Kaitlyn Dever Makes Surprise Visit to Former TV Dad Tim Allen on ‘Shifting Gears’ Set

During a recent taping of Shifting Gears, Tim Allen was caught completely off guard when he spotted Kaitlyn Dever in the kitchen, replacing his current on-screen daughter, Kat Dennings, in a playful twist.

Video shared on the shows official Instagram captures the moment Allen walks onto the set and halts in disbelief as Dever, his former co-star from Last Man Standing, emerges from behind a refrigerator door. The audience erupts in laughter and applause as Allen reacts with genuine surprise. The two share a warm embrace, and Dever amusingly mimics Allens shocked expression. Dennings, who had been hiding behind the kitchen island for the prank, also joins in for a hug.

Kaitlyn Dever is here! Allen exclaimed to the audience.

Dever portrayed Eve Baxter, the daughter of Allens character Mike Baxter, for the first six seasons of Last Man Standing on ABC from 2011 to 2017. When the series moved to Fox for three additional seasons from 2018 to 2021, she transitioned to a recurring role as her career shifted toward leading roles in projects such as the film Booksmart and TV series including Unbelievable and Dopesick. More recently, she has appeared in The Last of Us and Apple Cider Vinegar.

Allen currently stars as Matt Parker on Shifting Gears, with Dennings playing his daughter Riley. The show premiered on ABC in January and returned for its second season in October.

Reflecting on their past work together, Dever has praised Allen and Last Man Standing co-star Nancy Travis for their mentorship. In 2012, she mentioned how much she learned from Allens guidance on comedic timing and line delivery, and in 2016, she noted how their playful dynamic often led to shared laughter on set.

Shifting Gears airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on ABC.

Author: Chloe Ramirez