The new cast update for Happy’s Place confirms a Reba reunion. The new 2024 comedy series follows Bobbie (Reba McEntire), a woman who unexpectedly finds herself partnering with her lost half-sister, Isabella (Belissa Escobedo), in running her late father’s tavern. Since its release in October 2024, Happy’s Place has earned mostly positive reviews and solid viewer retention. On top of that, McEntire has already reunited with several Reba cast members, and now it appears that list will grow.
Now, Variety reported that Christopher Rich and Justina Machado will have guest roles in Happy’s Place. This casting news marks a Reba reunion between McEntire and Rich, who portrayed the role of Brock Hart, the ex-husband in the 2007 sitcom. In Happy’s Place, Rich will portray Maverick, a funny tattoo artist who can only do tattoos with his right hand due to a stroke. On the other hand, Machado, known for her roles in Jane the Virgin, One Day at a Time, and Queen of the South, plays Maritza, Isabella’s mother and a successful lawyer.
What This Means for Happy’s Place and Its Characters
Happy’s Place Is Tapping Into Recognizable Talent
Rich and Machado’s casting reaffirms Happy’s Place’s commitment to tapping into familiar and veteran talent. Rich and McEntire’s reunion is clearly not the first, as the series has already brought many familiar Reba cast members to the spotlight, including Melissa Peterman and Steve Howey. While Howey has just a guest role as Danny, Peterman portrays the main character, Gabby, a bartender who helps Bobby at the tavern. However, Rich is major since this would mark his reunion with McEntire after the 2001 comedy series ended 18 years ago.
Related
I’m Worried About Reba’s Happy’s Place Future After NBC’s Surprising Update For Its Breakout Comedy
NBC’s latest update is good news for one of the network’s new comedies, but it leaves me concerned about the future of Reba’s Happy’s Place.
On the other hand, Machado’s involvement enriches Happy’s Place’s ensemble with a new character who brings depth, strength, and a no-nonsense attitude. With the key premise focused on Bobby learning about her lost half-sister, the introduction of Isabella’s mother could establish more details about the relationship between her and Happy. However, it’s uncertain when either Machado or Rich will make their guest appearances.
Our Take on Happy’s Place’s Guest Star Announcement
New Characters Promise New Relationships & Dynamics
Bringing Rich and Machado into Happy’s Place further strengthens the show’s character-driven approach. Rich’s appearance provides a nostalgic nod to their time on Reba together, while Machado adds a revived dynamic to the series, particularly how it will impact Isabella and Bobbie. These additions demonstrate the sitcom’s commitment to diversifying its character roster and creating a viewing experience where humor and heart coexist. As Happy’s Place continues to evolve, guest roles will likely contribute to its overall success and audience engagement.
Source: Variety
Happy’s Place
- Release Date
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October 18, 2024
- Directors
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Pamela Fryman
- Writers
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Kevin Abbott