How Maxwell Simkins and Barrett Margolis Learned from Tim Allen and Kat Dennings on Shifting Gears

Meet Maxwell Simkins and Barrett Margolis, the young scene-stealers of Tim Allen’s Shifting Gears.

ABC’s newest sitcom, Shifting Gears, premiered last night to much fanfare, delivering a heartfelt mix of humor, family drama, and classic car culture. The series stars Tim Allen as Matt, a stubborn widower and owner of a classic car restoration shop. When his estranged daughter, played by Kat Dennings, moves back into his house with her two kids, the family dynamic shifts into overdrive.

Among the standout performances are Maxwell Simkins and Barrett Margolis, who play Dennings’ kids, and Allen’s spirited grandkids. During an exclusive conversation, the young co-stars shared their excitement about the show, their on-set experiences, and working with comedy legend Tim Allen.

For Simkins, whose character often finds himself caught between his grandfather’s strict rules and his own curious nature, joining Shifting Gears was a dream come true. “Tim is hilarious, but he’s also super cool,” Simkins said. “He’d tell us stories about the cars on set, and it felt like we were really working in a garage, not just a TV show.” Simkins described his character as “a little mischievous but with a big heart,” noting how the family’s adjustment period fuels much of the show’s comedy and warmth.

Margolis, who plays Simkins’ younger sibling, echoed the sentiment, calling Allen “a mentor and a jokester.” “He made us laugh all the time,” Margolis shared. “It was amazing watching him work because he’s so good at what he does, but he also made sure we felt like part of the family.” Margolis’ character, the more reserved of the two siblings, provides a counterbalance to Simkins’ antics, creating a dynamic that resonates with viewers.

The young stars also praised the show’s unique mix of family themes and car culture.

“Even if you don’t know anything about cars, you’ll still love it,” said Simkins. “It’s really about relationships and how people can fix things—whether it’s a car or a family.”

Shifting Gears is filmed on a set designed to resemble a working restoration shop, the series incorporates many of Tim Allen’s personal vehicles, adding authenticity to the show. Margolis recounted his awe when stepping onto the set for the first time. “It’s like stepping into a car museum,” he said. “Tim’s cars are incredible, but we had to be super careful around them. No leaning!”

As Shifting Gears continues its run on ABC, the series promises more laughs, heartfelt moments, and high-octane adventures. With a talented ensemble cast and the timeless appeal of Tim Allen, the show is already revving up to be a family favorite. Catch new episodes on ABC every Wednesday, with streaming available the next day on Hulu.

Read more News on Nerdtropolis. Subscribe to our YouTube.