Shifting Gears EP Has A Cool Casting Plan Opposite Tim Allen As Season 2 Revs Up, And I Have A Few Of My Own Suggestions

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Following a successful first season featuring many well-known guest stars, Shifting Gears creator Michelle Nader plans to continue the tradition in Season 2. Tim Allen will once again work with some of his former Home Improvement co-stars, and Lilly Singh will develop a friendship – and perhaps cause some trouble – for the character Riley. Nader has hinted at more nostalgic references to Allen’s past work and the careers of other actors, and assures fans she has plenty more surprises planned.

The show’s executive producer recently told US Weekly that more surprise celebrity guests will appear later this season. She also has a list of dream guests she’d like to invite, including a well-known Emmy winner from HBO’s *The White Lotus*. According to the producer:

We’ve had some interest from potential cast members, but we’re keeping their identities secret for now as we figure out the best roles for them. We also have a list of actors we’re hoping to attract, like Jennifer Coolidge. We’ve got a lot of exciting plans in the works and are exploring several possibilities.

Okay, so the most exciting detail for me is the possibility of getting Jennifer Coolidge involved in *Shifting Gears*! I don’t think she and Tim Allen have ever actually shared a scene together, but she worked with Kat Dennings for years on *2 Broke Girls*. She played Sophie, the woman who moved in upstairs, and I remember really enjoying her character. Interestingly, Michelle Nader, who now runs the show, started as a writer on *2 Broke Girls* too. That connection feels like it could make getting Coolidge on board pretty straightforward, if she’s interested, of course!

Although Collidge’s previous TV comedy roles seem like the most relevant connection to *Shifting Gears*, US Weekly reported Nader’s comments as if he were discussing potential guest appearances by the stars of *White Lotus* on the ABC show. It’s unclear if that’s accurate, but there are plenty of famous actors who could be great additions if the show is looking to add guest stars.

Wouldn’t it be amazing if Jon Gries – who played Coolidge’s husband in the HBO series – appeared in an episode with her? Or what about Natasha Rothwell, known for her role as Brenda in *The White Lotus*? I know guest stars aren’t guaranteed to share scenes, but it’s fun to imagine big pairings!

Aside from any actors from *The White Lotus*, I’m hoping Michelle Nader mentioned some other funny people she’s worked with before. It would be great to see Thomas Gibson, who played opposite Jenna Elfman in *Dharma & Greg*, appear and cause some problems for Matt and Eve.

Considering her work on the fantastic show *Spin City*, it would be a brilliant move to cast Richard Kind, Alan Ruck, or Connie Britton. (Though any guest stars would be welcome!) Since Nader also wrote episodes for *Deli Boys*, one of the most promising new comedies of 2025, I’d also love to see Saagar Shaikh or Asif Ali make an appearance.

Get a sneak peek at Season 2, which hints at upcoming appearances by Patricia Richardson, Debbe Dunning, and Richard Karn.

The second season of *Shifting Gears* premieres on ABC Wednesday, October 1st at 8 p.m. Eastern. New episodes will be available to stream on Hulu the following day for subscribers.

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2025-09-14 22:15