ABC released the first trailer December 30 for new sitcom Shifting Gears starring Kat Dennings alongside Tim Allen. This new series on ABC features Allen who is a “stubborn widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop” and his estranged daughter played by Kat Dennings who moves back in after a long absence. The series logline indicates “the real restoration begins” once Denning’s character along with her two children begin sharing his home.
Returning Cast: Tim Allen and Kat Dennings Lead Multi-Generational Story In Shifting Gears
The main cast for ABC series Shifting Gears includes Tim Allen returning for the new sitcom alongside Kat Dennings. Seann William Scott acts as character Gabriel with Daryl “Chill” Mitchell playing Stitch while Maxwell Simkins stars as Carter alongside Barrett Margolis who portrays the character Georgia. The trailer for series Shifting Gears from ABC also indicates the unique clash of two generations which provides the basis of humor that follows.
Father-Daughter Reconnection Sparks Humor and Tension In ABC Sitcom Trailer
The new trailer opens when Tim Allen’s character exclaims how a classic car came into his shop while his estranged daughter approaches out of the car and says “Hey Dad”. He calls her “the thief” after a 15 year period from when he built the vehicle before they make contact. Later at his home Tim Allen and Kat Dennings confront their prior separation which creates the central themes that follow during the upcoming show. This initial contact begins to show the humor and tension between characters. Kat Dennings’ character admits to her being “broke” and requiring residence at her father's home until she reestablishes her life demonstrating the real world struggle driving show's plot.
Character Clashes and Attempts at Reconciliation Provide Series' Central Theme
Tim Allen expresses how he will let her and children move in only if they listen to him despite his daughter stating “I haven't changed a lot” in response to being shocked at her father's offer for housing which proves key differences exist. The duo attempts adult communication as demonstrated by Tim Allen saying that “rational adults are not a thing” further showcasing that his behavior patterns from past interactions remain intact which is very frustrating for the character Kat Dennings. This communication breakdown seems to further create interesting scenarios on how the two can learn to compromise and reconcile their differences throughout the season.
The series references how Denning’s mothers death impacted family dynamic highlighting how she "made a relationship between you and me possible”. Denning's character then asks Tim Allen about “building their own bridge” as a possible resolution however Tim Allen asks that if she does something he dislikes to consider the roof she sleeps under providing more humor at the central father and daughter issue in show. Denning’s character quips back in humor that “I’m not sure you understand how bridges work” highlighting both generational disconnect and personal relationship flaws adding unique flair. ABC series will begin airing Jan 8 as released information by People.
Extended Trailer Reveals Details About Shifting Gears Character Dynamics
ABC recently launched an extended trailer for Shifting Gears featuring Tim Allen’s portrayal of stubborn character also revealed he grudgingly lets daughter and grandkids take residence in his home. Deadline reported that Jenna Elfman will join as Eve Drake who is a spirited choreographer and owner of a dance studio across the road and she is also a recurring character within Shifting Gears episodes. John Pasquin also works on project as pilot director of Shifting Gears and he has worked along side executive producing as well providing key input. Michelle Nader has taken over showrunning responsibilities for Shifting Gears and she was previously part of productions for 2 Broke Girls and Dollface each projects with Kat Dennings.
Mike Scully and Julie Thacker Scully the initial creators no longer have writing credit for Shifting Gears following a summer pickup for show series as stated by Deadline reports. ABC chose to move ahead in a new creative direction and vision while still preserving elements of its original intent and storylines. Shifting Gears is a 20th Television product also from Disney Television Studios group of producers.
The Plot Revolves Around a Bicoastal Family Coming Back Together Following Personal Crisis
New trailer for Shifting Gears emphasizes humor also highlighting how Tim Allen's character reconnects to daughter's character Kat Denning and it explores the different personal elements within each individuals daily life as they are forced to live together once more in the same space.. Kat Dennings plays a single mother who seeks refuge and assistance from her estranged father that causes major life disruption while creating new dynamics within the extended family during each show episodes. Tim Allen also voices Buzz Lightyear from the animated Toy Story movies. Kat Dennings describes plot details indicating she shows up with two kids at her dad's home following the character getting a divorce and needing somewhere to live and reestablish her livelihood. ABC is showcasing another multi-generational story about how unique individual’s lives intertwine on Jan 8 premiere.
Kat Dennings' comments suggest characters within series have “different styles” along with contrasting “beliefs” but are both actually “exactly the same” showcasing the similarities of behaviors that they each use butting heads and making show more humorous as indicated by Kat Dennings TV Insider highlighted how Denning is also praising of Tim Allen's acting abilities in printed statement. The series also includes Seann William Scott Daryl Chill Mitchell Maxwell Simkins and Barrett Margolis creating a larger supporting cast of character that impact plots of series. ABC plans a new installment into well-received series “The Rookie” after Shifting Gears series starts on network
Tim Allen Discusses Returning to Sitcoms and New Series' Concept for ABC
Tim Allen shared his feelings on returning to sitcoms having been previously in “Home Improvement” and “Last Man Standing” and stated hopefully his “three’s a charm” in regard to success adding how excited he felt with this new opportunity. Entertainment Tonight quoted Tim Allen who states this could be his best attempt at making a "statement". Tim Allen created the core idea of Shifting Gears which impressed ABC network executives for green lighting production of series. ABC network will have Shifting Gears on TV by January 8 at prime time for all new viewers to see the newest family oriented sitcom starring Allen and Denning.