Shifting Gears is Tim Allen's third starring sitcom, but Allen's past titles have haunted his new role enough to warrant a joke in episode 9's ending.

I watch a lot of television. I could argue with a straight face that it’s for my job, but really, deep down, I kinda just love watching TV. I’d probably be consuming almost as much if I worked some other random job.

Kat Dennings and Tim Allen shared a bonding moment while gearing up for an emotional scene in Shifting Gears. "We were both dreading it. We were like, ‘Oh God, we have to cry. What is this?' It's like,

Shifting Gears has struggled to find its footing as a family comedy, but one recurring joke ruins any comedic momentum the Tim Allen sitcom has.