Reba McEntire, born on March 28, 1955, in McAlester, Oklahoma, is an American singer and actress.
She rose to fame as one of the most popular female country vocalists of the late 20th century and later achieved crossover success in television.
The anticipation is building as Reba McEntire prepares to make her return to scripted television.
Let’s uncover which show she is going to be a part of. Keep reading!
The Countdown Begins
Reba McEntire will be starring in a new NBC sitcom called “Happy’s Place,” and fans now have a date to circle on their calendars.
NBC recently announced on the social media platform X that “Happy’s Place” will premiere on October 18. Viewers can watch it on NBC and stream it on Peacock.
A Nostalgic Reunion
“Happy’s Place” will reunite McEntire with several producers from her beloved 2000s sitcom “Reba.” Joining her on this new venture is Melissa Peterman, who played Barbra Jean Hart in “Reba.”
Adding to the excitement, McEntire’s real-life boyfriend, Rex Linn, is also part of the cast.
The couple first met on the set of the Kenny Rogers movie “The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw” in 1991, though they didn’t start dating until almost thirty years later.
They’ve since acted together in “Young Sheldon” and the ABC drama “Big Sky.”
What’s “Happy’s Place” About?
In “Happy’s Place,” McEntire plays Bobbie, a woman who inherits a restaurant from her father.
She soon discovers she has a half-sister, played by Belissa Escobedo, whom she never knew existed.
The duo becomes unexpected business partners, promising plenty of humor rooted in their generational differences.
With McEntire being 69 and Escobedo 25, the generational gap is set to bring a lot of laughs.
McEntire’s Real-Life Restaurant Connection
McEntire’s role as a restaurant owner in “Happy’s Place” isn’t too far from her real life.
In 2023, she opened her own bar and restaurant, Reba’s Place, in Atoka, Oklahoma.
This real-life experience will add an authentic touch to her character.
A Dual Return to NBC
McEntire’s return to sitcoms coincides with her comeback as a coach on “The Voice” this fall.
This will be her third consecutive season on the popular singing competition, which also airs on NBC.
With “Happy’s Place” set to premiere soon, Reba McEntire fans have much to look forward to this fall.
The mix of familiar faces, new talent, and McEntire’s comedic brilliance makes “Happy’s Place” a highly anticipated show.
Reba McEntire and Belissa Escobedo star in the pilot episode of “Happy’s Place,” bringing their characters, Bobbie and Isabella, to life.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, McEntire shared her excitement about filming “Happy’s Place” and what fans can look forward to in the new show.
“It’s lots of fun. I love all genres of entertainment, but sitcoms are especially enjoyable because it’s a brand new script every week. And you’re just having fun. Memorizing dialogue is challenging, but it ain’t my first rodeo. I do love it. It’s just playtime, and we have a blast with it,” she told the outlet.
She continued: “The show is heartfelt, fun, funny, and you’ll laugh at our silliness. But you’ll also be touched by the heart in our show.”
From Rodeo Roots to Country Music Icon
Reba Nell McEntire was born on March 28, 1955, in McAlester, Oklahoma. Raised on an 8,000-acre ranch in Chockie, Oklahoma, she was deeply involved in the rodeo culture, with her father and grandfather being champion steer ropers.
Her mother, a former schoolteacher, encouraged Reba and her siblings’ musical interests, forming The Singing McEntires who performed locally.
Early Musical Journey
Reba‘s music career began with her first single in 1971.
After graduating from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, she performed the National Anthem at the National Rodeo Finals, impressing Red Steagall, who helped her secure a contract with Polygram Mercury Records.
Despite initial modest success, she steadily built her career, achieving her first Top 10 hit in 1980.
Breakthrough and Stardom
Reba’s breakthrough came with her 1983 move to MCA Records, leading to the successful album “My Kind of Country” in 1984.
She won the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year award four consecutive times, becoming a prominent figure in the “New Traditionalist” movement.
Expanding Horizons
Reba ventured into acting with the 1990 film “Tremors” and starred in the Broadway revival of “Annie Get Your Gun” in 2001.
Her sitcom “Reba” aired from 2001 to 2007, gaining a significant following through syndication.
Ongoing Success
Reba continued to release successful albums, including “Reba Duets” in 2007 and “Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope” in 2017.
She has sold over 56 million albums worldwide, won numerous awards, and is a member of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame.
Reba McEntire’s Famous Hits
| Year | Song Title | Chart Position | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | (You Lift Me) Up to Heaven | No. 8 | Feel the Fire |
| 1982 | Can’t Even Get the Blues | No. 1 | Unlimited |
| 1984 | How Blue | No. 1 | My Kind of Country |
| 1984 | Somebody Should Leave | No. 1 | My Kind of Country |
| 1986 | Whoever’s in New England | No. 1 | Whoever’s in New England |
| 1987 | Little Rock | No. 1 | Whoever’s in New England |
| 1990 | You Lie | No. 1 | Rumor Has It |
| 1991 | Fancy | No. 8 | Rumor Has It |
| 1993 | Does He Love You (with Linda Davis) | No. 1 | Greatest Hits Volume Two |
| 1994 | The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter | No. 1 | Read My Mind |
| 1995 | The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia | No. 12 | For My Broken Heart |
| 2001 | I’m a Survivor | No. 4 | Greatest Hits Volume Three: I’m a Survivor |
| 2007 | Because of You (with Kelly Clarkson) | No. 2 | Reba: Duets |
| 2009 | Consider Me Gone | No. 1 | Keep on Loving You |
| 2010 | Turn on the Radio | No. 1 | All the Women I Am |
Conclusion
- Reba McEntire’s return to scripted television with “Happy’s Place” is eagerly awaited by fans.
- The show is set to premiere on October 18 on NBC and will also be available for streaming on Peacock.
- “Happy’s Place” reunites McEntire with producers from her previous sitcom, “Reba,” and co-stars Melissa Peterman and her real-life boyfriend, Rex Linn.
- The show features McEntire as Bobbie, a woman who inherits her father’s restaurant and discovers she has a half-sister, leading to comedic and heartfelt moments.
- Expect plenty of humor stemming from the generational gap between McEntire’s character and her half-sister, played by Belissa Escobedo.
- McEntire’s real-life experience owning a restaurant adds authenticity to her role.
- Alongside “Happy’s Place,” McEntire continues her role as a coach on “The Voice,” marking her third consecutive season on the show.
- The combination of McEntire’s acting talent and the show’s engaging premise makes “Happy’s Place” a must-watch for fans.