Reba McEntire’s Sitcom Return in NBC’s ‘Happy’s Place’ Is Hilarious and Nostalgic: TV Review

As a long-time fan of Reba McEntire and her heartwarming sitcoms, I was thrilled to hear about the return of her comedic talents with “Happy’s Place.” With a cast that feels like a reunion of familiar faces, this new series has all the makings of another classic. From the nostalgic charm to the modern twist, it’s a delightful blend that keeps me coming back for more.


After more than two decades since “Reba” graced our screens, I, as a devoted fan, am thrilled to jump back into the world created by Reba McEntire, Kevin Abbott, Michael Hanel, Mindy Schultheis, and Melissa Peterman. They’ve brought us a brand-new multi-camera NBC sitcom titled “Happy’s Place,” which, while unconnected to the cherished WB series that ran for six seasons in the early 2000s, carries the same essence of warmth, humor, and familiarity that made those episodes so delightful.

At “Happy’s Place,” a beloved local tavern, reopens under new ownership by Bobbie (McEntire) following her father’s passing. As she embarks on this new role as proprietor, Bobbie, a divorced mother with a military daughter, finds solace and purpose in managing the pub. The staff of Happy’s Place includes an array of characters: Gabby (Peterman), a lively, clingy bartender seeking a closer relationship with her boss; Emmett (Rex Linn), the taciturn chef and unofficial patriarch of the tavern; Tokoda (Tokala Black Elk), the quiet waiter who is essential due to his knack for fixing things; and Steve (Pablo Castelblanco), the accountant who often works at the bar on his computer.

For over ten years, Bobbie has been in charge of Happy’s, but recently, her life has taken an unexpected turn as she now shares ownership with her newly discovered sister, Isabella (Belissa Escobedo). This revelation and partnership have caused a significant shake-up in Bobbie’s world. Not only does it challenge the way she’s managed the business all these years, but it also compels Bobbie to reevaluate her perception of their father, whom she thought she knew well.

24-year-old Isabella, who possesses a psychology degree, a bubbly personality, and an innate Gen-Z spirit, finds herself surprised by her new position at Happy’s. Despite attempting to adapt gracefully, she expresses her innovative ideas to modernize operations. Unfortunately, her older sister, who has recently entered the picture, seems reluctant. The TV show “Happy’s Place” effectively portrays this sibling dynamic. Bobbie is rigidly committed to maintaining tradition, while Isabella fearlessly challenges the norm, advocating for herself and altering established procedures. As they spend more time together, it becomes evident that their journey towards successful sisterhood and business partnership will require significant learning and adjustment.

In “Happy’s Place,” episodes like “Tapped Out” offer numerous hilarious instances – from a cat-lady joke in the pilot to Isabella’s rapid-fire voice messages in episode 2. The show is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, and each character contributes to the storyline. However, Steve, the character with OCD and a strong aversion to germs, really stands out. He has transformed the bar into his workspace, but beware – anyone who encroaches upon his personal space might find themselves targeted by his keyboard cleaning spray or subjected to harsh words for getting too close.

The main focus of this sitcom is comedy, but it also delves into the story of two women with contrasting backgrounds attempting to understand their shared family history. Bobbie, who was once very close to her father, Bob, now harbors resentment and bitterness due to his hidden secrets. The arrival of Isabella only intensifies Bobbie’s annoyance. On the other hand, Isabella never knew her dad, so she is determined to make a name for herself at Happy’s Place, even if it means butting heads with her sister. McEntire and Escobedo’s lively, witty interactions create an impression of sibling rivalry, despite their significant age gap.

In contrast to the trend of mockumentary-style shows, “Happy’s Place” demonstrates that classic sitcoms, at least in its initial two episodes, continue to hold relevance on television, particularly when they inject contemporary elements into age-old humor concepts and storylines.

Happy’s Place premieres Oct. 18 on NBC, with new episodes dropping weekly on Fridays.

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2024-10-18 17:16