Tim Allen’s “Shifting Gears” Smashes ABC Streaming Records

Lead Tim Allen’s new sitcom “Shifting Gears” premiered on ABC’s streaming platform on September 8, drawing nearly 17 million views in its first week and becoming the service’s most-watched debut ever.

Nut Graf The record-breaking performance underscores ABC’s growing success in the on-demand market, highlighting the star power of Allen and the enduring appeal of network-produced comedies in the streaming era.

Main Part “Shifting Gears,” created by Mike Scully and Julie Thacker Scully, premiered simultaneously on ABC, Hulu and Disney+ on Monday night. Nielsen reported 6.2 million live-plus-same-day viewers, which swelled to 16.95 million across seven days-outpacing “The Conners” 2018 debut by a substantial margin.

Among adults 18-49, the series earned a 0.87 rating, marking a 173 percent increase over its initial telecast. Industry analysts attribute the surge to Allen’s return to network television six years after “Last Man Standing,” combined with cross-platform availability that taps into both traditional broadcast and streaming audiences.

ABC hopes to leverage this momentum for its upcoming fall lineup, with new seasons of “Dancing with the Stars” and “Abbott Elementary” set to premiere later this month on linear TV and streaming the following day on Hulu and Disney+.