Reba McEntire Returns to Television with New Sitcom ‘Happy’s Place’

More than 20 years after the debut of her hit series “Reba,” the acclaimed entertainer Reba McEntire has re-teamed with executive producers Kevin Abbott, Michael Hanel, and Mindy Schultheis. Alongside co-star Melissa Peterman, McEntire is set to star in a new multi-camera sitcom titled “Happy's Place.” While this new show is not connected to the beloved WB series “Reba,” which aired for six seasons, it carries the heart, humor, and familiarity reminiscent of the early 2000s favorite. Critics who have previewed the first two episodes describe “Happy’s Place” as nostalgic, funny, and heartfelt. The sitcom, set in Tennessee, promises to appeal to a broad audience with themes of family, friendship, and generational divides.

The storyline of “Happy’s Place” centers around its eponymous tavern, a fixture for local patrons. Following her father’s passing, Bobbie, played by McEntire, reopens the establishment, ready to assume her new role as owner. In this setting, the series explores Bobbie’s life as a divorcee, whose daughter is deployed in the military, positioning the pub as her mainstay. Joining her in this endeavor are a colorful cast of characters: Gabby, a cheerful bartender (Melissa Peterman); Emmett, the reserved chef (Rex Linn); Tokoda, a versatile waiter (Tokala Black Elk); and Steve, the pub’s accountant (Pablo Castelblanco).

As Bobbie settles into her role, her routine is disrupted by the revelation of a younger sister, Isabella (played by Belissa Escobedo), she never knew existed, who is a co-owner of the bar. This turn of events challenges Bobbie’s perception of the father she believed she knew and compels her to rethink her approach to business and family.

Isabella, a curious and quintessential Gen-Z character with a psychology degree, is surprised by her new responsibilities at Happy’s. While she aims to bring modern ideas into the pub’s operations, her elder sister is resistant to change. The sitcom deftly portrays the sisters’ contrasting styles – with Bobbie adhering to tradition and Isabella eager to innovate. Their ongoing interactions suggest a learning curve for the pair as they navigate their roles as both siblings and business partners.

“Happy’s Place” delivers numerous comedic moments, from jokes in the pilot about cats to Isabella’s verbal diatribes. The character of Steve, a germophobic accountant using the tavern as his workspace, adds unique humor with his obsessive routines. However, beneath the comedy lies a poignant narrative of two different women reconciling with their pasts, as Bobbie grapples with her father’s hidden truths and Isabella seeks to establish her place in the world.

The series combines the traditional sitcom format with a modern sensibility, making it a potential standout in the comedic television landscape. “Happy’s Place” premieres on October 18 on NBC, with new episodes released weekly on Fridays.