ABC SHOCKER: ‘Shifting Gears’ RACES Into Season 2—But Will ‘Doctor Odyssey’ SINK or SURVIVE?

Tim Allen’s Hit Sitcom Gets a Second Season Amid ABC’s Comedy Shakeup

ABC is keeping the wheels turning on Shifting Gears.

The network has officially renewed the freshman comedy starring Tim Allen and Kat Dennings for a 10-episode second season, matching its Season 1 order.

Meanwhile, the fate of Doctor Odyssey, the high-stakes medical drama starring Joshua Jackson and Don Johnson, remains in limbo, making it the only ABC scripted series yet to receive a decision.

A Close Call for ‘Shifting Gears’—But Allen’s Star Power Prevails

Shifting Gears debuted to massive success, with its pilot episode drawing nearly 17 million cross-platform viewers, making it ABC’s biggest new series launch in over six years.

However, as the season progressed, ratings saw a steep decline, dropping 40% in linear viewership and 50% among adults 18-49.

Despite this, ABC saw enough promise in the show’s multi-platform performance, ranking #5 among all ABC scripted series in the 18-49 demo.

Additionally, Allen’s longstanding relationship with Disney, spanning across TV and film, played a key role in securing a renewal.

With The Conners wrapping up and no new comedy pilots in the pipeline, ABC faced the risk of having only one remaining sitcom—Abbott Elementary—next season.

This gave Shifting Gears a strategic advantage, ensuring that ABC maintained a stronger comedy lineup.

The renewal is particularly exciting for fans, as Season 1 ended on a major cliffhanger.

Kat Dennings recently teased upcoming storylines, promising that the next season will take the show in unexpected directions.

‘Doctor Odyssey’ Hangs in the Balance

While Shifting Gears secured another season, the fate of Doctor Odyssey remains uncertain.

The Ryan Murphy-produced medical drama, set aboard a luxury cruise ship, boasts impressive production values and an A-list cast, but its ratings have been moderate at best.

ABC executives are reportedly crunching the numbers and debating the show’s future, given its high production costs.

Insiders say the Season 1 finale was designed to work as a potential series finale, should the network opt not to move forward.

Regardless of Doctor Odyssey’s fate, Murphy’s presence on ABC is secure, as his hit series 9-1-1 was recently renewed, along with its new spinoff, 9-1-1: Nashville.

ABC’s Fall Lineup Takes Shape

With Shifting Gears joining Grey’s Anatomy, 9-1-1, The Rookie, Will Trent, High Potential, and Abbott Elementary on ABC’s renewed slate, the network is solidifying its lineup for next season.

Now, all eyes are on Doctor Odyssey—will it sink or stay afloat?

Stay tuned for the latest updates as ABC finalizes its schedule.