“Revving Up the Fun: Tim Allen and Kat Dennings Share Heartwarming Tales from ‘Shifting Gears'”

LOS ANGELES — Tim Allen is gearing up for his return to network television with “Shifting Gears.”

“A multitude of individuals approached me long ago and asked, ‘would you consider doing another sitcom,’” Allen shared with On The Red Carpet during our visit to the filming site.

Previously associated with “Home Improvement” and “Last Man Standing,” Allen expressed that when “Shifting Gears” was proposed to him, “I believed it was an amusing concept.”

“The storyline revolves around a man who has recently lost his wife, with his daughter returning home.”

Kat Dennings portrays that daughter, Riley, who arrives back with her two children as she navigates a divorce.

“With her mother gone and divorcing, she has to come back and acknowledge that her father was correct about her spouse and confront all of that,” she explained.

Allen mentioned that he engaged with the show’s producers regarding incorporating the theme of sorrow into the series.

“That’s what inspired everything. My mother has friends who have endured tremendous grief, yet they continue to live each day,” Allen stated. “I’ve always admired how people maintain a sense of humor despite everything; it’s unstoppable.”

“I could easily just curl up into a ball and roll away, disappearing entirely because life is so challenging,” added Dennings, reflecting on her portrayal of her character’s grieving journey.

“There’s something profoundly lovely about showcasing a father and daughter who may not appear to have much in common on the surface, yet are remarkably alike. That’s where the humor emerges for me, as he and I have vastly different approaches in the show… whatever. But our similarities make the clashes utterly comical.”

Besides Allen and Dennings, “Shifting Gears” features Seann William Scott, Daryl “Chill” Mitchell, Barrett Margolis, and Maxwell Simkins.

Allen’s role as Matt involves restoring automobiles professionally, which aligns perfectly with his self-described passion for cars. In fact, several of the vehicles showcased on set belong to Allen’s private collection.

“I offered that they could utilize any of the prop cars I possess, as I’ve constructed a few film vehicles, so they are available for use. It’s akin to being at my… residence,” Allen disclosed.

For the young actors portraying Dennings’ children, the car shop set provides endless excitement.

“Every episode, it seems like additional vehicles arrive from various places. But, you know, Tim is a car expert, so he’s familiar with everything. He’ll point out, ‘yeah, that’s an F1-5000.’ And I’m like, ‘all right, cool,’” Simkins chuckled.

“I’m fascinated by all the machines and vehicles. I think it’s incredibly cool!” Margolis expressed.

Daryl “Chill” Mitchell, who previously collaborated with Allen in the 1999 film “Galaxy Quest,” mentioned he’s eyeing a few of Allen’s cars.

“As I’ve known him for such a long period, he’s a good friend. I might casually go up and say, ‘hey Tim, pass that over here, Playboy,’ you know? You won’t miss it!” Mitchell joked.

Dennings is also keen to join in on the fun!

“Through this man, and through the show, I am becoming more knowledgeable about cars. I believe that once we finish, I should receive one. No pressure, but it looks like you aren’t using it,” Dennings joked.

On The Red Carpet has a soft spot for the 1968 Camaro, Tim Allen… if you’re out there listening.

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