Shifting Gears

Everything they say isn't funny so PLEASE give us a break and scrap the laugh track. It's used so often it makes the show unwatchable, which is a shame because it's not off to a bad start as a new series.

The acting is good and the plotline allows room for the show to grow.

But for the show to evolve writers need to stop aiming for the quick easy laugh and develop the characters.

Mostly, tone down the laugh track. We can figure out the comedic lines all by ourselves.

There's good chemistry between Tim Allen and Kat Dennings and the actors who play the kids are quite good. Don't let the laugh track spoil it.

Really wanted to like this. Both Tim Allen and Kat Dennings are great comedy actors, but the show is just trying too hard. It's also great to see Sean William Scott back in a role, but it's just very 2 dimensional. Their performances feel stiff and unnatural and there is no chemistry there. Also the over-use of canned laughter is ridiculous, it's constant and it feels like you are being forced into laughing because you are obviously not capable of understanding where the comedy is without it. The fact is that a lot of what they are playing the canned laughter at really isn't funny but then this takes the shine off the few genuinely funny parts. A show with great potential but a real disappointment.

Here I was thinking Tim Allen and Kat Denning, 2 actors I actually like, were going to blow it out of the park. 2 episodes in and all I can think is how long till they cancel this. Tim is the exact same character hes always been but theres no spring in his step. Its a stiff performance. Maybe he's trying to adapt to the character and hasnt nailed it yet.

Kat for the most part is phoning it in. Shes acting like shes in 2 Broke Girls but without the clever sexual innuendos. She was much better in Thor and Wandavision.

This just seems flat to me. I'll watch it for now, but I think this one wont get any legs to it. Its just not funny and the canned laughter is over done.

I really like Tim Allen and Kat Dennings, and so I was hopeful about their pairing as sitcom veterans in Shifting Gears. I like the premise too and find it relatable. It's challenging when you don't always see eye to eye with your parent but you love them regardless. And as someone who comes from a family with a mix of liberals and conservatives, I like shows that have characters from both sides of the table.

I will say, though...it could just be that it's the first episode and they need more time working together, but the chemistry of the actors seems off. Kat's not really giving me a "became a mom at a young age" vibe yet. Everyone just felt a bit awkard but I will say it's an awkward situation to have to ask your parent for help when your relationship isn't the best. But I couldn't help but feel everything was just a pinched forced.

Tim and the granddaughter connect well, though. She was the best out of all of them, in my opinion. She seemed to be the one that interacted with everyone the best and felt the most natural in the role. She has a bright eyed optimism that is refreshing to see that breaks from the stereotype of " kids these days are just spoiled screen zombies with zero social skills."

I still like the premise, though. And I still got a bit choked up at the end - it felt like Kat and Tim finally "clicked", not just as father and daughter, but as two actors telling a story. So maybe they will find their footing eventually? I'm going to give it more time. Hoping it becomes my comfort show.

Painfully bad & clichés galore!

Kat D thinks her witty sarcastic attitude is always a flex,no matter what she gets cast in.. Would enjoy seeing if she can act,beyond just one style.

Tim seems to feel he can micromanage things from script,etc.. Unfortunately that's his downfall it leaves things stale,because it resembles his past series.

The laugh track doesn't make things funny,but more like your watching a play or guess what.. Cheesy sitcom.

The kids are wrongly cast & not good either.

Also boring another show about a widow getting his life complicated,with shocker.. Kids!

Sean(Former Apple Pie)wasn't great,but made things less insufferable.

I think better direction,script & casting may of improved things.. The acting was flat & you didn't connect with any main characters,because they felt unlikable.

Don't see this making it beyond season one,actually don't see myself making it for episode 2 but will give it another try.. "Maybe" it will find its place & become better.