From the beginning of Shifting Gears season 1, we’ve known that Riley has a brother. However, he’s never been seen. That is, until an upcoming episode of Shifting Gears season 2.
This was a character we were hoping to see during the second season. After the season 1 finale, showrunner Michelle Nader shared that there was a plan to bring Sam Parker into the series, but that casting was important. Well, now the face has been found.
Luke Macfarlane will play Sam Parker on Shifting Gears
Hallmark’s Luke Macfarlane will join the cast during the second half of the season. As of right now, we know that Sam joined the Navy and became a hero. That’s it. Well, we also know that he’s the younger brother of Riley, so he was left home alone with his parents when she ran away at 18.
The character has only been mentioned twice on the series. However, interestingly, originally the character was going to be called Nick. Deadline reports that Froy Gutierrez played the role in the pilot, but then things changed with Seann William Scott being cast as Gabriel and Nick being written out. This came with the showrunner change, with Nader taking over the duties.
It’s curious why he doesn’t come home that often, especially considering it wasn’t that long ago his mom died. After all, it’s been a season and a half, and he hasn’t popped in since Riley has been back, suggesting that there could be a bigger reason. There’s very little shared about Sam in general or what brings him back home, which is great for the series. It means a lot to delve into it when he does come back.
Deadline doesn’t share when we’ll get to see Sam. The series is heading on its winter break, returning in January with new episodes, so it could be around then.
Macfarlane is certainly a familiar face to Apple TV fans. He’s a series regular on Platonic, starring Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen, which has just been renewed for a third season.
However, many will recognize him from his Hallmark catalogue of movies. Some of his most popular movies have included A Magical Christmas Village, The Mistletoe Promise, and Christmas Land. For those who love a gay rom-com, Bros is one that you need to check out, as Macfarlane stars opposite Billy Eichner.
Shifting Gears will air its fall finale on Wednesday, Dec. 10 and will then return on Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 8/7c on ABC.