Tim Allen Made One Big Request About His Shifting Gears Character (Compared To Home Improvement Or Last Man Standing)

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If you’ve been tuning in to “Shifting Gears” since it graced our screens in 2025, you’ll recognize that Tim Allen’s character in this ABC series isn’t the same as in his previous network sitcoms. He’s not the tool man from “Home Improvement” or the outdoorsman from “Last Man Standing.” Instead, he’s a car enthusiast. His marital status has changed too; he’s no longer a married husband but a grieving widower. Additionally, he’s not just a dad now, but also a grandad to grown-up kids. Recently, he opened up about why his character on the new show with Kat Dennings is significantly different.

Specifically, during the project presentation, Allen expressed a particular preference for his character should he reappear on television networks. He desired a character that was more aligned with his genuine persona, not just his signature growls.

As a fellow traveler on life’s journey, I find a striking resemblance in this fresh character – it feels like an extension of myself. I’ve walked through the valley of grief, losing my dear father along the way. Yet, I consider myself fortunate to have been gifted with the ability to bring laughter into people’s lives as a comedian. This [character] mirrors that aspect of me. If given another chance, I aimed to delve even deeper, capturing more of the essence of the man I am within this creation.

Following Allen’s expressed desire, it seems the writing crew started developing a character that closely mirrors the actor. In the series Shifting Gears, Matt’s affection for classic cars is evident, as he runs an auto shop, and interestingly, Allen himself revealed that the show incorporated some of his vehicles! Known for his sense of humor, Matt skillfully employs laughter to navigate through grief – a trait reminiscent of the actor who has personally experienced sadness.

Allen emphasized to Us Weekly one key point: Matt Parker isn’t your typical macho guy, much like himself. Raised in a female-dominated household, Allen had two daughters from his marriages with Laura Deibel and Jane Hajduk (who should not be confused with his on-screen wife Nancy Travis).

He’s quite similar to me. I lean more towards the artistic side. I was a design student with a love for philosophy, and my comedy style is about playfully challenging people in a positive manner. Growing up in a large family headed by women has given me a unique perspective on men, as I believe they don’t control or run things. I aspire to be that kind of person. He doesn’t fit the stereotype of a traditional “manly man,” and he never pretended to be something he wasn’t – he simply embraced who he is.

As it turns out, things are going smoothly. Working alongside Kat Dennings in a live studio setting feels incredibly natural, and it doesn’t hurt that we share some real-life connections as well. Our show, Shifting Gears, has already achieved a significant milestone at ABC, so let’s cross our fingers and keep those hopes high that it stays on the air for years to come. Perhaps one day, we might even see a sitcom crossover similar to what was done on Last Man Standing.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve long felt that Tim Allen, as a comedian, taps into a personal aspect of himself in every role he plays. However, it seems like the character Matt Parker was tailor-made to resonate more deeply. With over three decades in the industry under his belt, this role feels like a well-deserved homecoming for the seasoned actor.

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2025-02-01 18:07