What’s next for Last Man Standing? Recently, star Tim Allen and executive producer Kevin Abbott spoke with TVLine and TVInsider about the future of the FOX TV show.
The sitcom revolves around Mike Baxter (Tim Allen), the marketing director of the Outdoor Man sporting goods stores and a “man’s man”. His family doesn’t see eye-to-eye with him so it can sometimes be a little tough for Mike to stand his ground and stay in touch with his inner man. The cast also includes Nancy Travis, Hector Elizondo, Amanda Fuller, Christoph Sanders, Molly McCook, Jordan Masterson, Jonathan Adams, and Krista Marie Yu.
Last Man Standing just wrapped its eighth season after production was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic. EP Kevin Abbott told TVInsider they didn’t intend episode 21 to be the finale:
Had I known even what it was going to be like … I believe we would have changed some things in Episode 21 … I said, “Episode 21 can’t be the season finale. We sent Kristin off in labor. You can’t end a season like that.” Of course, you totally can, it’s a great season ending as a cliff hanger. When a show is as late in its run as we are, I’d feel an obligation not to end on a cliff hanger because we might not come back. I don’t want to pose some big issue and then not be able to answer for our devoted fans. So I really wanted to shoot Episode 22 and I held on for as long as I could, but it was obvious that we couldn’t do that, we couldn’t guarantee safety of everybody involved. So we had to shut down.”
And what about a ninth season? FOXhas not yet announced a renewal but Abbott feels “confident” the series will return:
I mean, I think we’re in the situation we were in last year in terms of if it were a normal year. I would feel very confident that we would be back. As confident as you can feel in this general environment. I would say we would be favored to come back, let’s put it that way. And in that instance, I would want to shoot the show that we didn’t get to shoot because it’s a great episode. I can’t imagine that in this changed universe that that exact episode could just be re-shot and put on the air and feel correct, you know what I mean? Hospitals changed drastically. People now have a very different opinion of hospitals than when we shot that episode.”
Lastly, fans may have noticed Boyd’s (Jet Jurgensmeyer) absence during season eight. Abbott told TVLine the actor had another commitment at the time:
Actually, the actor [Jet Jurgensmeyer] had another commitment. He’d asked to do another show, so we had let him out…”
What do you think? Do you watch Last Man Standing? Do you want a ninth season?
Bring it back !
Last Man Standing is one of my favorite shows ! I look forward to it every season.
So .. what the story line on Boyd Baxter ?
Kristin and Ryan can’t have a son the all of a sudden he is gone ?? Unless he died , visiting someone etc. Either have Jet
back or replace him .
Weird !
My wife and I love this show , one of the few shows we watch because it has our family values. We have raised two kids and for 20 plus years people have called me Neanderthal man so ya we love the show.
Love the show, want a ninth season! Show is missing some sharpness. Some the episodes were not as funny as before. Bring on season 9!
Absolutely want Last Man Standing to continue! Love it! Love it! Love it! One of the few shows I watch anymore.
I have watched every episode of Last Man Standing from the oldest being an unmarried mommy waitress to the middle daughter being a brunette and the youngest being a sharp tongued school girl. And, yes, Boyd was a toddler. He did grow up fast! Of course, bring on season nine and, hopefully, season 10. Two babies have to be born. You did ” jump the shsrk” by bringing in the foreign transfer student. Was this like Oliver in Growing Pains? (Not sure if I recalled that correctly or not.) And don’t have children disappear. Bring Boyd back. Love Nancy Travis.… Read more »
The show and try to watch all shows every week..this to me is an enjoyable and relaxing to watch..just love it. The shows I miss I record..please keep the show going ..I love watching the reruns also even Home Improvement..both shows are awesome…keep them going..thank you..
We love Last Man Standing!! It has to be renewed!!
Yes please bring it back!!! But would like Mandy replaced!
I so agree. Miss her soo much. Don t even watch the show anymore.
Bring back the old Mandy not the same without her
Please keep the show going!! We love the writers, the actors are the best, Tim Allen’s acting is awesome & it!s the best comedy show; has been for many seasons!
Don’t want to sound dramatic, however, life wouldn’t be the same without this show for us & everyone else we talk to; to have it to look forward to seeing it week after week! Thank you for providing a place to hear our opinions!!
Fox better have more season then just this one. Or there will be another demand from the public. Why are you ruining good tv. This is the most loved show.!!!
Please bring back Last Man Standing. I love this show!
I hope there is a season 9! One of the few shows I watch. Always entertaining and something that I look forward to.
Renew, I watch this show religiously, it is so good
Last Man standing is our family’s absolute favorite show. We love the fact that the show is about every day family life, humor, challenges, and relationships. I had to explain to my husband why the show ended, due to the virous and getting the heck out of the studio. We can’t wait and look forward to more Last Man Standing shows. You all stay healthy and safe!