The new sitcomHappy’s Placeis staging anotherRebareunion. Making its NBC debut in just a matter of days,Happy’s Placemarks Reba McEntire’s return to the comedy foldnearly two decades after the conclusion of her self-titled series. Both in front of the camera and behind it, the show is something of a homecoming for the country legend. It features key creative figures fromReba, in addition to McEntire’s frequent co-star Melissa Peterman.
Ahead of the much-anticipated premiere ofHappy’s Place, whicharrives Friday, October 18 at 8 PM ET,TVLineconfirmsthatRebaactorSteve Howey will guest star on the NBC sitcom. Howey, who portrayed Van Montgomery throughoutReba’s run, has the role of Danny inHappy’s Place. Series creator Kevin Abbott revealed that Danny is a potential sperm donor for Gabby (played by Peterman). The character description is below:
Steve Howie plays “Danny,” a wealthy business owner that Gabby has met at a dog park. In order to impress him, Gabby has pretended to be Bobbie (Reba McEntire) because she thought that would make herself more interesting… that is until he wants to hold his holiday party at the Tavern.
Howey, who recently starred in the CBS reboot ofTrue Lies, is only slated to appear in the Christmas episode ofHappy’s Place. However, Abbott is open to having the guest star reprise his role. In the quote below, Abbott also talks aboutwanting to bring in otherRebacast members, namely JoAnna Garcia Swisher, who played Cheyenne:
It’s a lot of fun. We absolutely want to bring some of the old cast members on — and in very different roles than what they played onReba. Steve’s our first one up, and we’re trying to figure out how to bring JoAnna [Garcia-Swisher] in. We only want to have the old cast in if we can really utilize them in a fun, impactful way.
What Howey’s Appearance Means For Happy’s Place
It’s A Familiar Team Working Together
Happy’s Placefocuses onBobbie (McEntire), a woman who inherits her father’s restaurant. The big news is made a little more complicated, however, once she finds out that she has an unexpected partner: her half-sister Isabella (Belissa Escobedo), a sibling that she didn’t even know she had. A clash of personalities soon follows, with the half-sister’s enthusiasm bumping against Bobbie’s differing personality.
Peterman, who played Barbra Jean inReba, has the role of Gabby inHappy’s Place. She’s a bartender who has worked at the titular restaurant and tavern for quite a bit, with Bobbie taking to her like a sister, in a flip of their previous bickering sitcom dynamic, and a familiarity that helps help draw in those who enjoyedReba.The cast ofHappy’s Placealso includes Pablo Castelblanco, Tokala Black Elk, and Rex Linn.
Happy’s Place Is Better Than A Reba Revival Because Of One Divisive Character
Reba McEntire’s new sitcom is a much better return to comedy than reviving Reba because of an entertaining but divisive Hart family member.
The multi-cam comedy includesAbbott, Michael Hanel, and Mindy Schultheis, all of whom had key executive producer roles onReba. Even though the new series is markedly different, with the protagonist having a sharper edge and different dynamics with the surrounding women, it still leans into that hectic familial energy that made McEntire’s 2000s sitcom run so fun to watch. The comparisons to an enduring comedy will behelped by the presence of Howey, who once played Reba’s son-in-law, and potentially others.
Our Take On Howey Joining Happy’s Place
Bring On The Guest Stars
McEntire’s new project joins returning NBC sitcomsNight CourtandLopez vs. Lopez, in addition to the new mockumentary,St. Denis Medical, on NBC’s roster of lighthearted shows. The promotion of the country artist’s return to the comedy space, even in theHappy’s Placetrailer, has leaned intoReba’s enduring status as a relatively underrated but well-remembered series. Considering the talent involved and the lasting fandom, Howey’s appearance should just be the first of many familiar faces.
Happy’s Place
Cast
Happy’s Place: In 2024’s Happy’s Place, Bobbie unexpectedly inherits her father’s restaurant and navigates unforeseen challenges alongside the half-sister she never knew existed. The series explores themes of family and partnership amid the bustling backdrop of restaurant life.
Reba
Reba stars Reba McEntire as a single mother navigating life after her husband’s affair disrupts their marriage. Set in Houston, the series blends humor with the complexities of blended families, showcasing Reba’s resilience and wit as she handles life’s curveballs.
