Kat Dennings and Tim Allen, stars of the new sitcom Shifting Gears, quickly formed a genuine bond mirroring their on-screen father-daughter dynamic. Dennings attributes their instant connection to a sense of trust she felt towards Allen from their initial meeting and his openness with her. This rapport has only strengthened throughout filming, contributing to the comedic energy of their scenes, especially their arguments, which Dennings describes as fearless and fun. This natural connection, amplified by Dennings’ lifelong familiarity with Allen’s work, has created a comfortable and organic working relationship, contributing to the show’s authentic portrayal of familial relationships.
Shifting Gears marks Dennings’ return to multi-camera comedy after a nearly decade-long hiatus since her role in 2 Broke Girls. Despite initial apprehensions about returning to the format, Dennings found the transition seamless. The familiar rhythm of multi-cam production felt instantly natural, dispelling her fears and reaffirming her love for the genre. This smooth reintegration speaks to Dennings’ comedic talent and adaptability, suggesting a comfortable return to a familiar style of performance.
The show’s behind-the-scenes connections add another layer to its development. Showrunner Michelle Nader, who collaborated with Dennings on 2 Broke Girls and Dollface, helms the project, fostering a familiar and supportive creative environment. This reunion extends to a guest appearance by Dennings’ Dollface co-star and close friend, Brenda Song, showcasing the close-knit relationships within the production. Dennings hints at further guest appearances and Easter eggs throughout the series, promising a rich tapestry of familiar faces and inside jokes for viewers to discover.
The sitcom centers on the evolving relationship between Matt, played by Allen, a widowed father, and his estranged daughter, Riley, played by Dennings. Forced to cohabitate, they navigate the complexities of rebuilding their relationship. Joining Dennings and Allen are Seann William Scott, Daryl “Chill” Mitchell, Maxwell Simkins, and Barrett Margolis, creating a dynamic ensemble cast. Even before the premiere, audiences picked up on the potential romantic spark between Dennings and Scott’s characters, a dynamic Dennings hopes will be explored gradually over multiple seasons for maximum impact and viewer satisfaction.
Dennings describes the experience of working on Shifting Gears as a "magical situation," aligning perfectly with her career aspirations. Having expressed her desire to return to sitcom work to a friend, she received the offer for Shifting Gears the very next day. This serendipitous timing reinforced Dennings’ enthusiasm for the project, especially given the opportunity to work with Allen, whose show Home Improvement she grew up watching. She views the role as a dream come true, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to portray Allen’s daughter in this new comedic venture.
This confluence of a strong on-screen and off-screen dynamic, a return to a beloved format, a reunion with familiar collaborators, and a dream-like alignment of circumstances has created a positive and exciting atmosphere surrounding Shifting Gears. The show promises a heartwarming exploration of family dynamics, comedic misunderstandings, and the potential for rekindled relationships, all set against the backdrop of a familiar and comfortable multi-camera format. With Dennings and Allen at the helm, and a talented supporting cast, Shifting Gears is poised to offer viewers a lighthearted and engaging comedic experience.
