Is Jenna Elfman Leaving Shifting Gears? The Clues Fans Can't Ignore

Shifting Gears wrapped season 2 with a move that instantly set the fandom rumor mill on fire: Jenna Elfman might be out. Or not. The finale sends her character, Eve, on a long overseas tour and ends her relationship with Tim Allen's Matt. It looks like a clean exit... but it also looks like the show hedging its bets. Here is what is actually going on.

So, is Jenna Elfman leaving?

Short answer: nothing is confirmed. ABC has not announced an exit. In fact, reps for the network reportedly told outlets to expect updates in the New Year, which sounds like they plan to clarify Eve's future soon. Until then, it is a wait-and-see situation.

What the finale actually did

In the season 2 closer, Eve signs on for a tour that runs through Korea and Europe and says she could be gone five months or more. Rather than try long distance, Eve and Matt split. That is the kind of tidy TV solution that lets a series reduce a character's screen time if needed.

But the script does not lock the door behind her. Eve says she will be back 'here and there,' and her dance studio is still parked across the street from Matt's shop. Translation: easy drop-ins whenever the show wants them.

What Elfman and the showrunner are saying

'I am loving doing the show,' Elfman told Us Weekly, adding that the set feels 'like home.'

That does not sound like someone itching to bail. On top of that, showrunner Michelle Nader has teased that Matt and Eve's arc will keep moving and be 'a little bit of a roller-coaster,' which implies there is more story ahead for both characters.

The read right now

• Worry: The finale writes Eve onto a months-long tour overseas (Korea and Europe).
• Worry: She and Matt break up because the tour could last months, no long-distance attempt.
• Reassurance: Eve explicitly says she will be back 'here and there.'
• Reassurance: Her dance studio is still across from Matt's garage, making future pop-ins easy.
• Reassurance: Elfman has been openly positive about the job, saying she is loving it and the set feels like home.
• Reassurance: The showrunner called Matt and Eve's story a roller-coaster, hinting there is more to play.
• Unknown: ABC has not confirmed anything either way; reps say to look for updates in the New Year.

Bottom line: there is no official exit, and the finale is crafted to cover both possibilities. Until ABC spells it out, assume Eve is not gone for good, but do not be shocked if her screen time dips for a bit.