diff --git a/lua/kitty-scrollback/kitty_commands.lua b/lua/kitty-scrollback/kitty_commands.lua
index f9245b39..46f870ff 100644
--- a/lua/kitty-scrollback/kitty_commands.lua
+++ b/lua/kitty-scrollback/kitty_commands.lua
@@ -146,6 +146,10 @@ M.get_text_term = function(kitty_data, get_text_opts, on_exit_cb)
   local stdout
   local stderr
   local tail_max = 10
+
+  -- set the shell used for termopen to sh to avoid imcompatabiliies with other shells (e.g., nushell, fish, etc)
+  vim.o.shell = 'sh'
+
   vim.fn.termopen(full_cmd, {
     stdout_buffered = true,
     stderr_buffered = true,
@@ -210,6 +214,9 @@ M.get_text_term = function(kitty_data, get_text_opts, on_exit_cb)
       end
     end,
   })
+
+  -- restore the original shell after processing termopen
+  vim.o.shell = p.orig_options.shell
 end
 
 M.send_paste_buffer_text_to_kitty_and_quit = function(bracketed_paste_mode)
diff --git a/lua/kitty-scrollback/launch.lua b/lua/kitty-scrollback/launch.lua
index a9eb29b8..ffc27c60 100644
--- a/lua/kitty-scrollback/launch.lua
+++ b/lua/kitty-scrollback/launch.lua
@@ -161,6 +161,7 @@ local function set_options()
     modifiable = vim.o.modifiable,
     wrap = vim.o.wrap,
     report = vim.o.report,
+    shell = vim.o.shell,
   }
 
   -- required opts