Tim Allen’s former TV daughter surprises him on ‘Shifting Gears’

Tim Allen reunited with his former TV daughter while filming his ABC sitcom “Shifting Gears.”

Kaitlyn Dever, who played Allen’s daughter on “Last Man Standing” from 2011 to 2021, recently stopped by the “Shifting Gears” set for a surprise visit.

In a heartwarming moment shared via the show’s official Instagram page earlier this week, Allen, 72, walked around the corner into the kitchen only to find Dever, 28, looking through the fridge.

“Oh,” Dever said casually, as Allen grabbed the counter in shock. The audience laughed and applauded as Allen stepped forward to embrace Dever.

“Last Man Standing” followed Mike Baxter (Allen), a senior executive for a sporting goods store. Dever starred as Eve, one of Mike’s three daughters. Since playing Allen’s progeny, Dever has starred in television shows including “Apple Cider Vinegar” (Belle Gibson) and “The Last of Us” (Abby).

Back in December 2019, Allen was one of the announcers for the 77th Golden Globe Award nominations, and he got to announce Dever’s Best Actress nomination for the miniseries “Unbelievable.”

READ MORE: ‘Shifting Gears’ casts Hallmark Channel actor as Tim Allen’s son

“Just left Golden Globes announcement presentation. Special to get to smile as I read nominee of my gifted TV daughter Kaitlyn Dever to the press … congrats to her and all the other artists,” Allen wrote via X at the time.

“Last Man Standing” came to an end in 2021, but Allen has a new TV family on “Shifting Gears.” He plays Matt Parker, an auto shop owner who reluctantly takes in his estranged, newly divorced daughter Riley (Kat Dennings) and his two grandchildren (Maxwell Simkins and Barrett Margolis). Luke Macfarlane will join the cast later this season as Allen’s son Sam, who has been mentioned but never seen on the show.

Season 1 of “Shifting Gears” premiered in January, quickly followed by season 2 in October. The series is the latest project in Allen’s long career. Prior to “Last Man Standing,” he helmed another sitcom, “Home Improvement,” from 1991-1999.

“I’ve done a full circle. I look around and I’m on the Disney lot, and I keep walking by the ‘Home Improvement’ set,” Allen said while speaking to TVInsider about “Shifting Gears” in December 2024. “I sat in front of the set and they still have a sign on it: ‘Home Improvement’. I’m kind of finishing, if you will, where I started.”

“Shifting Gears” airs on ABC on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET. Episodes are available to stream on Hulu the day after they air.