If you’re fond of revving engines, family-centric humor, and the down-to-earth comedy of Tim Allen, then it’s likely you’re a fan of ABC’s “Shifting Gears.” As the sitcom is currently taking a break between seasons, now is an excellent opportunity to revisit the show that brought Allen fame in the ’90s: “Home Improvement.” With its focus on family unity, the joy found in mechanics, and themes of masculine camaraderie, there’s plenty in “Home Improvement” for “Shifting Gears” fans to enjoy.

Another compelling reason for “Shifting Gears” enthusiasts to revisit “Home Improvement” is the upcoming mini-reunion of Allen with his former co-stars on the newer sitcom. Patricia Richardson, Richard Karn, and Debbe Dunning will all appear in “Shifting Gears” as new characters. Before that happens, why not get familiar with “Home Improvement”? The complete series is available to stream on Netflix.

“Home Improvement” tells the story of Tim Taylor (Tim Allen), a family man who hosts a show titled “Tool Time.” Tim’s beleaguered assistant, Al Borland (Richard Karn), manages the chaos with his precise mechanical and scientific expertise, though often ignored by Tim. Another central figure on “Tool Time” is the Tool Girl. While Heidi (Debbe Dunning) filled this role for much of the series, originally the spot went to Pamela Anderson as Lisa. The part served as a breakout role for Anderson, who departed after Season 2 for “Baywatch.”

Beyond the show-within-a-show, viewers explore Tim’s home life in suburban Detroit with his no-nonsense wife Jill (Patricia Richardson) in charge. Their three sons, Brad (Zachery Ty Bryan), Randy (Jonathan Taylor Thomas), and Mark (Taran Noah Smith), add to the household’s mischief with their pranks, often escalating Tim’s domestic chaos. When problems arise, Tim turns to Wilson (Earl Hindman), his neighbor who provides guidance while remaining partially obscured by a fence (here’s the real reason “Home Improvement” never revealed Wilson’s face).

“Home Improvement” aired from 1991 to 1999 and dominated ABC’s sitcom lineup during that time, transforming Allen from a stand-up comedian to a TV star and opening doors to film roles — by the end of the ’90s, he’d played leading roles in “The Santa Clause” and voiced Buzz Lightyear in “Toy Story.” All eight seasons of “Home Improvement” are accessible on Netflix at the time of this writing, so if you’re a “Shifting Gears” fan, exploring it is a must.