NBC Expands Reba McEntire’s Sitcom «Happy’s Place» with Additional Episodes

NBC has expanded its commitment to Reba McEntire‘s new sitcom «Happy's Place» by ordering five additional episodes. This new order brings the total number of episodes for the series’ first season to 18. Such an increase in episodes aligns with what is considered a full-season order by today’s network standards.

As an indicator of the series’ promising prospects, NBC had previously commissioned an unspecified number of future episodes before the formal announcement of the back-order. This strategic step is typically employed by networks that express high confidence in a show’s continued success.

«Happy’s Place» has emerged as a standout performer, particularly in its Friday evening slot. The series premiere significantly improved NBC’s 8 PM timeslot, showing a 90% rise in total viewers and an 88% increase among adults aged 18-49. The episode drew approximately 4 million viewers in the linear Live+Same Day ratings, with numbers surging to 14 million across multiple platforms.

The comedy, which reunites several creative individuals from McEntire’s former show «Reba,» features McEntire as Bobbie, a woman who inherits her late father’s tavern, «Happy’s Place.» Alongside McEntire, Belissa Escobedo stars as Isabella, Bobbie’s previously unknown half-sister and unexpected business partner. Additional cast members include Melissa Peterman, Pablo Castelblanco, Tokala Black Elk, and Rex Linn.

«Happy’s Place» was created by Kevin Abbott and Julie Abbott, with Kevin Abbott also serving as an executive producer. Reba McEntire herself is among the show’s executive producers, alongside Michael Hanel, Mindy Schultheis, Matt Berry, and Pamela Fryman. The series is produced by Universal Television, a division of the Universal Studio Group.

In contrast, «Lopez vs. Lopez,» another Friday sitcom on NBC, received an episode holding order but has yet to secure a back-order of episodes. The network continues to evaluate its viewership and performance metrics.

NBC’s decision to augment «Happy’s Place» seemingly reflects its confidence, bolstered by McEntire’s ongoing role as a coach on the hit program «The Voice,» securing her place as a key figure in the network’s programming strategy.