Fans of Tim Allen and the beloved sitcom Last Man Standing were treated to a special emotional moment recently when Kaitlyn Dever surprised her former TV dad on the set of his latest show, Shifting Gears. The unexpected reunion brought together not only Allen and Dever but also Kat Dennings, who plays Allen’s current on-screen daughter, creating a wholesome crossover moment that longtime fans absolutely loved.
The surprise was captured in a video shared on Shifting Gears’ official social media account, and it immediately went viral. For fans who watched Allen and Dever’s father-daughter bond develop across nine seasons of Last Man Standing, this reunion felt like a nostalgic celebration and a tribute to the long-lasting connections created on set.
A Sweet Surprise in the Middle of a Take
Kaitlyn Dever, known today for major roles in The Last of Us, Booksmart, and Dopesick, decided to stop by the Shifting Gears set — but she kept the visit a secret from her former TV dad.
As the video shows, Tim Allen walked onto the soundstage kitchen set in the middle of what appeared to be a live take. He expected to see Kat Dennings waiting in her usual position behind the kitchen counter. Instead, he was met with the smiling face of Dever, who had positioned herself by the fridge, holding the door open and looking into it.
The moment Allen noticed her, his reaction was pure shock — followed by laughter and a big embrace as the studio audience erupted in cheers.
Dennings, who had secretly crouched behind the counter to hide from Allen, popped up moments later, joining in on the celebration.
A Reunion That Fans Didn’t Expect — But Absolutely Loved
The reunion wasn’t just fun; it symbolized how deeply bonded the cast of Last Man Standing still is, even years after the show ended. The announcer in the video introduced Dever to the cheering audience:
“The amazing Kaitlyn Dever! Eve from Last Man Standing and a thousand other amazing credits. What a special night here!”
Fans who followed the show from 2011 to 2021 remember Dever as Eve Baxter, Tim Allen’s athletic, witty, and ambitious youngest daughter — a character who quickly became a viewer favorite.
Kat Dennings, who plays Riley on Shifting Gears, later hugged Dever and clapped enthusiastically, celebrating the unexpected moment. The official social media account for Shifting Gears captioned the video:
“Some behind-the-scenes love for you: the best surprise. Thanks for stopping by, @kaitlyndever!”
Tim Allen Shares His Joy Online
Tim Allen, always expressive about his love for his castmates, later shared his joy on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote:
“Kaitlyn Dever stopped by my taping tonite at Shifting Gears. Such a lucky man. Truly blessed to have worked with and loved so many of my cast.”
This emotional message reflected how much Dever’s surprise meant to him, and how unforgettable their years together on Last Man Standing were.
Dever and Allen: A Bond Built Over Nine Seasons
The relationship between Dever and Allen has always been one of the strongest on Last Man Standing. Dever appeared as a series regular for the first six seasons of the sitcom, from 2011 to 2017. When the show moved networks and returned, she came back as a recurring character across the final three seasons, appearing in 12 episodes.
Across those nine seasons, Eve Baxter grew from a teen discovering her path to an independent young woman — all while sharing heartfelt, humorous, and meaningful moments with her TV dad.
Kaitlyn Dever’s Rising Career After ‘Last Man Standing’
Since leaving the regular cast of Last Man Standing, Dever’s career has skyrocketed.
Film Highlights
- Booksmart – widely praised for her lead performance
- Rosaline – a fresh comedic take on the Romeo & Juliet myth
- No One Will Save You – a sci-fi thriller that earned major buzz
- Ticket to Paradise – co-starring with George Clooney and Julia Roberts
- Beautiful Boy – a critically acclaimed drama
- Dear Evan Hansen – a musical adaptation where she played a key emotional role
TV Highlights
- Dopesick – earned an Emmy nomination for her powerful performance
- The Last of Us – one of the biggest series of the decade, where she delivered another standout role
At just 27, she has built a strong reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors.
What’s Next for Kaitlyn Dever?
Dever has an exciting slate ahead. She is set to appear in:
- Godzilla x Kong: Supernova
- See You When I See You
Both films are already generating significant anticipation, and her involvement adds even more excitement for fans.
Kat Dennings and the New Era of Tim Allen Sitcoms
Kat Dennings has taken on the role of Riley, Allen’s on-screen daughter in Shifting Gears. Known for 2 Broke Girls, Thor, WandaVision, and many more, Dennings brings fresh comedic timing to the new sitcom.
Her joyful participation in Dever’s surprise makes it clear that Allen’s TV family — old and new — blends together with ease.
A Night to Remember on the Set of ‘Shifting Gears’
The reunion wasn’t just heartwarming — it became a fan-favorite moment across social media. The combination of nostalgia, friendship, and laughter made it feel like a mini-Last Man Standing episode.
Tim Allen’s long career in sitcom television continues to bring together actors who stay connected long after the cameras stop rolling. Dever’s appearance reminded fans how impactful these shows can be — both onscreen and behind the scenes.
Where to Watch ‘Shifting Gears’
For viewers excited to catch more of Tim Allen’s latest work, Shifting Gears airs:
Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
This is Allen’s newest sitcom adventure, filled with humor, heart, and now — surprise reunions!
Final Thoughts
The surprise visit from Kaitlyn Dever was more than just a fun behind-the-scenes moment — it was a tribute to years of storytelling, strong cast chemistry, and genuine affection that Tim Allen inspires among his co-stars. Fans of both Last Man Standing and Shifting Gears continue to celebrate the reunion, proving that great TV families never really say goodbye.
