Shifting Gears, the hit ABC sitcom that has been making audiences laugh every week, is also known for its heartfelt and emotional moments. In a recent interview on the Not Gonna Lie podcast, Kat Dennings, who plays Riley, revealed that she and co-star Tim Allen shared a deeply emotional experience while filming the show, one that brought both of them to tears.
The series follows Riley (Dennings), a recently divorced mother of two, who is forced to move back in with her estranged father, Matt (Allen), after facing financial difficulties. The show’s pilot episode sets the tone with a raw and emotional confrontation between father and daughter as they address past mistakes and unresolved tensions. According to Dennings, the emotions on set were very real.
“We were both dreading it,” Dennings admitted on the podcast. “We were like, ‘Oh God, we have to cry. What is this?’ But then, I looked at him, and I started crying. He looked at me, and he started crying. It was real. In the first episode, we both get emotional, and it was genuine. It’s incredible to work with him and the kids. Everyone is really amazing. That just makes the funny parts even funnier and such a relief to do. It’s been a very good, organic-feeling show for me. Which is new—it’s a new experience for me.”
A New Challenge for Kat Dennings
For Dennings, Shifting Gears marks her first time playing a mother on screen, a role she embraced despite joking that she still feels like she’s “12.” She shared that stepping into this new territory was one of the reasons she decided to join the show. Another major draw was the opportunity to work alongside Tim Allen, whom she praised for his authenticity and emotional depth.
“He’s always very present and really feeling these things,” Dennings said of Allen. “It’s incredible to deal with him and the kids. I mean, everybody is really amazing. That just makes the funny parts even funnier and such a relief to do. It’s just been a very good, organic-feeling show to me. Which is new—it’s a new experience for me.”
A Show That Resonates with Audiences
The emotional authenticity of Shifting Gears has clearly struck a chord with viewers. Last month, Nielsen viewership data revealed that the show averages more than 11 million viewers on Wednesdays, outperforming tough competitors like CBS’s Ghosts and Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. Despite its popularity, ABC has yet to announce a Season 2 renewal, leaving fans in suspense.
Adding to the uncertainty is the unclear episode count for Season 1. While the network initially ordered 10 episodes, the show’s success has left many wondering if more episodes or even a second season could be on the horizon. For now, fans will have to wait and see what ABC has in store for the future of Shifting Gears.
A Balance of Laughter and Tears
What sets Shifting Gears apart is its ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments. The show’s exploration of family dynamics, forgiveness, and second chances has resonated with audiences, making it one of the most talked-about sitcoms of the year. Dennings and Allen’s on-screen chemistry, combined with their ability to convey genuine emotion, has been a key factor in the show’s success.
As fans eagerly await news of the show’s future, one thing is certain: Shifting Gears has left an indelible mark on its audience, proving that even in the world of sitcoms, laughter and tears often go hand in hand.
