Kat Dennings Celebrates Tim Allen as Her Favorite TV Dad Amidst Shifting Gears Season 1 Premiere

Kat Dennings has expressed her enthusiasm for working alongside Tim Allen in the new ABC sitcom, Shifting Gears, calling it a significant highlight in her career. The show features Matt (Allen), a widowed classic car restoration shop owner, who is navigating his relationship with his estranged daughter Riley (Dennings) and her two children as they move back into his home. Dennings, well known for her lead role in the successful CBS series 2 Broke Girls, has a wealth of experience in the multi-camera sitcom format. Shifting Gears airs every Wednesday at 8 PM EST on ABC.

During a recent interview with People, Dennings shed light on her admiration for Allen, highlighting their portrayal of a unique father-daughter relationship. She praised the strong connection Allen shares with his loyal production team, many of whom have been with him since his days on Home Improvement and Last Man Standing. Dennings particularly enjoys their on-screen chemistry, especially the comedic tension present in their argumentative scenes. She said:

Tim Allen, I will say, is my favorite TV dad of all time. It’s been a real joy doing this show. [His crew] followed him through all of his projects, which I think is a real testament to him as a person.

We have a very funny banter. We really enjoy these scenes where we’re arguing. It’s really fun.

Understanding the Dynamic Between Tim Allen & Kat Dennings

Connecting Across Generations Through Humor

Kat Dennings’ partnership with Tim Allen in Shifting Gears continues her history of sharing the screen with iconic father figures in Hollywood. Reflecting on her childhood, Dennings recalled growing up with Allen’s portrayal of the humorous yet caring father in Home Improvement. With timeless characters like Santa Claus in The Santa Clause series and Buzz Lightyear in Pixar’s Toy Story, she noted that Allen has been a constant presence in her formative years, adding depth to this collaborative experience.

This isn’t Dennings’ first encounter playing a daughter opposite a cherished TV father. In the early 2000s sitcom Raising Dad, she portrayed the daughter of the late Bob Saget and played Marla, the stepdaughter of Steve Carell in the comedy film The 40-Year-Old Virgin. With nostalgia in her voice, she remarked, “I’ve been very lucky.”As noted by Ana Dumaraog in her ScreenRant review, Dennings brings her signature wit and emotional depth to Shifting Gears, demonstrating her ability to hold her own beside a sitcom legend like Allen.

Insights on the Collaboration of Kat Dennings & Tim Allen

Revamping the Sitcom Landscape with Star Power

Kat Dennings and Tim Allen in Shifting Gears

Tim Allen’s return to the sitcom landscape with Shifting Gears revisits the beloved archetype that has shaped his career. Dennings, who is adept in the traditional sitcom format, complements Allen’s character with a dynamic that grounds their unconventional family setup. Although early reviews suggest that the show leans on Allen’s nostalgic charm, Shifting Gears has the potential for long-term success, contingent upon its capability to evolve beyond conventional clichés. By allowing Dennings’ character to develop distinctly, the show could break free from predictable patterns, potentially securing its status as an enduring ABC favorite.

Source: People

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