5 Tim Allen movies and TV shows to watch if you loved him in Shifting Gears Season 2

Disney+ Original Series "The Santa Clauses" Premiere - Source: Getty
Disney+ Original Series "The Santa Clauses" Premiere - Source: Getty

Tim Allen is back in the news again for his performance in Shifting Gears Season 2, which premiered on October 1, 2025.

Allen plays Matt Parker, a soft-hearted widower who runs a car restoration shop, in the Disney+ Original series. When Parker's estranged daughter Riley goes through a divorce and faces financial struggles along with her two kids, she moves back in with Matt, leading to some memorable moments in the series.

Tim Allen, or Timothy Allen Dick, is an American actor from Colorado who has been part of several popular movies and TV shows. These include movies like The Santa Claus (1994), Toy Story (1995), and Toy Story 2, among others.

Here is a list of the 5 best TV shows and movies to watch if you want to explore more of Tim Allen's work.


If you liked him as Matt, you must watch these 5 shows and movies starring Tim Allen

1) Home Improvement

In this 1991 sitcom, Tim plays Tim Taylor, portrayed as a loud and gadget-obsessed host working with a fictional DIY show by the name Tool Time. He is someone who often isn't able to understand feelings but is deeply devoted to his wife and three sons.

Home Improvement is a classic comedy sitcom with some heartwarming family moments and commentary on parenting. You'd see a different shade of the actor in this one, validating his versatility.


2) Last Man Standing

Mike Baxter is Tim's character in Last Man Standing. Baxter works as a marketing executive in an outdoor sports retail chain and is a possessive guy with old-school thoughts, and is often baffled by strongly opinionated women around him.

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The sitcom comments on generational and gender clashes in personal and professional spaces. Mike is someone who believes he should "hold the fort" and is deeply into family values. His eccentric and old values make for interesting storylines.


3) The Santa Clauses

Tim Allen plays Santa, whose real name is Scott Calvin, in the drama series. Initially, he accidentally becomes Santa Claus, being reluctant about the whole job, but his journey makes him understand the deeper meaning behind the lore. He becomes a loving Santa who truly cares about his legacy.

Tim Allen in The Santa Clauses (Image Via Disney)
Tim Allen in The Santa Clauses (Image Via Disney)

The Santa Clauses is a heartfelt comedy show that explores getting older and embracing others' feelings and happiness while considering our own responsibility towards the next generation.


4) Galaxy Quest

Galaxy Quest is a film where Tim Allen plays Jason Nesmith, aka Commander Taggart, portrayed as a washed-up actor who played a spaceship captain on a cult TV show. He initially comes across as lame, but then becomes a real leader when alien recruits the cast to save their people.


5) Crazy on the Outside

Tim Allen plays Tommy Zelda in this movie, which came out in 2010. Zelda is on Parole and is trying to rebuild his life. Allen delivers a bitter-sweet performance starkly different from his sitcom characters.

Crazy on the Outside is a family drama that explores the life of Tommy and the journey of the family in reintegrating a member who has not been there for a long time.


Keep reading Soap Central for more information on Tim Allen and your other favorite artists.

Edited by Nimisha