Thu Jan 16 01:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Kat Dennings Calls Tim Allen Her “Favorite TV Dad” in New ABC Sitcom

**Los Angeles, CA** – Actress Kat Dennings is praising her new costar, Tim Allen, calling him her favorite on-screen father yet in their new ABC sitcom, *Shifting Gears*. Dennings, known for her roles in *2 Broke Girls* and *The 40-Year-Old Virgin*, shares that working with the iconic Allen, who plays her stubborn, widowed father in the show, has been a dream come true.

“Tim Allen is my favorite TV dad of all time,” Dennings told PEOPLE. She credits Allen’s long-standing, loyal crew as a testament to his character, noting their continued work with him across projects like *Home Improvement* and *Last Man Standing*. Their on-screen banter, especially their arguing scenes, is described as “really fun.”

*Shifting Gears* follows Allen’s character, a classic car restoration shop owner, as he navigates his daughter Riley (Dennings) and her two children moving back home. Dennings revealed that accepting the role felt serendipitous, arriving at a time when she was feeling lost and uncertain about her career. The opportunity to work on a multi-cam sitcom, combined with her childhood memories of watching Allen in *Home Improvement*, made the role particularly meaningful.

“He’s Santa Claus, he’s Buzz Lightyear… a big part of my consciousness growing up,” Dennings said, adding that working with him was “surreal” but in a positive way due to Allen’s kindness.

While Allen holds a special place in her heart, Dennings also fondly remembers other on-screen fathers, including the late Bob Saget (from *Raising Dad*) and Steve Carell (from *The 40-Year-Old Virgin*). She described her experiences with all of them as positive and highlighted the kindness she encountered from each.

*Shifting Gears* airs Wednesdays on ABC.

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