Shifting Gears is exploring Tim Allen‘s character Matt’s personal life as he continues to mourn his ex-wife before going on a date with Jenna Elfman’s Eve.
According to the official synopsis, the second season premiere, which airs October 1, follows Matt as he “wrestles with his feelings for” Eve before Charlotte (Nancy Travis) “convinces him to go to a grief group.” Riley (Kat Dennings), meanwhile, struggles with her own “will she or won’t she” about her feelings for Gabe (Seann William Scott).
Fans of Home Improvement know that Allen’s former costars Patricia Richardson, Richard Karn and Debbe Dunning are making a special guest appearance in the season 2 premiere. While details about their roles have yet to be announced, it has been teased that the trio “show up to support” Matt in “an unexpected way.”
The next episode, which airs October 8, follows Matt and Eve as they “go on their first date but have different ideas of what it should entail.” As for Riley, she “befriends the mom of Georgia’s new friend while Carter mediates a tiff between Gabe and Stitch.” Los Angeles Dodger Mookie Betts and Lilly Singh are set to guest star.
During the season 1 finale, the romance between Riley and Gabe hit a wall when he chose not to make a move following her split from her ex. Instead, Eve and Matt kissed.
“I will say that it is really interesting to watch them,” showrunner Michelle Nader exclusively told Us Weekly earlier this month about the season 2 dynamic. “It’s interesting to watch their relationship develop, and so they’re going to go into high gear — but it’s going to be a little bit of a roller-coaster.”
Elfman, 53, also spoke to Us about how thrilled she is to get to return to the show.
“I’m loving doing the show. I love working with everybody on it. I love the showrunner. It genuinely is like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop because I can’t believe how good it is. I’m very excited for everyone to see it,” she gushed. “I have to say I’m blown away by the writing this year. They’re writing for each actor and for their character so well. The stories are sincerely hilarious. Like, at work, we’re all doubled over laughing repeatedly.”
Elfman continued: “Just as a performer and as someone in this industry, I’m blown away at how good the comedy is on this show this year. So that makes me very excited for everyone at home because I know they’re going to have a great laugh with their family.”
Shifting Gears returns to ABC Wednesday, October 1, at 8 p.m. ET before streaming the next day on Hulu.