In the world of television reboots and reunions, NBC's Happy's Place is making waves by bringing back familiar faces from the beloved sitcom Reba, and now one of its stars is eyeing even bigger guest appearances. Melissa Peterman, who reprises her comedic flair on the new show, told Us Weekly exclusively that she's hoping to see icons like Dolly Parton and Kelly Clarkson drop by the tavern setting. The series, starring Reba McEntire, has already managed to reunite much of the original Reba cast, sparking excitement among fans who remember the early 2000s hit.
Peterman, 54, plays Gabby, a bartender in Happy's Place, a role that echoes her memorable portrayal of Barbra Jean on Reba. Speaking to Us Weekly, she expressed enthusiasm for expanding the guest list. "I think those are the next steps," Peterman said about incorporating more guest stars from the past. "I would love to get all of them in. It’s a bar so people come and go. That could be very fun."
The idea isn't far-fetched, given the show's track record. Happy's Place, which premiered its first season in 2024, centers on Bobbie, played by McEntire, 70, who inherits her father's restaurant and discovers a half-sister, Isabella, portrayed by Belissa Escobedo, 27. The sitcom has cleverly woven in cameos and roles for Reba alumni, turning it into a nostalgic playground for viewers. Peterman highlighted the potential for high-profile visitors, noting, "I love the idea of getting those big, iconic guest stars. We had Dolly [Parton], we had James Denton and Patrick Fabian. We’ve had so many great guest stars on the show. That would be really fun. Plus Kelly Clarkson, please. That would be such a fun list to go down."
To understand the buzz, it's worth revisiting Reba, which aired from 2001 to 2007 on The WB and later The CW. The show followed Reba Hart, a single mother played by McEntire, navigating life after her husband Brock, portrayed by Christopher Rich, 72, left her for another woman. The ensemble included JoAnna Garcia Swisher, 46, as Reba's pregnant teenage daughter Cheyenne, and Steve Howey, 48, as her boyfriend Van. Melissa Peterman's Barbra Jean was the quirky dental hygienist who became Brock's new wife, adding layers of humor and heart to the family dynamics.
Nearly two decades later, McEntire and Peterman reunited with former Reba executive producer Kevin Abbott for Happy's Place. This collaboration has allowed for seamless integrations of old cast members. For instance, Howey appeared in season 1 as Gabby's wealthy friend, while Rich guest-starred as a tattoo artist. Peterman's comments suggest the show is building on this momentum, potentially aiming to include even more from the Reba universe, including past guest stars.
McEntire herself has teased upcoming appearances, particularly in season 2. She told Us Weekly about Swisher's role, saying, "JoAnna was a dream to work with. She plays an influencer and Gabby wants to know all about being an influencer so she’s going to help with the commercial for the tavern because I can’t cut it. It’s just hysterical. That was one of the episodes that was totally fun." This marks Swisher as the latest Reba alum to join Happy's Place, completing a near-full reunion of the main cast.
While teasing the rest of the season, McEntire and Escobedo, 27, shared how they were excited for viewers to see how much Happy’s Place has evolved. "It is a great place to be. We know our audience, we know each other better and we’ve gelled. We didn’t have that big of a break between the first season ending and second season beginning so we just fell right back into it," McEntire teased. "We’re bonding a lot more. All six of us are very confident and very comfortable with each other — to a point that when we do have a guest cast, we feel very comfortable sharing the stage."
Escobedo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the deepening relationships on screen. "As we get more comfortable and more bonded, we see it in the characters as well," she added. "Because we’re getting comfortable with our own characters and so each personality gets a little deeper. You get more into that person." She continued, "That’s what I’m so excited for everyone to see is how much the relationship between everyone has progressed into even more of an ensemble. It’s just so funny."
The show's setting in a lively tavern lends itself perfectly to drop-in appearances, as Peterman noted. With Happy's Place airing Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and streaming the next day on Peacock, it has quickly built a dedicated following. The integration of Reba elements has been a key draw, blending nostalgia with fresh storylines. McEntire described the cast's dynamic as familial, stating, "We’ve progressed and we’ve grown together. We’re a tight knit family — although [Belissa and I] are the only ones that are blood related on the show. But it feels like we’re kids that have been adopted into one big family called Happy’s Place."
Peterman's wish list includes heavy hitters like Dolly Parton, who has a long history with McEntire, including collaborations in music and television. Parton, an iconic country singer and actress, previously appeared on Reba, making her a natural fit. Kelly Clarkson, another powerhouse in music and hosting her own talk show, could bring a contemporary edge. Peterman's comments come amid a broader trend in TV where reboots leverage star power to boost ratings, as seen in shows like Frasier or Will & Grace revivals.
While no official confirmations have been made for Parton or Clarkson, the show's producers have shown a willingness to embrace such crossovers. James Denton and Patrick Fabian, mentioned by Peterman, have already added to the guest star roster, bringing their own fan bases. Denton is known from Desperate Housewives, and Fabian from Better Call Saul, illustrating the show's appeal beyond just Reba loyalists.
As Happy's Place heads into the heart of its second season, the focus remains on character development and ensemble chemistry. Escobedo's insights suggest viewers will see more layered interactions, with the tavern serving as a hub for both comedy and heartfelt moments. McEntire's teasing of "bigger and better" stories hints at escalating plots, possibly involving more family revelations or business challenges for Bobbie and Isabella.
The success of these reunions could influence future seasons, potentially paving the way for more ambitious guest spots. Industry observers note that such strategies help sustain viewership in a crowded streaming landscape. For now, fans can tune in weekly to see if Peterman's dreams come true, with the show's Friday night slot providing consistent entertainment.
In a television era dominated by reboots, Happy's Place stands out by honoring its roots while forging new paths. Whether Parton or Clarkson make an appearance, the series has already proven its knack for blending old and new, keeping audiences coming back for more laughs and familiar faces.
Looking ahead, the show's tight-knit cast and evolving narratives promise continued growth. As McEntire put it, the ensemble feels like a family, and with potential star-studded additions, Happy's Place could become an even bigger draw for NBC.