Tim Allen’s Shifting Gears Attracts Large Viewership on ABC, Competing With Fellow Freshman Hits Despite Mixed Reviews

Successful Debut for Shifting Gears on ABC

ABC’s new sitcom, Shifting Gears, is making a notable impact in its inaugural season. The series features Tim Allen as an auto shop owner navigating the complexities of family life with his estranged daughter, portrayed by Kat Dennings, and her children. This marks another chapter in Allen’s extensive career in television, which includes significant roles in popular shows like Home Improvement and Last Man Standing, both of which were long-time staples on ABC.

Mixed Reviews and Viewer Engagement

Despite its warm reception by audiences, Shifting Gears has garnered mixed critical reviews, achieving a score of 50% on Rotten Tomatoes and an average rating of 4.0 out of 10. Nevertheless, the show has successfully captured the attention of viewers since its midseason premiere on January 8.

Impressive Viewership Numbers

According to a recent report from Deadline, the series is attracting an average of 11.4 million viewers per episode within a seven-day window. This places it among the top 5 broadcast entertainment series for the 2024-2025 season. It stands prominently next to other ABC hits like High Potential, which has pulled in an impressive 13.73 million viewers per episode since its Fall 2024 debut, and Will Trent, with 10.34 million viewers per episode as it enters its third season.

Future Prospects for Shifting Gears

As the season progresses, Shifting Gears is on track to potentially increase its viewer count even further. The show is steadily narrowing the viewership gap with High Potential, starring Kaitlin Olson, who plays a single mother delving into crime-solving. However, it’s worth noting that the latter show’s longer format as a procedural drama places both series in distinct viewing categories, even as they successfully engage their respective audiences.