Reba McEntire Joins NBC's Happy’s Place: A New Chapter In Her Storied Career

When Reba McEntire thought she’d finally take some much-needed downtime, life had other plans. She received a call about starring in Happy’s Place, NBC’s latest sitcom set to premiere on October 18. The show revolves around a woman who unexpectedly inherits a restaurant and along the way, discovers a long-lost family. “I was ready to take a break,” Reba told Closer. “But it seems the universe had other ideas. I guess the angels were saying, ‘Not yet. We’ve got something special for you.’”

While it may not have been literal divine intervention, Happy’s Place represents the opportunity Reba has been searching for since her first sitcom, Reba, wrapped up after six successful seasons from 2001 to 2007. “Performing in sitcoms is my absolute favorite thing to do,” the country music icon shares. During a recent chat with Closer at the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour, she opened up about her preference for the stability of a TV show over the unpredictable grind of a national music tour. “For the first 20-30 years of my career, consistency was a rare luxury,” Reba explains. “With television, everything stays the same: the parking spot, the stage, the craft services. You work with a family you get to bond with and play with every day. Plus, the hours are manageable, and weekends are free!”

A Familiar Cast Joins Reba McEntire in Happy’s Place

Reba’s new sitcom family features two familiar faces: Melissa Peterman, who played Barbra Jean on Reba; and Rex Linn, Reba’s real-life partner, known for his roles in Big Sky and Lifetime’s The Hammer. “We were both a little apprehensive about working together at first,” Rex admits to Closer. “You never know how things will go. But it turned out to be fantastic.” Reba couldn’t agree more. “Our chemistry on camera is incredible. Rex is also my coach, helping me with my lines. I love knowing he’s got my back, just as I’ve got his.”

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The couple began dating during the 2020 pandemic and, though they aren’t married yet, they might as well be. The new series ensures they’ll spend their days and nights together, and neither is complaining. “We cherish waking up together in the morning,” Rex says. “We enjoy going to bed together, talking about our day. And we love heading to work together too.”

There have been challenges along the way. While filming Big Sky, Reba was juggling weekend concert performances. “We’d work Monday through Wednesday, and then she’d hop on a plane Thursday morning,” Rex recalls, noting that their relationship was tested by this grueling schedule. “But we never argued. Never. Now with Happy’s Place, we’re thrilled to be able to work together again.”

Reba is excited to play a character that isn’t based on herself. “Bobbie’s a strong and intense character,” Reba explains. “She’s deeply committed to the tavern and her dad’s legacy, wanting everything to remain unchanged.”

Of course, change is inevitable. While Reba’s character fights against it, the performer embraces fresh challenges and new chapters in her already remarkable life. “Out of all the things I get to do, sitcom acting is my favorite,” Reba says. “You just get to go to work and play. I absolutely love it. And working with this incredible cast? It’s like adding icing to the cake!”