‘Tim Allen’s New Sitcom Just Entered the Tim Allen-Verse’

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Tim Allen is indeed one of the most renowned and successful actors on television, gracing two highly acclaimed sitcoms – the ’90s phenomenon “Home Improvement” and the popular “Last Man Standing” from the 2010s. Sitcoms have been his primary source of success, earning him several awards, such as a Golden Globe and People’s Choice Award, for his outstanding performances. He is also well-known for voicing Buzz Lightyear in the cherished “Toy Story” animated series and portraying Scott Calvin in the “The Santa Clause” film franchise.

2025 marked the sensational comeback of Allen to television screens with “Shifting Gears,” sharing spotlight with celebrities such as Kat Dennings, Sean William Scott, and Daryl “Chill” Mitchell. In this series, he plays a widower and auto shop owner who reconnects with his long-lost daughter and her children following her decision to move back home after separating from her spouse. The third episode of the show played a crucial role in establishing it within the Tim Allen television universe; let’s delve deeper into how that was achieved.

‘Shifting Gears’ Marks Tim Allen’s Return to Sitcoms

Tim Allen, a renowned TV personality and comedian, has made a lasting impact on the small screen since he shot to fame in 1991 as Tim “The Toolman” Taylor in the long-running series “Home Improvement,” which earned him a Golden Globe for eight consecutive seasons until its conclusion in 1999. During this time, Allen also lent his voice to the cherished “Toy Story” animated series and played the role of Scott Calvin, or Santa Claus, in the popular Christmas films titled “The Santa Clause.

In 2011, Allen added another successful television series to his impressive collection with “Last Man Standing.” He played Mike Baxter, a Denver sporting goods store executive, who along with his wife Vanessa, raised their three lively daughters and grandson. Essentially, the show reimagined the concept from “Home Improvement,” but swapped the genders. The series ran for nine seasons, even returning after being canceled, before it ended in 2021. However, Allen wasn’t finished with TV stardom yet. In 2025, he teamed up with Kat Dennings in “Shifting Gears,” marking his attempt at a sitcom trilogy.

This multi-camera comedy revolves around Matt Parker, the owner of a classic car restoration shop, who’s a widower presented with an opportunity to rebuild his strained bond with his daughter Riley Parker (Dennings). Following her departure from her unfaithful husband, Riley and her children, Carter and Georgia, decide to move in with Matt. The series debuted on January 8, 2025, and its third episode, titled “Grief,” dropped a significant Easter egg that successfully integrated the show into the Tim Allen-verse universe.

The Meaningful Appearance of a Green Ford F100

In the striking episode, enthusiasts of Allen and his illustrious small screen career swiftly picked up on the symbolism surrounding an iconic car that Matt acquired. Sharp-eyed viewers recognized that the vintage green Ford F100 he was refurbishing was none other than the cherished vehicle that Mike Baxter, a character from Last Man Standing, had driven for much of the show, until it was unexpectedly swiped in the series conclusion. Not only did the arrival of the Ford pique interest, Matt also made a point to mention that the car was stolen from a man he personally knew in Denver, the same city where Allen’s previous sitcom unfolded, thereby forging a link between Matt and Mike.

Given that Mike Baxter, a character, is probably both Matt’s client and from the same universe as Matt (from Shifting Gears), it opens up an interesting opportunity for future crossovers between Shifting Gears and Last Man Standing. This connection is further strengthened by the upcoming guest appearance of Allen’s on-screen wife Nancy Travis in Last Man Standing, who will portray a lively widow named Charlotte instead of Vanessa. Although the shows are currently connected through this shared cast member, fans of Allen’s work will undoubtedly be on the lookout for more hidden references and connections between these beloved sitcoms.

Allen Loves Reuniting with His Former Co-Stars

Allen openly admits his fondness for working alongside his ex-sitcom colleagues from ‘Home Improvement’. He maintains this connection by inviting his old castmates such as Jonathan Taylor Thomas (Randy Taylor), Patricia Richardson (Jill Taylor), and Richard Karn (Al Borland) to guest star on ‘Last Man Standing’. In the 90s, heartthrob Thomas initially made appearances in seasons two and three, playing John Baker, a high-end restaurant manager, and later reprised his role briefly as Helen Potts’ son during season four. This delightful reunion allowed Thomas to reunite with his former TV parents.

Similarly, Karn appeared in two episodes of “Last Man Standing” as architect Bill McKendree, and Allen humorously reenacted his character Tim “The Toolman” Taylor in the ninth season of the sitcom. Notably, in this season, the Binford Tools mascot met his double, Mike Baxter, who happened to be visiting a Denver store location. As expected, viewers appreciated this amusing crossover moment, and since both Karn’s character and Allen’s characters inhabit the same fictional world, it’s possible that Matt Parker from “Shifting Gears” could also appear there. Future episodes might even feature a crossover between these two shows.

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2025-02-07 04:02