Tim Allen opens up on Jenna Elfman romance concerns in ‘Shifting Gears’
Tim Allen reflects on 'Shifting Gears' romance with Jenna Elfman and age gap concerns
Tim Allen admitted his concerns that his on-screen romance in Shifting Gears with Jenna Elfman could be perceived as “creepy” due to their 15-year age gap.
The Toy Story actor, 72, discussed with US the ABC sitcom storyline in which he stars opposite Elfman, 57, noting that the dynamic between their characters depends heavily on how it appears on screen.
“It gets creepy for me at a certain age [and] we’re right at that border,” Allen said, adding that appearance and styling play a major role in how the pairing is viewed.
He also said, “If Jenna didn’t look so damn nice, then our age gap is not that much.”
Concerns Over On-Screen Perception
Tim Allen said he became self-conscious about how the romance between his character Matt Parker and Elfman’s Eve Drake would be received by audiences.
He explained that while the storyline has not created major issues in terms of plot, references to the age gap within the show are not always comfortable for him.
“When they have her making jokes about it, it’s not my preference,” he said.
Allen added that depending on lighting, styling, and wardrobe choices, the dynamic can either feel balanced or more awkward on screen.
How the Romance Became Part of the Show
The actor also revealed that he did not originally intend for Shifting Gears to include a romantic storyline.
He said his early vision focused more on a widower-led car show centred on grief and family dynamics, rather than romance.
“Our showrunner put this thing together, and they really like the romance,” Allen said, adding that the relationship element developed more organically over time.
Praise for Jenna Elfman and Series Direction
Despite his concerns, Allen praised Elfman’s performance, saying her presence helped expand the tone and audience of the series.
“She’s so fun to be around,” he said, noting that the romance has introduced a new dynamic that appeals to viewers beyond the show’s original “car guy” audience.
He added that the chemistry between the characters has worked unexpectedly well, contributing to the show’s evolution.
Shifting Gears is set to return for a third season on ABC in 2027.
