Tim Allen’s is setting up another Last Man Standing reunion, with a new guest star joining the cast for a special appearance. , a widowed auto shop owner whose quiet life is upended when his estranged daughter Riley (Kat Dennings) and her children suddenly move into his home. The Shifting Gears cast has already welcomed several sitcom alumni, including Dharma & Greg's Jenna Eflman, and now another familiar face is set to appear in an upcoming episode.

As revealed by ABC, , appearing as himself. The episode sees Leno bringing his car into Matt’s auto restoration shop for repairs. Leno previously played Joe, a mechanic, on Last Man Standing, and his longtime friendship with Allen—both having risen to fame as stand-up comedians in the 1980s—makes his guest spot a natural fit. You can find the first-look image below:

Leno’s appearance is another example of Shifting Gears . The show frequently features familiar faces, including Last Man Standing’s Nancy Travis, who will appear in episode 6. The March 12 episode with Leno, titled "Gummies," will weave multiple storylines together, including Riley discovering weed gummies in Carter’s pocket and seeking unexpected advice from Matt. Meanwhile, Eve (Elfman) inadvertently puts Gabriel and Stitch in a difficult situation after asking them to donate to a charity auction.

While reviews for Shifting Gears have noted its overreliance on Allen’s well-established comedic persona and familiar tropes, the ABC series has nonetheless emerged as a ratings' powerhouse, even surpassing The Conners in viewership. , highlighting his signature brand of humor. However, for Shifting Gears to ensure its success in the long run, it may need to introduce fresh dynamics beyond nostalgic reunions. One step in that direction appears to be the addition of Raising Hope alum Lucas Neff, who plays Riley’s estranged husband.

for longtime fans, bringing back the comedic chemistry that made their Last Man Standing run an enjoyable watch. While Shifting Gears continues to benefit from nostalgia, it risks becoming too dependent on familiar faces. The ABC sitcom has succeeded in ratings, but to maintain momentum, it should establish a stronger identity beyond its ties to Last Man Standing. Nonetheless, Leno’s cameo will surely be a fun moment while proves it can stand on its own.

Source: ABC