Tim Allenis proof that arriving late on the stage doesn’t necessarily mean one will have fewer chances of success. The 53-year-old actor had his first screen role in 1988, a time when most of his peers had already established themselves in their careers. Still, he became a big deal. The actor and comedian attracted much praise while starring in the ABC sitcomHome Improvement, a role that earned him a Golden Globe Award. His voice role in theToy Storyfranchise also made him a darling for animation fans across the globe.
Today, Allen continues to shine on both the big and small screens. He’ll be a part ofToy Story 5, coming out in 2026, and is currently making all the headlines with his performance in the sitcomShifting Gears. Allen’s work on television is extensive, but only 6 shows have him in a lead role. And here’s how they rank against each other.
6’The Santa Clauses' (2022 – 2023)
The Santa Clauses
A sequel to the 2006 movie,The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause,The Santa Clausesfinds Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) in a tough spot.After serving as Santa for more than 30 years, he starts losing his magic. Even worse, his teenage children aren’t easy to deal with. He thuspasses over the mantle to tech inventor, Simon Choski (Kal Penn),who he hopes will institute a great new social agenda for Christmas. Unfortunately,Choski attempts to use the position to further enrich himself,forcing Scott to try and reclaim his throne.
Fighting for Christmas
For thislegacy sequel, series creator Jack Burditt addresses a tumultuous time in the world when Christmas has lost meaning, focusing thisgripping, well-acted show on the Shakespearean dilemmas of an aging Santa Claus. Credibly embodied by Allen, our Santa envisions a future where Christmas will be even better without him; but his choices only seem to drive him down disastrous paths. And even though he is used to playing funny guys,Penn makes a compelling villain.
However,The Santa Clauseswould have had a greater impact if it hadn’t been released so many years after the movies. A few of the plots require audiences to be familiar with the previous material, so new fans might struggle. Besides that, the arcs never feel as strong as the performances. Even so, the show is guaranteed to impress any child. No wonder it was nominated for nine awards at the Children’s and Family Emmy Awards.
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5’Shifting Gears' (2025)
Shifting Gears
Shifting Gearsfollows Matt Parker (Tim Allen),a gruff widower yet to get over the death of his wife. Thankfully, he has something to keep him busy: his classic–car restoration garage. Life gets a lot more interesting whenhis estranged daughter moves into his house with her two kids after a divorce. Unsurprisingly, her progressive parenting style doesn’t sit well with Matt, resulting in frequent clashes. But daddy and daughter have to learn how to get along.
Learning to Get Along
Witha sterling castthat also includes Kat Dennings and Sean William Scott,Shifting Gearsmines a lot of fun out of the quotidian moments. And the garage seems to act as a metaphor, showing how important it is to rebuild things, whether they are automobiles or family bonds.
The sitcomhas had great numbers ever since it premiered. Itset an audience record for ABC, amassing nearly 17 million multi-platform viewers in its first seven days across ABC, Hulu, Hulu on Disney+, and digital platforms. This made it the network’s strongest debut sinceThe Conners. However, the jokes will need to improve if the fans are to stay. Stronger characters will also need to be introduced, because Matt and his daughter tend to take most of the glory.
4’More Power' (2022)
More Power
Hosted by Tim Allen, April Wilkerson, and Richard Karn,More Powerisa deep study into the evolution and use of some of the key tools that make the world go round. Each episode covers a specific tool or machine. Allen and Karn mostly infuse humor into the analysis, while Wilkerson goes into the practical aspects.
World Improvement
Allen’s decision to hostMore Powercame as no surprise given hisHome Improvementbackground.He’s always had a passion for tools. Better yet, he knows how to make work seem fun. The show (with a title born out of a catchphrase from his popular ’90s sitcom) will crack you up and inspire you. Above all, it isa fascinating mechanical document and a deftly handled productionthat tells a universal Physics-inspired story.
3’Assembly Required' (2021)
Assembly Required
Assembly Requiredis a competition reality show focusing on DIY activities. Tim Allen and Richard Karn serve as hosts, alongside woodworking YouTuber April Wilkerson.Participants on the show have a limited amount of time to build a designated household item. The final creations are then judged on quality, design, and functionality.
Building Before Using
Few things are as fun as watching Allen review tools. This is the kind of show his fans would totally eat up. However, it’slet down by the fact that he and his co-hosts have to watch the building process on screen. One can’t help but feel that they’d be better commentators if they were right there at the center of the action. Nonetheless,the jokes are in plenty. Viewers will also feel inspired to be creative.
2’Last Man Standing' (2011 – 2021)
Last Man Standing
Tim Allen stars inLast Man Standingas Mike Baxter, a senior executive at an outdoor-sports retail chain in Denver. He isa devoted husband and father with three daughters, who often strives to uphold masculinity in his female household. Mike even uses a vlog to air opinions on parenting, politics, and masculinity, but his conservative views rarely align with those of his liberal family members, resulting in several hilarious moments.
Patriarchy Not Allowed
Last Man Standingisa bold look at life in female-dominated families. The unsparing camera not only captures the desperation that such a tenuous existence creates for the sole man in the house, but also includes several scenes of uplifting warmth and emotion. Andthe little moments are made even more powerful through great storytelling and jokes.
So popular was the show that fans protested online, asking for it to be renewed when ABC canceled it after the sixth season. Thankfully, FOX took over, producing a seventh, eighth, and ninth season. If you want a good-looking sitcom, be sure to check it out. It received several Emmy nominations for Outstanding Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series. And Allen is excellent as always.
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1’Home Improvement' (1991 – 1999)
Home Improvement
Home Improvementis all about Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor (Tim Allen),an accident-prone host of a Detroit-based TV showtitledTool Time. In it, hefrequently attempts to showcase his expertise with power tools and other home improvement techniques, only for him to comically fail. At home, Tim is a husband and dad to three boys. He struggles with family life, too, butoften receives advice from his neighbor, Wilson(Earl Hindman).
Allen’s Greatest Hit
Few ‘90s sitcoms trumpHome Improvementin popularity. The show was a huge success, grossing over $500 million in syndication revenue,according to the Los Angeles Times. Additionally, it was nominated for numerous awards, including seven Emmys.
Look hard and you are unlikely to find any sitcom character like Tim. Allenpartly tailored his performances to his own real-life experiences, and it worked beautifully. Despite never having had much acting experience, he handles the character smoothly. There are also plenty of fun cameos, includingone from Jimmy Carter. Beyond that, this isn’t just a comedy. There are plenty of life lessons. Call itLife Improvement.
