By India McCarty
The cast of HOME IMPROVEMENT reflected on their hit show as they prepare to reunite for an upcoming episode of Tim Allen’s SHIFTING GEARS.
“I’m a little overwhelmed with these guys being in the scene and not being Tim Taylor,” Tim Allen told GOOD MORNING AMERICA, referring to his HOME IMPROVEMENT character.
Richard Karn, who played Al Borland, shared that he couldn’t pinpoint “a specific moment” that he knew the show would be a hit but joked, “I just was really glad to have this job.”
Related: Tim Allen Just Reunited With 3 HOME IMPROVEMENT Costars—Here’s Why
One factor that contributed to HOME IMPROVEMENT’s popularity? The realistic portrayal of marriage.
“I always felt it was this relationship,” Allen said, gesturing to onscreen wife Patricia Richardson. “We wanted the husband and wife to be really in love with each other, unlike other sitcoms.”
Debbe Dunning added, “It was such a clean show. You never had to worry about anything being said [that was] inappropriate.”
Dunning, who played “Tool Time Girl” Heidi, spoke to the New York Post about reuniting with her HOME IMPROVEMENT co-stars for SHIFTING GEARS.
“Coming back was exciting,” she said. “I’m like, even if I was [busy], I’ll clear my schedule. Just going back and seeing everybody from the makeup and hair people to the group [of actors] was surreal.”
Will you watch SHIFTING GEARS season 2 for this reunion?
Dunning shared that the cast does “talk to each other quite a bit,” calling them “a family.”
“I always talk to Tim. At least once a month I check in,” she said. “And it’s just one of those things where you guys are friends and you just can’t help but stay friends.”
Dunning also teased a potential return for their characters, saying, “As of now, it’s a one time appearance. It does have the ability to go on, but we’ll see!”
In an interview with USA Today, Allen shared the details behind his former co-stars’ appearance on SHIFTING GEARS. His character is still struggling in the aftermath of his wife’s death. His friend suggests joining a grief group — made up of Richardson, Karn and Dunning.
“It seemed to be a nice metaphor, and it was just ridiculously funny,” Allen said. “It was hysterically funny just getting them to be these completely different characters and you end up slipping back into your old roles you played…Mostly it was just for fun for the audience.”
Season 2 of SHIFTING GEARS is currently airing; who knows what other exciting guest stars the new season has in store?
Read Next: What You Need to Know About Tim Allen’s SHIFTING GEARS Season 2
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