Shifting Gears Season 2 Cast & Crew: Official Lineup

The heartwarming family comedy “Shifting Gears” returns for its second season on October 1, 2025, on ABC and Hulu. The series centers on Matt, a headstrong and lovably gruff widower who runs a classic car restoration workshop. His quiet, orderly life is turned upside down when his separated daughter, Riley, and her two teenage children, Carter and Georgia, unexpectedly move into his home. The show masterfully uses the metaphor of car restoration to explore themes of family, healing, and starting over.

Season two continues the story as Matt, Riley, and the kids navigate their new, multi-generational living situation. The real restoration is no longer just about the vintage automobiles in the garage, but about the family itself, as they work to rebuild trust, mend old wounds, and create a new dynamic under one roof. With the addition of Matt’s colorful friends and employees at the shop, the series promises more laughs, heartfelt moments, and the relatable chaos that comes when stubborn personalities are forced to become a family again.

Shifting Gears Season 2: Complete Cast list

1- Tim Allen as Matt

Tim Allen is a comedy legend whose career spans decades, defined by his everyman charm and signature grumpy-yet-lovable persona. He rose to superstardom as Tim “The Toolman” Taylor on the hit sitcom Home Improvement and later led the Santa Clause film franchise. More recently, he headlined the long-running and successful series Last Man Standing, further cementing his status as a cornerstone of family comedy on television. Allen’s background in stand-up comedy informs his impeccable timing and delivery.

In “Shifting Gears,” Allen essentially perfects his iconic character archetype as Matt, the workshop owner and family patriarch. His character is set in his ways, finding more comfort in the logic of an engine bay than the complexities of family emotions. Allen’s performance brings a gruff warmth to the role, making Matt’s gradual softening and his efforts to connect with his daughter and grandchildren both believable and deeply humorous, serving as the solid anchor of the entire series.

2- Kat Dennings as Riley

Kat Dennings is an actress renowned for her sharp wit and deadpan delivery. She first gained widespread recognition for her role as the sophisticated and sarcastic Darcy Lewis in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Thor and Thor: The Dark World, a role she later reprised in the Disney+ series WandaVision. Dennings also co-starred and served as a producer on the critically acclaimed CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls, showcasing her talent for leading a comedy series.

As Riley, Dennings plays the separated daughter who is forced to return to her father’s home with her kids. Her character is likely navigating the challenges of single motherhood while also rebuilding a strained relationship with her own father. Dennings brings a combination of vulnerability and resilient strength to the role, creating a fantastic comedic and emotional foil to Tim Allen’s more traditional Matt.

3- Jenna Elfman as Eve Drake

Jenna Elfman is an award-winning actress best known for her iconic role as Dharma Montgomery on the ABC sitcom Dharma & Greg, for which she won a Golden Globe. She has remained a constant presence on television with leading roles in series such as Fear the Walking Dead and Growing Up Fisher. Elfman possesses a unique ability to blend quirky, free-spirited energy with genuine emotional depth.

While her specific role is not detailed, a character named “Eve Drake” suggests a woman of some sophistication or influence. She could be a love interest for Matt, a business rival, or a client with a high-stakes car restoration project. Elfman’s comedic chops and proven chemistry with leading men make her a welcome addition to the cast, promising to shake up the dynamics of the show in its second season.

4- Nancy Travis as Charlotte

Nancy Travis is a highly respected actress with a prolific career in film and television. She is well-known for her roles in movies like Three Men and a Baby and for her long-running role as Vanessa Baxter on the sitcom Last Man Standing, where she demonstrated fantastic chemistry with Tim Allen. Her experience in family-centered comedies makes her a perfect fit for the world of Shifting Gears.

As Charlotte, Travis could be playing a potential romantic partner for Matt, a role that would capitalize on the established and beloved dynamic she shares with Tim Allen. Alternatively, she could be a friend, a neighbor, or a figure from Matt’s past. Her presence brings a sense of warmth, stability, and mature humor to the ensemble, enriching the show’s exploration of relationships later in life.

5- Seann William Scott as Gabriel

Seann William Scott is an actor famous for his breakout role as the outrageous Steve Stifler in the American Pie film series. He has since showcased his range in action-comedies like The Rundown and more dramatic roles. Scott brings a high-energy, charismatic, and often mischievous presence to his characters, making him a dynamic force in any ensemble.

In the role of Gabriel, Scott likely plays a mechanic or an employee at Matt’s workshop. His character is probably the fun-loving, slightly immature “cool uncle” figure to the teenage kids, often getting them into or out of trouble. Scott’s comedic energy would provide a great contrast to Tim Allen’s more reserved Matt, creating plenty of opportunities for workplace and family humor.

6- Daryl Mitchell as Stitch

Daryl “Chill” Mitchell is an accomplished actor and comedian with a career spanning from The John Larroquette Show to more recent roles in NCIS: New Orleans and The Last O.G.. In 2001, Mitchell became a wheelchair user after a motorcycle accident, and he has since become a prominent advocate for disability representation in Hollywood, often incorporating his wheelchair into his roles with authenticity and humor.

As Stitch, Mitchell plays a key member of Matt’s workshop team. The character’s name itself suggests a skilled fabricator or upholsterer, crucial trades in car restoration. Mitchell’s performance brings reliability, wit, and a grounded perspective to the shop. His presence adds depth to the workplace dynamic and ensures the show represents a wider, more authentic view of its community.

7- Maxwell Simkins as Carter

Maxwell Simkins is a young actor who has quickly made a name for himself in family comedies. He has appeared in films like The Sleepover and The Boss Baby: Family Business, and had a recurring role on the sitcom The Crew. Simkins is known for his natural comedic timing and his ability to play clever, often sarcastic, kids with heart.

As Carter, Simkins plays Riley’s teenage son. He is likely navigating the difficulties of being the new kid in school while living with his formidable grandfather. Simkins’ character probably provides a modern, tech-savvy perspective that clashes and eventually aligns with Matt’s old-school, hands-on approach to life, creating a classic and endearing generational comedy dynamic.

8- Barrett Margolis as Georgia

Barrett Margolis is a young actress beginning her career in television. Her casting in a major network series like “Shifting Gears” is a significant step, and she will be instrumental in portraying the experience of a teenage girl undergoing a major life change. Young actors like Margolis bring a fresh and authentic energy to family narratives.

As Georgia, Margolis plays Riley’s teenage daughter. Her character arc likely involves the social challenges of moving to a new town and living under her grandfather’s roof. She may struggle with her parents’ separation and find an unexpected confidant in her grandfather. Margolis’ performance will be key to exploring the emotional and comedic nuances of a teenage girl in a multi-generational household.

9- Cynthia Quiles as Frankie

Cynthia Quiles is an actress known for her work on shows like The Rookie and The Good Doctor. She often brings a strong, charismatic presence to her roles. Her involvement adds to the diverse and talented ensemble that supports the central family story.

In the role of Frankie, Quiles could be a friend of Riley’s, a love interest for another character, or perhaps another employee at the workshop. Her character provides a connection to the world outside the family’s immediate bubble, offering support, conflict, or comic relief as the storyline requires.

10- Lucas Neff as Jimmy

Lucas Neff is an actor best known for his leading role as Jimmy Chance on the Fox sitcom Raising Hope. His experience playing a well-meaning but often hapless young father in a blue-collar family makes him perfectly suited for the world of Shifting Gears. Neff excels at portraying characters who are genuine, kind-hearted, and a little bit goofy.

As Jimmy, Neff likely plays another mechanic or a local friend in the community. His character is probably a loyal, if not always the sharpest, employee at the shop, providing reliable comedic support. Neff’s innate likability ensures that Jimmy will be a welcome and humorous presence in the show’s ecosystem.

11- Carson Fagerbakke as Amelie

Carson Fagerbakke is a young actress following in the footsteps of her father, actor Bill Fagerbakke. While her credits are still growing, her casting indicates a promising new talent. Her role, though likely smaller, is part of the fabric that creates the show’s community.

As Amelie, Fagerbakke probably plays a friend or classmate of Carter or Georgia. This role helps to build out the teenage world within the show, giving the younger main characters their own storylines and relationships outside of the central family dynamic.