Development and production
When did ABC green-light the pilot episode of Last Man Standing?
Last Man Standing (U.S. TV series)
"Last Man Standing" first appeared on ABC's development slate in late 2010 when writer Jack Burditt received a put pilot commitment from the network under the original title "Man Up". In January 2011, ABC green-lighted production of a pilot episode under the title "Last Days of Man". On February 18, Tim Allen, who had been attached to the potential series from the beginning, officially joined the project in the lead role. At the end of March, Nancy Travis joined the cast in the leading female role as Allen's "smart and loving wife who doesn't miss much". Soon thereafter, Héctor Elizondo came on board in a supporting role as the boss to Allen's character. On May 13, 2011, ABC picked up the pilot for the 2011–2012 television season under the new title "Last Man Standing". On May 17, 2011, ABC announced that the series would air on Tuesday nights at 8/7 Central. It debuted on October 11, 2011, with the first two episodes airing in a one-hour premiere. On November 3, 2011, the series was picked up for a full season of twenty-two episodes. On January 12, 2012, the order was increased to twenty-four episodes. On May 11, 2012, ABC renewed the series for a second season set to air in the 2012–2013 season in November. On June 11, 2012, Tim Doyle was hired as the new showrunner of the series. Doyle is the third showrunner that the series has had since it entered production. Doyle will be replacing Kevin Abbott, who joined the staff as the showrunner mid-way in the first season, Abbott replaced series creator Jack Burditt, who was the showrunner for the first thirteen episodes. Unlike, Burditt who is no longer credited as an executive producer, Abbott will continue to serve as an executive producer along with showrunning the fellow ABC sitcom "Malibu Country" starring Reba McEntire. Both "Last Man Standing" and "Malibu Country" aired as a part of ABC's Friday night lineup for the 2012–2013 primetime television season. On November 8, 2012, Abbott re-joined the "Last Man Standing" crew full-time, after a stint in rehab and gave Nastaran Dibai full showrunning duties of "Malibu Country". On June 11, 2012, it was announced that Alexandra Krosney (Kristin) was let go from the show for creative reasons. Krosney was replaced by Amanda Fuller in season 2. On June 19, 2012, it was also announced that twins Luke and Evan Kruntchev, who played the role of Boyd in season 1, would not be returning, they were replaced by Flynn Morrison in season 2. The character of Boyd was also age advanced from two years old to five years old. Jordan Masterson played Ryan, Boyd's father, in a recurring role beginning in season 2. The role was previously played by Nick Jonas, who guest starred in one episode in season 1. The second season initially received a 13-episode order. ABC announced on November 12, 2012 that an additional three scripts had been ordered. On November 27, five more episodes were ordered to bring the current second season episode total to 18. As of May 10, 2013, the series was renewed for a third season. It premiered on September 20, 2013.