Shifting Gears: A Surprising Uncertainty for Season 2
Following an impressive debut, Shifting Gears appeared to be on a clear path to a second season. The show stars Tim Allen as Matt Parker, a widower managing an auto restoration shop. The narrative begins with Matt reconnecting with his estranged daughter, Riley Parker (played by Kat Dennings), who approaches him for shelter after her divorce leaves her without a home. This heartfelt premise set the stage for what many anticipated would be multiple seasons of comedy and family dynamics.
While awaiting confirmation for a second season, fans of the sitcom can enjoy all 10 episodes of season 1 available for streaming on Hulu.
Shifting Gears Faces Renewal Uncertainty
Recent reports suggest that Shifting Gears is not as secure for renewal as many hoped. According to Deadline, the show is described as “heavily on the bubble.”In contrast, established ABC shows like Grey’s Anatomy and The Rookie are virtually assured of continuing, leaving Shifting Gears in a precarious position.
Despite its momentum, ABC’s decision on the future of Shifting Gears remains uncertain, especially as the network has moved to renew other successful titles, such as Abbott Elementary for a fifth season and High Potential for a second. The streaming and linear TV landscape poses challenges as well, with programs like 9-1-1: Nashville receiving straight-to-series orders for the upcoming TV programming cycle.
The Baffling Consideration of Cancellation
A Comedy That Broke Records
Given the fact that the first episode of Shifting Gears set a six-year viewership record for ABC, the talk of potential cancellation is puzzling. Tim Allen has demonstrated his capability of headlining successful TV shows through previous hits like Home Improvement and Last Man Standing, and Kat Dennings’ established fanbase from 2 Broke Girls further enhances the show’s appeal. The show’s surge in viewership during its premiere, outshining previous records held by The Conners, made fans optimistic about its future.
ABC’s hesitation regarding a swift renewal for Shifting Gears raises questions, especially as the network currently lacks a robust comedy slate going into the 2025–2026 season. With The Conners set to conclude, the network’s need for fresh comedic content becomes even more pressing. The decision, especially in light of Shifting Gears‘ performance, feels increasingly unfounded.
Performance Insights: Ratings Trends
Ending Strong Despite Rating Declines
While the initial rating momentum for Shifting Gears has seen a gradual decline, the series still boasts impressive figures. The ratings highlights reveal that the pilot attracted 6.1 million Live+Same Day viewers, but the final episode settled at 3.8 million. This drop, while notable, should not serve as the sole criteria for cancellation, especially since fluctuations in viewership are common for many TV shows.
| Episode # | 18-49 Demo Ratings | Views (Live+Same Day) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.66 | 6.1 million |
| 2 | 0.38 | 4.6 million |
| 3 | 0.45 | 4.6 million |
| 4 | 0.38 | 4.3 million |
| 5 | 0.40 | 4.3 million |
| 6 | 0.43 | 4.5 million |
| 7 | 0.30 | 3.4 million |
| 8 | 0.31 | 3.7 million |
| 9 | 0.31 | 3.8 million |
| 10 | 0.32 | 3.8 million |
While many network shows experience similar ratings declines, successful series with consistent viewership, like Happy’s Place, suggest the potential for viability. If NBC can renew shows with comparable numbers, surely ABC can consider a second season for Shifting Gears, especially as the network aims to enrich its comedy offerings in the coming years.
Sources: Deadline, Rotten Tomatoes