More than 20 years after the debut of her hit series “Reba,” Reba McEntire has reunited with executive producers Kevin Abbott, Michael Hanel and Mindy Schultheis as well as co-star Melissa Peterman for a new multi-cam NBC sitcom “Happy’s Place.” Though this new show is unrelated to the beloved WB series, which aired for six seasons, it has the heart, fun and familiarity that made the early 2000s series such a delight. Though critics only received two episodes in advance, thus far, “Happy’s Place” is nostalgic, funny and heartfelt. In addition to an eclectic cast of characters and McEntire’s signature edge woven throughout the comedy, the Tennessee-set sitcom feels like a universal crowdpleaser about family, friendship and generational divisions while paying homage to past TV shows’ rhythmic beats and tone.
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“Happy’s Place” opens at its namesake, a tavern known as a neighborhood staple for regulars. Following her father’s death, Bobbie (McEntire) is reopening the doors, eager to step into her new position as owner. A divorcee whose daughter is deployed in the military, the pub is Bobbie’s entire world. In addition to the spitfire redhead, Happy’s Place employees fill out the show . Gabby (Peterman), a cheerful, clingy bartender desperate to form a deeper bond with her boss. (It’s a character similar to Peterman’s role as Barbra Jean in “Reba,” but it still works well here.) Emmett (Rex Linn) is Happy’s chef and the stoic pseudo-patriarch of the tavern. He’s a man of few words, but his colleagues always seem to be invading his kitchen for advice and guidance. Tokoda (Tokala Black Elk), the eatery’s waiter, mostly keeps to himself, but his ability to fix nearly anything makes him indispensable at the pub. Finally, there is Steve (Pablo Castelblanco), Happy’s accountant, who likes to sit at the bar working on his computer.
Bobbie has run Happy’s for a decade, but she’s now navigating a new normal as its owner. Therefore, when she receives news that she has a younger sister, Isabella (Belissa Escobedo), who she never knew about and now co-owns the bar with her, Bobbie’s world is turned upside down. Not only does it upend the way she’s always run the business, but it also forces Bobbie to confront the image of the father she thought she knew.
Bubbly, curious and a quintessential Gen-Zer with a psychology degree, Isabella is shocked by her new role at Happy’s. However, while she tries to take things in stride, sharing her ideas and trying to modernize how things are run, her newfound older sister isn’t too keen. “Happy’s Place” does a fantastic job of showcasing the siblings’ differences. Bobbie is determined to stick to the status quo, but Isabella dives headfirst into meddling, speaking up for herself and switching up protocols. As the pair spends more time together, it’s apparent that learning to be successful sisters and business partners will have quite a bit of a learning curve.
From a cat lady joke in the series pilot to Isabella’s startlingly rapid-fire voice notes and recordings in Episode 2, “Tapped Out,” “Happy’s Place” has numerous laugh-out moments. All the characters add to the overall narrative, but Steve, a germophobe with OCD, stands out. He’s made the bar his workstation, but anyone invading his personal bubble will likely be blasted by his keyboard cleaning spray or berated for getting germs near him.
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Although the heart of the sitcom is humor, the narrative highlights two very different women trying to reconcile their family lineage. Despite her close relationship with her dad, Bobbie now carries anger and frustration because of the secrets he kept. Isabella’s presence further triggers her irritation. Likewise, having never known her father, Isabella is desperate to find her stride and solidify her legacy at Happy’s Place, even if it means stepping on her sister’s toes. McEntire and Escobedo’s sharp, zingy chemistry mirrors siblings despite their four-decade-plus age difference.
Mockumentary-style half-hour shows have been popularized, but “Happy’s Place” (at least in its first two episodes) is a reminder that more traditional comedy series can still have a place on television, especially when they can add some 21st-century flair to long-established themes and tropes.
“Happy’s Place” premieres Oct. 18 on NBC, with new episodes dropping weekly on Fridays.
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