That was quite the improvement.
The season 2 premiere of Tim Allen’s ABC sitcom, “Shifting Gears,” featured a reunion with his former “Home Improvement” co-stars Richard Karn, Patricia Richardson, and Debbe Dunning.
“It was exciting to be back,” Dunning, 59, shared in an exclusive chat.
Dunning received a call from the 72-year-old Allen, asking if she could spare a few days in August. She didn’t hesitate, saying, “I’ll clear my schedule.” It felt surreal, she added.
The show returns for its second season on Wednesday, October 1st, at 8 PM on ABC, featuring Allen alongside Sean William Scott and Cat Dennings. The series, created by Mike Scully and Julie Thacker Scully—known for “The Simpsons”—centers on Matt Parker, played by Allen, who runs a car restoration shop while navigating life with his estranged daughter.
“Home Improvement” originally aired from 1991 to 1999, launching Allen’s career. The sitcom followed Tim, his wife Jill, and his three sons through various comedic adventures. Notably, it featured Tim’s home improvement show, “Tool Time,” with his co-host Al Borland and the “Tool Time girls,” including Pamela Anderson and later, Dunning.
“I always check in with Tim at least once a month,” she continued, emphasizing the importance of staying close with friends.
During the premiere, Dunning and her co-stars reminisced about their time on set. They shared laughs over family-related stories and had a good time recalling specific moments, like a funny wardrobe incident.
Throughout their time on “Home Improvement,” Allen offered Dunning career advice. She recalls a moment when he told her not to worry, that she would do great things, hinting at her modeling past.
Dunning did not keep in touch with the entire cast. Taran Noah Smith stepped away from acting post-show, while Jonathan Taylor Thomas last acted in 2015’s “Last Man Standing.” Zachery Ty Bryan has faced several legal troubles. “I only saw Jonathan at a little reunion after Earl Hindman passed away,” she noted. Hindman portrayed Tim’s neighbor and sadly passed away in 2003.
“I’m not sure what those guys are up to anymore,” she said, referring to Thomas, Smith, and Bryan.
As for her future on “Shifting Gears,” Dunning remarked, “For now, it’s just a one-time thing. It could go on, but who knows?”
