from “Home Improvement” rejoin Tim Allen and Kat Dennings in their new project. The backstory of the “Goth Mark” character piques my curiosity, and I must admit, I’d be thrilled if Taran Noah Smith were to make an appearance on “Shifting Gears.” A nod to his past role would undeniably add a touch of humor to the show that I can’t resist.

Is it just me who wishes Richard Karn could play a role opposite a rival auto shop owner on the other side of town? After all, he was Tim Allen’s friend Al on Home Improvement, and imagine the humor if they were enemies in the new series! It’s high time we bring these two talents together again, as their collaboration in that History Channel show wasn’t enough for me.

In upcoming episodes of “Shifting Gears,” airing every Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC, we’ll find out who from Tim Allen’s past acting career might make an appearance. This sitcom has been one of the most popular shows this season according to the 2025 TV schedule, so if you haven’t started watching yet, it’s a good time to tune in!

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2025-03-13 05:07