Tim Allen's "Shifting Gears" Makes a Splash on ABC and Hulu

Tim Allen is back in the spotlight with his latest comedy, "Shifting Gears," creating waves across television and streaming platforms. The show has amassed an impressive total audience of nearly 17 million viewers within its first week, marking it as ABC's best new series launch in over six years and the most-watched series premiere on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.

A Stellar Debut

"Shifting Gears," which airs at 8 p.m. ET/PT, debuted to remarkable acclaim, with a total cross-platform audience of 16.95 million, reflecting a staggering 173% increase compared to its initial Live+Same Day delivery of 6.20 million. Excluding linear encores, the show attracted 12.45 million viewers and achieved a notable 2.94 rating among adults 18-49, indicating a 101% increase in total viewership and a staggering 339% spike in the key demographic.

This impressive performance sets "Shifting Gears" apart as ABC’s strongest series debut since "The Conners" in October 2018. Moreover, it has become the most-watched premiere on streaming platforms, showcasing its widespread appeal.

Crossover Success with "Abbott Elementary"

Following "Shifting Gears," the acclaimed series "Abbott Elementary" returned at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT, featuring a much-anticipated crossover event with FXX's "It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia." This episode reached a series high with 8.05 million total viewers and a 2.57 rating in the Adults 18-49 demographic across multiplatform viewing, excluding the show's post-Oscars episode.

On linear television, "Abbott Elementary" garnered 4.90 million total viewers and a 0.90 rating in adults 18-49, reflecting a solid 28% increase over its initial audience. The crossover event not only captivated viewers but also set an all-time series high for episode views on streaming platforms.

Conclusion

With "Shifting Gears" and the crossover event of "Abbott Elementary," ABC has successfully captured audience interest, reigniting the network's comedic lineup. Tim Allen's return is met with enthusiasm, and the synergy between these two shows demonstrates the power of engaging content in the competitive landscape of television and streaming. As audiences continue to flock to these series, the future looks bright for both Allen and ABC.