Reba McEntire’s highly anticipated return to network TV materializes in theHappy’s Placeseries premiere, whichmight not live up toRebabut does a good job of establishing itself as a solid sitcomwith the potential to be great. McEntire has had trouble finding her nextsuccessful TV project following the finale ofRebain February 2007. The ABC sitcomMalibu Country, which, despite its impressive cast (McEntire, Lily Tomlin, Sara Rue, etc.), received mixed to negative reviews and was canceled after its 18-episode first season. Its cancelation seemingly dissuaded McEntire from exploring other sitcom pilots.
Cast
McEntire avoided starring in her own original show for many years, instead opting to join already triumphant series such asThe VoiceandYoung Sheldon. However, now she is dipping her toe back into the sitcom waters withHappy’s Place. After viewing the new show’s first episode, it’s clear thatMcEntire, also an executive producer, is trying to steer clear of theRebacomparisons.Happy’s Placeis quite different fromRebaas its central setting is a bar and revolves around McEntire’s character, Bobbie, meeting her much younger long-lost half-sister after their father’s death.
The Happy’s Place Pilot Sets Up A Rich Story
The NBC Sitcom Has A Lot Of Potential
TheHappy’s Placeseries premierefocuses on setting up the sitcom’s main story and conflict — Bobbie just inherited her beloved father’s bar after his death when she discovers she has a half-sister, Isabella. Of course, learning that she has a 20-something sister is a shock. However, Bobbie is thrown for a bigger loop when she discovers their father, Happy, left Isabella co-ownership of the bar. So, it makes sense whythe pilot primarily centers around establishingHappy’s Place’s central narrative.
Reba McEntire’s new sitcom isn’t being set up for disappointment and has the potential to be her most successful project sinceRebaended over 17 years ago.
The premiere gives us a proper look at the NBC sitcom’s story and what to expect from it going forward. Usually, if we don’t like a premiere, it’s quite unlikely we’ll enjoy the rest of the comedy series. However,theHappy’s Placepilot constructs a rich plot that can go in many different directions.As a result,Reba McEntire’s new sitcom isn’t being set up for disappointmentand has the potential to be her most successful project sinceRebaended over 17 years ago.
Reba’s Sitcom Return Is Full Of Heart & Laughter
Happy’s Place Has A Good Balance Of Humor & Emotional Moments
One of the best parts ofHappy’s Placeis its ability to balance comedic moments with ones that are more serious and poignant, which is also one of McEntire’s notable strengths. A dead dad and a long-lost half-sister are two heavy storylines that sound like they come from a drama, not a sitcom. Nevertheless,Happy’s Placeperfectly interweaves its jokes (which are laugh-out-loud funny) with its emotional scenes.
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For example,Happy’s Placeseamlessly jumps from Bobbie learning the truth about Isabella to McEntire’s character hilariously storming out to the bar for a cup of “coffee.“Many of the jokes land, while the emotional moments tug at the heartstrings. For those reasons alone, McEntire’s new NBC sitcom is off to a good start. So far,Happy’s Placeis shaping up to be much better than aRebarevival.
Happy’s Place Season 1 Must Focus More On The Side Characters
The Pilot Mostly Sets Up Bobbie’s Character & Relationship With Isabella
Although the pilot rightfully sets up the central story, the episode also sidelines many ofthe characters inHappy’s Place. Bobbie, Isabella, and Gabby all get a decent amount of time to shine in the premiere. Meanwhile,Emmett, Steve, and Takoda are pushed to the side.Happy’s Placeat least teases the characters' primary qualities so that we get a picture, no matter how small, of their personalities. But, future episodes must focus more on the likes of Emmett, Steve, and Takoda to fully round out the show and its cast.
Tokala Black Elk
Takoda
Plus, while it’s thrilling thatHappy’s Placereunites McEntire withRebaactor Melissa Peterman,it should differentiate Peterman’s new character from her previous one inReba.Gabby is a little too much like Barbra Jean. She’s eager, a bit ditzy, easily excited, and obsessed with being close friends with Bobbie. They are friends, but just like Reba and Barbra Jean inReba, Gabby often pushes her relationship with Bobbie a bit too far. Consequently, it’s difficult to see the differences between Peterman’s two characters, makingHappy’s Place’s narrative feel a bit repetitive.
Happy’s Placepremieres on Friday, October 18 at 8 pm ET on NBC, with new weekly episodes releasing each Friday.
Happy’s Place
Happy’s Place: In 2024’s Happy’s Place, Bobbie unexpectedly inherits her father’s restaurant and navigates unforeseen challenges alongside the half-sister she never knew existed. The series explores themes of family and partnership amid the bustling backdrop of restaurant life.
