Will there be a Shifting Gears Season 2? Speculations, explored

Shifting Gears premiered on ABC at the beginning of the year and was able to achieve a dedicated fan following. After 10 exciting episodes, the show aired its season finale on March 19, 2025.

The series tells the story of Matt Parker, a widower who owns an auto shop. When his estranged daughter faces a crisis and comes to stay with him along with her children, all their lives turn upside down.

Now that the first season has come to an end, fans are wondering if there will be a Shifting Gears season 2. While the show has not been officially renewed, there is still a high possibility of its continuation.

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The renewal status of Shifting Gears Season 2

As of now, ABC has not confirmed Shifting Gears season 2. However, fans need not be disappointed, as the first season concluded only recently and ABC might take a few weeks before announcing the show’s renewal.

What works in the favor of the series is that the first season garnered good viewership ratings. Despite negative reviews by the critics, the series opened with 6.1 million viewers and consistently gained over 4 million views for the first six episodes.

At the same time, in various interviews, executive producer Michelle Nader and actress Kat Dennings, who plays Riley Parker, have expressed their hope about the show getting a second season. From the story point of view as well, the first season finale ended on a cliffhanger, which calls for a second installment.

Another interesting fact in favor of the show is the lead, Tim Allen’s track record. Tim is a renowned actor, all of whose previous shows as a lead have aired for multiple seasons. Shifting Gears is now expected to follow suit, but we need to await an official confirmation by ABC.

Unlike streaming shows, network dramas follow a yearly roster. Hence, if Shifting Gears season 2 is confirmed in the upcoming days, it might be a part of ABC’s fall schedule and premiere in the fall of 2025; or have a winter schedule and debut in early 2026.

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The potential storyline of Shifting Gears Season 2

Season 1 ended with Matt and Eve kissing each other. The potential second season will likely focus on their growing relationship and how Matt’s family reacts to it.

Meanwhile, Gabe refuses Riley’s advances toward him, and their relationship dynamics could also form another important plot in the second chapter. Talking about what to expect from a potential season 2, executive producer Michelle Nader said in an interview with TVLine:

“Jimmy is touring with the Foo Fighters but he’s definitely still in love with Riley and wants to see his kids. We love Lucas so he would be a part of season 2.”

She added that Riley’s brother Sam, who has been mentioned several times in the first season, might finally make an appearance in the second installment.

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The star cast of Shifting Gears Season 2

If season 2 gets greenlit, Tim Allen is expected to reprise his role as Matt Parker, along with Kat Dennings as Riley Parker. Other actors who are likely to return include Daryl Chill Mitchell as Stitch, Seann William Scott as Gabriel, Maxwell Simkins as Carter, Barrett Margolis as Georgia, Jenna Elfman as Eve Drake, and Cynthia Quiles as Frankie.

The show might also have some new additions to the cast based on the storyline. For now, the expected cast list of Shifting Gears season 2 includes:

• Tim Allen as Matt Parker
• Kat Dennings as Riley Parker
• Daryl Chill Mitchell as Stitch
• Seann William Scott as Gabriel
• Maxwell Simkins as Carter
• Barrett Margolis as Georgia
• Jenna Elfman as Eve Drake
• Cynthia Quiles as Frankie

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