Kat Dennings is making her return to television with a heartfelt comedy, Shifting Gears, premiering on January 8, 2025, on ABC. The series features Dennings alongside Tim Allen in a dynamic that blends comedic conflict with emotional depth. Dennings plays Riley, a single mom going through a divorce and facing financial struggles, who unexpectedly shows up at her estranged father Matt Parker’s (Allen) house with her two kids. Matt, a recently widowed car restoration shop owner, has not seen his daughter in 15 years, and the sudden return of Riley shakes both of their lives to their core.
The show’s humor stems from the stark contrast in the characters’ worldviews and personalities. Despite their differences, there are moments of warmth and connection that highlight their shared traits. Dennings shared with TV Insider that Riley’s arrival at her father’s doorstep, in the midst of her personal breakdown, turns their lives upside down, forcing them to navigate a complex, yet funny, father-daughter relationship.
Tim Allen, who plays Matt, also praised Dennings’s talent and pointed out their special connection—they share the same birthday, which added a unique layer to their chemistry on screen. Both actors bring their charm to a series that blends lighthearted comedy with the challenges of reconciling past tensions.
Along with Dennings and Allen, the cast includes Seann William Scott, Daryl Mitchell, Maxwell Simkins, and Barrett Margolis, adding to the dynamic energy of the show. Produced by Dollface showrunner Michelle Nader, Shifting Gears is set to deliver a balance of humor, heart, and family dynamics when it premieres in January.
