While every episode of Happy’s Place brings a delightful reunion atmosphere reminiscent of the beloved Reba, it also celebrates a captivating connection among several familiar faces. Reba McEntire and Melissa Peterman, who first lit up the screen in Reba, now share the stage again as Bobbie, the bar owner, and Gabby, her longtime bartender, respectfully. Yet, the nostalgic fun doesn’t stop there; past co-stars, from Van Montgomery to Brock Hart, have also dropped by, making Happy’s Place a treasure trove of nostalgic moments for longtime fans.
The enduring friendship between McEntire and Peterman blossomed during their time on Reba, where they portrayed characters who had their own share of trials and triumphs. McEntire’s character, Reba Hart, the strong-willed mother in Houston, delivered countless laughs alongside Peterman’s quirky Barbra Jean, who ironically complicates Reba’s life by being involved with her ex-husband. Now, nearly two decades later, McEntire and Peterman’s dynamic remains vibrant and genuine in Happy’s Place.
Describing their new journey together, McEntire expressed, “Getting to do this show after the Reba show? Oh my gosh, we know how special it is to have an ensemble that is so easy to work with, fun to be around, and so talented. We’re not taking anything for granted.” Peterman echoed this sentiment, stating it feels like “coming home.” It’s this camaraderie that makes every episode feel familiar and warm, as they invite fans along for the ride.
Each reunion with familiar faces has brought immense joy to both the audience at home and those lucky enough to be in the live studio audience. Here’s a look at some notable guest stars from Reba who have made their way into the heart of Happy’s Place.
Steve Howey
Season 1, Episode 7 “Ho-Ho-Howey”
Steve Howey, known for his role as Van Montgomery on Reba, was the first cast member from the previous show to make a guest appearance, featuring in the Christmas episode “Ho-Ho Howey,” which aired on December 6, 2024. In his role as Danny, a wealthy businessman that Gabby encounters at the dog park, Howey’s character brings laughs as Gabby tries to impress him by pretending to be the bar’s owner, Bobbie.
Howey’s return created an atmosphere of lightheartedness and nostalgia, as his character navigated comedic misunderstandings, eventually revealing he knew about Gabby’s shenanigans all along. His quip about being reminded of “these people I knew in Houston 20 years ago” was a clever nod to old fans of Reba.
In a humorous behind-the-scenes clip, Howey’s improvisation brought even more joy, “Oh, I know who you are,” he playfully remarked, referencing McEntire’s character. His humorous interactions, teeming with nostalgia, perfectly encapsulated the chemistry the Reba cast shared and endeared him to the audience anew.
Chris Rich
Season 1, Episode 15 “Sisters Ink”
Later, in February 2025, Chris Rich, who portrayed Brock Hart on Reba, made his entrance in the episode “Sisters Ink”. This storyline introduced Rich as a tattoo artist named Maverick, showcasing his resilience after surviving a stroke. His character’s humorous charm and wisdom made for a touching reunion that resonated deeply with viewers.
Rich’s struggles post-stroke added an authentic layer to his role, especially during scenes with McEntire and Peterman, who both played supportive friends on and off-screen. With lines like, “You got to take whatever life throws at you and have fun with it, am I right?” Maverick resonated with many dealing with personal challenges, further emphasizing the show’s heartwarming essence.
JoAnna Garcia Swisher
Season 2, Episode TBA
Exciting news continued to unfold as Happy’s Place announced that JoAnna Garcia Swisher, known for her role as Cheyenne, McEntire’s TV daughter, would guest star in an upcoming Season 2 episode. Set to appear as Kenzie, a local influencer hired for the bar’s marketing campaign, Swisher’s return will undoubtedly spark intrigue among die-hard fans.
The announcement was met with enthusiasm, as the trio of leading ladies captured a heartfelt reunion on social media, encapsulated in a sweet TikTok video celebrating their friendship. This nostalgic reunion suggests more touching moments ahead, reminding fans of the bond established over their years on Reba.
Get ready for a fantastic new season, as Happy’s Place continues to delight audiences with laughter, heartwarming friendships, and plenty of cherished memories on Friday, November 7, at 8/7c on NBC, with streaming available the following day on Peacock.