A second season of the family sitcom Shifting Gears is now airing. The show, which stars Tim Allen and Kat Dennings, continues the story of a widowed mechanic and his recently divorced daughter as they navigate life under one roof. The new season premiered this fall, bringing back the main cast and adding some notable guest appearances.
The series airs on ABC and is also available for streaming. This guide provides all the information on the current cast, the ongoing second season schedule, and exactly where audiences can watch.
The Main Cast and Characters of Shifting Gears
The show centers on the Parker family and their unconventional support system. The dynamic is driven by the core cast of six actors.
Tim Allen plays Matt Parker, the stubborn owner of Parker Customs, a classic car restoration shop. He is a widower who finds his life upended when his daughter and grandchildren move in. Kat Dennings stars as Riley, Matt’s strong-willed daughter. She returns to her father’s home with her two kids after her own marriage ends, seeking a fresh start.
The younger generation is played by Maxwell Simkins as Carter, Riley’s teenage son, and Barrett Margolis as Georgia, her daughter. Rounding out the main group are the employees at the restoration shop. Seann William Scott plays Gabriel, a mechanic, while Daryl “Chill” Mitchell plays Stitch, Matt’s long-time friend and business partner.
The Current Second Season Schedule and New Faces
Shifting Gears returned for its second season on October 1, 2025. ABC originally ordered ten episodes but later expanded the season to a total of thirteen. New episodes air weekly.
The first seven episodes of Season 2 have already been released. The season will continue with Episode 8, titled “Nutcracker,” scheduled for December 10, 2025. Following a holiday break, Episode 9, “Dog,” will air on January 7, 2026, with Episode 10, “Friend,” arriving on January 14, 2026. The remaining three episodes are expected to air weekly after that, though their specific titles and dates have not been officially listed.
This season has introduced several guest stars. Richard Karn, Patricia Richardson, and Debbe Dunningโall former co-stars of Tim Allen from Home Improvementโmade a special appearance in the season premiere. Other guests include comedian Gabriel Iglesias, Shark Tank investor Lori Greiner, and baseball star Mookie Betts, all playing themselves. Lilly Singh also guest-starred in an episode.
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How and Where to Watch Shifting Gears
For viewers in the United States, Shifting Gears has two main viewing options.
The show airs on its original broadcast network, ABC. New episodes of the second season premiere on this channel.
For those who prefer streaming, full episodes are available on Hulu. Subscribers can watch episodes there. The series is also accessible through the Disney+ app for viewers who have a subscription bundle that includes Hulu.
Internationally, the show aired in Canada on the CTV network and its streaming platforms. As of now, there is no confirmed release platform for audiences in the United Kingdom or Australia.
For cord-cutters in the U.S. who want to watch live on ABC, streaming TV services like Sling TV offer packages that include the local ABC channel in select cities. Completed seasons can also be purchased digitally on platforms like Amazon Prime Video.
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