FAMILY TIES

An unexpected reunion revs up ABC's new sitcom Shifting Gears

- DYLAN FORD

Allen and Dennings enjoy the rewards of a studio audience

Shifting Gears

SERIES PREMIERE

Wednesday, Jan. 8, 8/7c, ABC

SHIFTING GEARS IS “a story about relationships that can be repaired,” sitcom legend Tim Allen says of his return to network TV. “Or restored, as we say,” he clarifies with a knowing smile.

Restoration is at the heart of the new multicamera comedy, in more ways than one. Allen stars as Matt Parker, the owner of a North Hollywood classic car remodeling and restoration shop. Already dealing with the recent passing of his wife, Matt’s world is upended when his estranged daughter Riley (Kat Dennings) comes crashing back into his life.

“She just shows up on his doorstep with her two kids. She’s getting a divorce, and her life is falling apart,” Dennings says. “She has no money and she needs to stay with him. So it turns both their lives upside down.”

“It’s a very relatable story of a family trying to restore itself,” explains showrunner Michelle Nader, who is reuniting with her “muse” Dennings after collaborating on 2 Broke Girls and Dollface.

Maxwell Simkins (left) and Barrett Margolis (right) play Dennings' kids