Tim Allen returns to TV roots

Los Angeles - Tim Allen is headed back to television in his first network comedy in 12 years, feeling like the last real man in a woman’s world.

Or at least, that’s what his character Mike is experiencing in “Last Man Standing” - a family man surrounded by three headstrong daughters and a wife who has gone back to work, turning him into the stay-at-home dad.

The series, making its debut on ABC in October, turns Allen’s former alter ego, construction expert Tim Taylor in his hit 1990s comedy “Home Improvement” on its head. It is also one of a slew of upcoming TV comedies that feature emasculated or struggling men in a world where women appear to have the upper hand.

Allen plays a man working for an outdoor adventure firm, who lives in a world where younger, modern men - and women - are no longer able to do once manly tasks like changing a car tire.

But it’s a situation that also strikes a chord with Allen, who has two daughters of his own, and admits he prizes women who like to cook and take care of their men.

“I really believe men need stuff to do .?.?. You have to have hobbies,” the actor and comedian said.

Creator Jack Burditt said that the struggling male theme would be just one aspect of “Last Man Standing.” Reuters