Shifting Gears Casts Luke Macfarlane As Tim Allen’s Son In Season 2

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The ABC comedy Shifting Gears introduces a character who’s been absent throughout the series. The show stars Tim Allen as Matt Parker, a widower and a bit of a stickler who runs an auto repair shop. His world turns upside down when his long-lost daughter, Riley Parker (Kat Dennings), and her kids unexpectedly move in with him.

I’m so excited! Deadline is reporting that Sam Parker, Matt’s son and Riley’s brother, is going to be on season 2! Apparently, Luke Macfarlane – you might know him from Platonic on Apple TV or as the voice of Rick in Invincible – is going to play him. He’ll be appearing later in the season as a guest star, which is awesome!

I’m so excited for Sam to finally appear on Shifting Gears! They’ve talked about him a lot – he’s a Navy hero, which is amazing – but we haven’t actually seen him yet. It’s been a long wait, as he’s not in season 1 or the first part of season 2. The show’s taking a break after episode 8 airs on December 10th, but that means when it comes back in 2026, we’ll finally get to see Sam in action! It’s going to be worth the wait, I just know it.

Sam’s arrival allows us to learn more about the Parker family, both who they are now and what happened in their history. While Matt and Riley have worked hard to rebuild their connection, Sam’s presence – even if brief – could bring up painful memories and old conflicts.

Beyond reconnecting with his father and sister after being away for a while, Sam also has to figure out his role as an uncle to Riley’s kids, Carter and Georgia. Both Matt and Riley have already taught the children valuable life lessons, and now Sam gets a chance to do the same.

Sam might also encounter Gabriel (Sean William Scott) and Daryl “Chlll” Mitchell, who both work with Matt restoring cars. They are regular characters on the show, outside of the Parker family.

Because Seth MacFarlane is only appearing as a guest star, he won’t be a regular cast member on Shifting Gears next season. However, his character, Sam, might return in future episodes, particularly if the show gets picked up for a third season.

Even though many people are watching Shifting Gears, critics haven’t been impressed. The show has a 47% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and most reviewers feel that while the actors Allen and Dennings are talented, the writing isn’t very strong.

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2025-12-10 07:18