Tim Allen’s ‘Shifting Gears’ Just Got a Major Season 2 Update That Hints at a Return Date

Tim Allen is getting back in the garage. ABC has officially confirmed that Shifting Gears is returning for a second season — and now, thanks to a new filming update, we also know when it hits the air.

Season 2 of the multigenerational family comedy begins production on Monday, August 19, with live studio audience tickets already distributed for the taping of the premiere episode. That gives fans a pretty good idea of how quickly things are moving — especially now that ABC has locked in a Wednesday, October 1 at 8PM debut for the second season.

The show, which stars Allen as Matt, a widowed mechanic suddenly living with his adult daughter Riley (played by Kat Dennings) and her two kids, ended its ten-episode freshman run on a cliffhanger back in March. Season 1 built toward emotional and romantic tension between multiple characters, including a surprising kiss between Matt and his nemesis Eve (Jenna Elfman) and a quiet almost-confession from Riley’s childhood best friend Gabriel (Seann William Scott). Now that Season 2 is confirmed — and with a likely full-season order — fans can expect those storylines to finally pay off.

Though Shifting Gears premiered to strong numbers — 7.8 million viewers in the Nielsen Live+7 ratings — the Season 1 finale dipped to 5.17 million. Despite the drop, the show remained ABC’s fifth most-watched scripted series of the season and found a loyal audience, particularly among viewers watching via Hulu.

What Will Happen in ‘Shifting Gears’ Season 2?

The Season 1 finale, which aired on March 19, left nearly every major relationship hanging. After spending the whole season bickering across property lines, Matt and Eve shared a kiss (following a fender bender and a tense graduation).

At the same time, Riley made the decision to divorce her husband Jimmy (Lucas Neff), who had returned briefly with grand plans to tour with the Foo Fighters. While Jimmy may not be sticking around, his absence has opened the door for Gabriel — who tried to finally express his feelings to Riley, only for her to pass out mid-confession.

With production beginning in August and a fall premiere locked in, fans won’t have to wait long to see how it all plays out. Riley and Gabriel could finally confront their romantic tension, which might cause friction with Matt. And while Matt and Eve’s kiss was played for laughs, it’s clear Shifting Gears is setting them up for something more complicated than just punchlines.

Shifting Gears Season 2 premieres Wednesday, October 1 at 8PM ET on ABC and will air weekly in its new fall slot.