Beth Behrs is returning to television alongside her "2 Broke Girls" co-star Kat Dennings for a guest spot on ABC's sitcom "Shifting Gears." Behrs will appear in a season three episode of the network comedy, reuniting the pair nearly a decade after their original CBS series ended in 2017.
"Shifting Gears," which stars Scott Caan and Ally Walker, centers on a single dad and his estranged father who bond over their love of motorcycles. The show has become a solid performer for ABC in the traditional sitcom slot, drawing audiences nostalgic for laugh-track comedy.
The reunion carries weight for both actresses. Behrs and Dennings spent six seasons together on "2 Broke Girls," a show that launched their careers into mainstream recognition despite critical mixed reviews. The series, created by Michael Patrick King, became a cultural touchstone for its irreverent humor and strong female leads. Though the network sitcom landscape has shifted dramatically since the show's cancellation, ABC's investment in traditional comedy has created fresh opportunities for legacy stars to return.
This guest appearance taps into the current entertainment industry trend of leveraging existing fan bases and nostalgia. Networks and streamers increasingly rely on reunions and crossovers to drive viewership, particularly in an era where original series appointments are harder to secure. For Behrs, who has appeared in films and other television projects since "2 Broke Girls," the return represents a chance to reconnect with audiences who grew up watching her character Max Black.
The guest spot arrives as ABC continues bolstering its comedy roster. "Shifting Gears" competes in a crowded marketplace against Netflix comedy specials, HBO Max originals, and other network offerings. Strategic casting of recognizable names helps the network maintain relevance with both longtime television viewers and younger audiences