Shifting Gearsmay be cancelled despite its headline-grabbing debut, according to a new report. Created by Julie Thacker Scully and Mike Scully, with Michelle Nader as showrunner, the multi-cam sitcomdebuted on ABC in January. The story centers around Matt (Tim Allen) and Riley (Kat Dennings) attempting to repair their estranged father-daughter relationship, with a supportingShifting Gearscastthat also includes Seann William Scott, Daryl “Chill” Mitchell, Maxwell Simkins, and Barrett Margolis. The premiere episode garnered 17 million cross-platform viewers in seven days, breaking records.
In its update on the status of ABC shows that have yet to be renewed,Deadlinereports thatShifting Gears' strong start may ultimately contribute to its undoing. After a robust premiere,ratings have consistently dropped. Coupled with an expensive cast, with the likes of Allen, Dennings, and Scott,Shifting Gearsseason 2 is not guaranteed to happen, and the show could be cancelled. It must be noted that this is mostly speculation onDeadline’s part, but the outlet is taking common industry practices into question.
What The Latest Report Means For Shifting Gears Season 2
Factors Are Working Against It
After a record-setting premiere in January, which became ABC’s most-streamed debut ever, the 20th Television production has experienced a more downward trajectory. The first episode nabbed 6.1 million live and same-day viewers.That number was slashed by the finale, which had 3.8 million viewers. This does not take into account multi-platform viewing, though it does point to an overall slide in audience numbers. This contrasts with theratings forHigh Potential, another ABC show, which had significant viewership increases as it went along and was renewed earlier this year.
ABC has nine scripted shows, made up of three sitcoms and six dramas, compared to 18 shows for CBS and 15 for NBC.
Shifting Gearsseason 2may also be impacted by its high-profile cast, making it pricey for the network. However, the sitcom’s fate is not set in stone. ABC has no comedy pilots coming up and only one other sitcom, the hitAbbott Elementary. Considering thatThe Connersis ending in a matter of weeks, with a shortened final season,executives may be incentivized to keepShifting Gearsbecause ABC has few other shows, particularly when it comes to comedies.
“Valentine’s”
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Another thing that could benefitShifting Gearsis thatthe sitcom’s numbers improve when delayed viewing is factored in. Those numbers, too, represent a decline when compared to the show’s premiere. However, as seen in the table above, with data fromProgramming Insider, there is still an audience for the Allen-Dennings comedy that is not watching live or on the same day.
What Does The Rest Of ABC’s Schedule Look Like?
The Big Hits Are All Likely Returning
ABC has already renewedAbbott Elementaryfor season 5, not wanting to let its acclaimed mockumentary comedy continue its fourth installment under a cloud of uncertainty. Outside of that andHigh Potential, which ended its 13-episode season in February,ABC has largely kept away from early renewal announcements. This is in contrast to CBS, which has already confirmed renewals and cancellations for many of its dramas and comedies. Overall, the latest report has positive news for most of ABC’s established series.
9-1-1,The Rookie, andGrey’s Anatomyare all expected to be renewed for additional seasons. In a similar case toShifting Gears, bothThe RookieandGrey’sbenefit greatly when streaming and delayed viewership is taken into account.9-1-1, which will soon addthe spinoff9-1-1: Nashville, is in a strong position as well. With a new show on the way, it’s reported that ABC is invested in keeping the first-responder franchise going for another year. Whether or not9-1-1carries on after season 9, though, will likely depend on a number of factors.
Will Trentseason 4 is also likely to happen, as the crime drama is described as a solid performer that pairs well withHigh Potentialon the schedule. Unlike CBS, which has several spinoffs and franchise expansions in various stages of development, ABC only has the upcoming9-1-1spinoff for the 2025-2026 broadcast television season. That may change in the coming weeks and months, but for now, it’s to the benefit ofShifting GearsandDoctor Odysseyas both hang in limbo.
Our Take On Shifting Gears' Renewal Chances
It Will Likely Be Renewed
ABC has a smaller schedule to programcompared to other networks. This may benefit the family sitcomandDoctor Odyssey, another show that is on the bubble for similar reasons. However, if the season 2 ratings don’t improve or stay in place, it might not go any further. In any case, we will likely know for sure soon since renewals are expected to be announced in the coming weeks to clarify whetherShifting Gears' lingering questionswill be answered. That includes a new romance for Matt, which will renew tensions with Riley.
Shifting Gears
Cast
Shifting Gears is a drama about Matt, a widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop. Matt’s estranged daughter Riley and her teenage children move into his home, challenging him to rebuild both familial and personal connections.
