Tim Allen’s Ex Sitcom Wife Nancy Travis Finds Out About His ‘Shifting Gears’ Romance With Jenna Elfman

During the season 1 finale, the romance between Riley and Gabriel (Seann William Scott) hit a wall when he chose not to make a move following her split from her ex. Instead, in the last moments of the finale, Eve surprised Matt with a kiss.

“I will say that it is really interesting to watch them,” showrunner Michelle Nader exclusively told Us Weekly earlier this month about the season 2 dynamic. “It’s interesting to watch their relationship develop, and so they’re going to go into high gear — but it’s going to be a little bit of a roller-coaster.”

Elfman, 53, also spoke to Us about how thrilled she is to get to return to the show.

“I’m loving doing the show. I love working with everybody on it. I love the showrunner. It genuinely is like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop because I can’t believe how good it is. I’m very excited for everyone to see it,” she gushed. “I have to say I’m blown away by the writing this year. They’re writing for each actor and for their character so well. The stories are sincerely hilarious. Like, at work, we’re all doubled over laughing repeatedly.”

Elfman continued: “Just as a performer and as someone in this industry, I’m blown away at how good the comedy is on this show this year. So that makes me very excited for everyone at home because I know they’re going to have a great laugh with their family.”

At the end of the trailer, Allen, 72, is also seen reuniting with his former Home Improvement costars Patricia Richardson, Debbe Dunning and Richard Karn, who “show up to support” Matt in “an unexpected way.”

“Hey buddy,” Karn, 69, says as Dunning, 59, is later seen adding, “That guy is a tool.”

Shifting Gears returns to ABC Wednesday, October 1, at 8 p.m. ET before streaming the next day on Hulu.