Tim Allen Shot Down First ‘Home Improvement’ Cross Over Idea

Last Man Standing ended after nine seasons on May 20, 2022. The niche sitcom followed Mike Baxter, a marketing executive for a sporting goods store, as he navigated life with his wife, three daughters, and grandson. Baxter, played by Tim Allen, felt like one of Allen’s previous characters. Mike and Home Improvement’s Tim Taylor did have a lot in common, but the series took a big chance in the finale season by bringing the character of Tim Taylor into Mike Baxter’s world. The storyline fans saw was not the one the writers original pitched to Tim Allen. The famed actor shot down the first idea.

‘Last Man Standing’ showrunner, Kevin Abbott, wanted to incorporate ‘Home Improvement’ into the final season

Last Man Standing showrunner, Kevin Abbott, liked Home Improvement when it aired. He liked the actors, too, but never thought of crossing over the two shows, at least not character-wise. In an interview with The Wrap, Abbott recalled how Tim Taylor came to be on Last Man Standing. Abbott said the network was pressuring him to provide “something flashy” for the final season that they could promote. A writer came up with the idea to bring Tim Taylor, as a character, onto the show. The stunt casting was both promotable and certainly attention-grabbing.