Why Last Man Standing did a post-pandemic time jump to the year 2023

TVLine

Showrunner Kevin Abbott's big question going into the final season was, “How do we deal with everything that’s going on?," referring not only to the coronavirus crisis but the election, the social justice movements and the economic downturn. He added: "And coming back in January, we’re looking at it going, 'OK, there are already going to be other comedies on the air. By the time we get back, we’re going to be the equivalent of airline food jokes,' you know? It’s going to be really warmed over stuff. That kept me up for a couple of nights (because) it wasn’t just one event we were trying to forecast. It was many, many events that could go any direction." That's when his writers pitched starting the final season in 2023, an idea "which I just adored," he said. "I think our mission is to be positive, and to show people the humor in life’s situations. I enjoy the darker episode every now and again, but generally, we want to entertain."