Shifting Gearswas one of ABC’s biggest shows of the 2024-25 television cycle, but one ridiculous reason almost led to an early cancelation. The star-studdedcast ofShifting Gearshelped sell the freshman comedy through Tim Allen’s image and renowned sitcom past, but other beloved actors like Kat Dennings and Seann William Scott helpedShifting Gearsappeal to broader demographics.
Despite its obvious momentum,early reviews ofShifting Gearsweren’t optimistic about the family comedy’s long-term success. Between a disproportionately heavy focus on Tim Allen and awkward comedic timing,Shifting Gearsdidn’t seem like a viable sitcom for ABC. Fortunately,Shifting Gearsslowly found its footing throughout its pilot season, improving on the most common critiques and prioritizing its ensemble.
Shifting Gears Is One Of The Highest-Rated Shows During the 2024-2025 TV Cycle
The Freshman Comedy Drew In Massive Numbers
Even before its series premiere, it was clear thatShifting Gearswould have impressive viewership. Yet, the pilot episode ofShifting Gearsbroke records and became ABC’s highest-streamed debutin history. Buzz surrounding the achievement only made the comedy more popular, with many recognizing it as a familiar variant of Tim Allen sitcoms likeHome ImprovementandLast Man Standing.
Between its obvious self-improvement and its rarely-filled niche at ABC, it’s no surprise thatShifting Gearswas one of thehighest-rated shows of the 2024-25 season. Aside from riding the wave of being a new series and capitalizing on its novelty,Shifting Gearsprovided a return-to-form that many sitcom lovers appreciated. Of course, the new comedy wasn’t without its faults.
All episodes ofShifting Gearsare streaming on Hulu.
Tim Allen’s brand of humor is no longer ubiquitous among key demographics, making the lead character feel less like a protagonist and more like a grouchy old man archetype. Similarly, the dialogue felt dated, withShifting Gears’ appeals to Gen Z humorfalling flat more often than not. Regardless of its shortcomings,Shifting Gearsdeserved at least one more season.
ABC Almost Canceled Shifting Gears Because Of A Goofy Reason
Everything Is Relative
Surprisingly,Shifting Gearswas at risk of cancelationduring renewal season. With limited spots on ABC’s roster, onlyShifting GearsandDoctor Odysseywere left on the bubble— ironically, both new titles reportedly had the same issue: ratings. Despite statistics implying it’s the most popular new comedy of the year,Shifting Gears’ ratings declined over the course of the season.
3.85
3.25
2.49
2.39
9-1-1
2.38
2.18
1.79
1.75
1.64
ABC
1.62
While that would be an understandable critique for most shows, putting the numbers in context proves that,even at its worst,Shifting Gearsoutperformed most competitorsin the coveted 18-49 demographic. Simply looking at blanket total viewership,Shifting Gearsremains in the top ten, which makes it all the more baffling that the Tim Allen sitcom was ever in danger.
