Tim Allen Hints at Jonathan Taylor Thomas Cameo in 'Shifting Gears'
In an exciting revelation for fans of classic sitcoms, Tim Allen has hinted at the possibility of a cameo appearance by Jonathan Taylor Thomas in his new ABC sitcom, Shifting Gears. The 71-year-old star shared exclusive details in the latest issue of Us Weekly, sparking a wave of excitement and nostalgia among audiences eager to see the beloved Home Improvement duo reunite.
A Possible Reunion
During the interview, Allen expressed his enthusiasm about the potential return of his former Home Improvement co-star, Jonathan Taylor Thomas. "Everything is a possibility," Allen stated. "He just came back [to the last episode we filmed]. He showed up on the set." The revelation comes after Thomas made a brief appearance in the final episodes of Last Man Standing, another Tim Allen-led sitcom, where he not only acted but also directed three episodes.
Allen didn't stop there. He delved deeper into his personal connection with Thomas, affectionately referring to him as "literally my kid." "I raised that kid for eight years on Home Improvement. All of these are my kids and I’m kind of sick about this," Allen confessed, highlighting the deep bond they shared during their time on the hit show from 1991 to 1999.
Reflecting on the Past
Home Improvement was a staple of 90s television, showcasing the lives of Tim Allen as Tim Taylor, Patricia Richardson as his wife, and Jonathan Taylor Thomas as their son, Randy. The show also featured talents like Taran Noah Smith, Zachery Ty Bryan, Richard Karn, and Debbe Dunning. Thomas's decision to leave the series early to focus on his education marked a significant moment in the show's history. His departure led to a heartfelt farewell, which fans still remember fondly.
The reunion on Last Man Standing was a bittersweet moment for fans, combining nostalgia with new creative endeavors. Thomas's role as a director on the show demonstrated his growth behind the camera, while Allen continued to cement his status as America's favorite sitcom dad through his portrayal of Mike Baxter.
New Beginnings with 'Shifting Gears'
Transitioning to his latest project, Shifting Gears, Allen stars as Matt Parker, a widowed father navigating life alongside his estranged daughter, played by Kat Dennings. The chemistry between Allen and Dennings has been a highlight of the show, with both actors praising their immediate connection.
“The director wanted to see how we got along. It never stopped. The kismet was crazy. We’re both born on the same day — many years apart,” Allen shared with Us Weekly. “We’re different in so many ways. But our attitude about comedy is very similar. She cracks me up and I’m not easy that way. Kat can [deliver these lines] with a straight face. Her anger — that she played on 2 Broke Girls — is very similar to the sharpness that Mike Baxter could get into now.”
Dennings echoed Allen's sentiments, emphasizing the trust and camaraderie developed on set. “It clicked pretty fast. We had lunch after I accepted the role and I felt immediately like I could trust him for some reason,” Dennings revealed. “And he opened up really fast to me. So I [was] like, ‘OK, this guy is like letting me in.'”
Their on-screen arguments have become a favorite among fans, praised for their natural flow and comedic timing. “It felt very organic,” Dennings recalled. “And as [filming has] progressed, our scenes are so funny, if I do say so myself. The arguments are my favorite scenes to play because I have no fear. There’s no fear for either of us. We just absolutely go for it and it’s so much fun.”
The Future of Sitcoms
Despite initial hesitations about returning to sitcoms, Tim Allen found his way back to the genre with a renewed passion. He admitted that the decision was not easy, especially while working on Disney+'s Santa Claus series. “It was a complicated decision.
I was doing Disney+’s Santa Claus series at the time and I said, ‘I really can’t think about this now.’ Do I want to do linear TV? I was so depressed at how streaming has hurt television. So if I did it, I want to elevate it.”
Shifting Gears airs on ABC every Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET and is available for streaming the following day on Hulu. The show promises to blend heartwarming moments with sharp comedy, much like Allen's previous successes.
Looking Forward
The potential cameo of Jonathan Taylor Thomas in Shifting Gears is a tantalizing prospect for fans yearning for more of the Home Improvement magic. Allen's heartfelt comments and the strong bond he shares with Thomas suggest that this reunion could bring a new layer of depth and nostalgia to the series.
As the entertainment world watches eagerly, the collaboration between Tim Allen and Jonathan Taylor Thomas could mark a significant moment in television history, bridging past and present in a way that honors their shared legacy.
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