Angela Kinsey, famous for her role as Angela Martin on The Office, is joining the cast of Shifting Gears. She will play a guest role in the second half of the show’s current season. Kinsey will appear as Lynn, a woman the main character Matt Parker meets on a dating app. This news comes right after a major change in Matt’s love life on the show. The series returns from its break on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Who Is Angela Kinsey Playing on Shifting Gears?
Angela Kinsey’s character is named Lynn. The story involves Matt, played by Tim Allen, trying out a dating app called TradSwipe, which is described as a platform for traditional values. Matt and Lynn connect through this service.
According to the show’s description, the two “immediately hit it off and have a lot in common, but it’s clear that something is amiss”. The exact nature of what is “amiss” with Lynn has not been revealed, creating some mystery around her arrival.
Why a New Love Interest for Matt Now?
The reason for Matt seeking a new relationship connects directly to the show’s fall finale. In the last episode that aired, Episode 8 titled “Nutcracker,” Matt told his love interest, Eve Drake (played by Jenna Elfman), that he loved her. Eve said she loved him too but then shared big news.
She had accepted a job to choreograph a K-pop tour that will take her to South Korea and Europe for a minimum of five months. While supportive, Matt decided he did not want to be in a long-distance relationship for such an uncertain period. He chose to end their romance.
This plot development leaves Matt single and apparently ready to meet someone new, which is where Angela Kinsey’s character enters the story.
What to Know About Angela Kinsey
For many viewers, Angela Kinsey is best known as Angela Martin, the strict and cat-loving accountant from the American version of The Office. She played that role for all nine seasons of the hit NBC sitcom.
Since The Office ended, Kinsey has stayed busy with numerous projects. She has appeared in shows like Fresh Off the Boat, New Girl, and Hot in Cleveland. She also co-hosts the very popular rewatch podcast Office Ladies with her former co-star and close friend, Jenna Fischer. The podcast, where they share behind-the-scenes stories from The Office, launched in 2019 and remains a top listen for fans.
Shifting Gears Season 2 Return Details and Remaining Episodes
Shifting Gears is currently on a winter break. The show is scheduled to return with Episode 9, titled “Dog,” on January 7, 2026. The new episode will air in its regular time slot, 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific Time on ABC.
After the return, there will be a total of five new episodes left in Season 2. This means the season will wrap up in February 2026. The exact airdates for the episodes featuring Angela Kinsey have not been announced yet.
Angela Kinsey is not the only new actor joining the show for its final episodes. It was also announced that Luke Macfarlane will appear as Sam Parker, the previously mentioned but never-seen son of Matt and brother of Riley.
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Who Stars in Shifting Gears?
The show features a main cast led by comedy veteran Tim Allen as Matt Parker, a widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop. The story begins when his estranged daughter and her children move in with him.
The core cast includes:
- Kat Dennings as Matt’s daughter, Riley Parker.
- Maxwell Simkins and Barrett Margolis as Riley’s children, Carter and Georgia.
- Seann William Scott plays Gabe, and Daryl ‘Chill’ Mitchell plays Stitch, who both work at Matt’s shop.
- Jenna Elfman has a recurring role as Eve Drake, Riley’s boss and Matt’s now-former love interest.
New and past episodes of Shifting Gears are available to stream on Hulu.
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