Luke Macfarlane is joining the Parker family. The actor has been cast as Sam Parker, the long-missing son and brother on ABC’s sitcom Shifting Gears. The character, described as a Navy hero, has been talked about since the show’s first season but has never been seen until now. Macfarlane will make his debut as a guest star when the show returns with new episodes in early 2026.
The casting news confirms plans hinted at by the show’s producer earlier in the year. Michelle Nader, the showrunner and executive producer, told TVLine last spring they hoped to introduce Sam in Season 2, describing him as “a great character for everyone to complain to!”. The show, starring Tim Allen as widower Matt Parker and Kat Dennings as his daughter Riley, airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and streams the next day on Hulu.
Who Is Sam Parker And Why Has He Been Missing?
Sam Parker is the son of Matt Parker (Tim Allen) and the brother of Riley Parker (Kat Dennings). Throughout the show’s run, characters have referred to him as a Navy hero, but he has been completely absent from family life. His unexplained absence has created an ongoing mystery. Fans have questioned why he misses family dinners and never visits, with theories ranging from military duty to personal issues the family avoids discussing.
The show has also established that Sam has a history with Gabriel (Seann William Scott), who works at Matt’s auto shop. The two are old best friends, setting up a potentially complicated reunion when Sam finally arrives.
Why Luke Macfarlane Is A Key Addition To The Cast
Luke Macfarlane brings a mix of comedy and drama experience to the role. He is currently a series regular on Apple TV+’s comedy Platonic alongside Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen. He also starred in the feature film Bros and has a long history starring in popular Hallmark movies. His background suggests he can handle the emotional weight of a character returning to a fractured family while fitting into the show’s comedic tone.
Macfarlane reacted to the casting news on his Instagram, simply writing, “Happy to be a member of the family.”.
When And Where To Watch Sam Parker’s Debut
Sam Parker will not appear immediately. Shifting Gears is currently on a winter break following the airing of its Season 2 fall finale, episode 8, “Nutcracker,” on December 10, 2025.
New episodes are scheduled to resume on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in the show’s regular time slot. While ABC has confirmed Macfarlane’s casting for later in the season, the specific episode for Sam’s debut has not been announced. Based on the production schedule, his first appearance is expected in early 2026.
For viewers in the United States, new episodes air live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT and are available for streaming the next day on Hulu. International audiences can find the show on Disney+.
How Sam’s Arrival Could Change The Show
The introduction of Sam Parker is expected to create new stories and reopen old conflicts.
- Family Dynamics: Matt and Riley have spent time mending their own strained relationship. Sam’s return could bring up unresolved arguments and hurt feelings from the past that the family thought were settled.
- New Relationships: Sam will meet his niece and nephew, Georgia (Barrett Margolis) and Carter (Maxwell Simkins), for the first time as their uncle. His role as a Navy hero could influence them in new ways.
- Wider Impact: The reunion with his old friend Gabriel will affect the dynamic at Matt’s garage. Furthermore, Matt’s new love interest, Eve (Jenna Elfman), will have to navigate meeting his son for the first time under potentially awkward circumstances.
About The Actor: Luke Macfarlane’s Recent Projects
Beyond his acting work, Macfarlane recently expanded into hosting and executive producing. He leads the Hallmark+ home renovation series Home Is Where the Heart Is, which premiered in March 2025. The show highlights his real-life passion for woodworking and design, a skill he learned from his father.
In an interview with Out magazine, Macfarlane discussed how fatherhood has changed him. He became a dad in June 2023 and stated, “I find I’m so much more loving and compassionate with other people.”. His next film project is the apocalyptic thriller This Is Not a Test, scheduled for release on February 20, 2026.
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