Matt isn’t going to be single for too long in Shifting Gears.
Tim Allen’s comeback sitcom debuted to solid viewership despite being divisive critically. Shifting Gears‘ premise of former estranged father and daughter duo, Matt and Riley, coming together and rebuilding their relationship. Backed by nostalgia from the comedy legend’s past shows and a solid ensemble, its sophomore run allowed ABC to really dig deep into the characters’ individual and collective stories.
Because of its genre, Shifting Gears season 2 was vital to ABC’s 2025-2026 TV programming. So while it had fewer episodes compared to other scripted series, it made the most of it by tackling the biggest narratives, including Matt’s dating life. His intense affair with Jenna Elfman’s Eve that started in season 1 ended early the following year. This, understandably, resulted in concerns about the actor never returning to the series again.
Talking to Us Weekly, Allen clarified the matter, confirming that Elfman is indeed coming back in Shifting Gears season 3, primarily because he can’t do it without her. That makes sense, considering how pivotal Eve is to Matt’s personal story, but the actors also have great chemistry, which adds to the appeal of watching them together. Read his quote below:
“I just saw Jenna. We went to see No Doubt with a whole group of people at The Sphere in Vegas. She said, ‘Now this is gonna only work for them if I can do eight episodes with you.’ And I said, ‘God, I’m glad that you said this.’
I love doing the show, and I love what we’ve got. I’m amazed that they’re able to do this. But they’ve got it set up that she’ll be in most of the season,”
With official news that Eve will be in the majority of Shifting Gears season 3, it’s curious how the show is going to move the pair’s story forward, following the season 2 finale’s cliffhanger. For context, the year ended with Matt accidentally bumping into his ex, who had been traveling since their break-up. On a whim, they decided to go on a trip together. Allen floated the idea that the couple might take things to the next level and move in when the show returns.
“My question is — and we haven’t talked about it yet because we’ll start in late July to do our new season — is Jenna going to move in with me, or am I going to move in with her [on the show]? I don’t know. I’d like to stretch it out where we’re just dating a little bit.
“I said I don’t foresee it coming, but [showrunner] Michelle [Nader] and her team surprised me again. I’m uncomfortable with it — because I’m a comedian — so I don’t know where this goes. It doesn’t matter; it’s working. It makes a dynamic sitcom move a little bit wider, definitely.”
Currently, ABC has yet to confirm how many episodes of Shifting Gears season 3. The comedy is set for a 2027 debut, although no exact date yet. With production set to start in July, it’s safe to say that more details about the matter will be made clear then. Despite filming not starting yet, it seems like Allen and the rest of the creative team have already figured out what’s ahead for Matt, Riley, and the rest of the Shifting Gears crew.
With Matt and Eve’s love story seemingly on a positive trajectory, it’s curious what that means for Riley and Gabe’s slow-burn. Shifting Gears season 2 almost paid off the setup for their burgeoning romance, but eventually backed off it at the very last minute. It will be curious to see how watching her dad being happy in his own relationship will impact Riley’s choices moving forward.
