How “Happy’s Place” Became TV’s Coziest New Comedy—And Why Reba McEntire Loves It More Than Ever

When Reba McEntire returned to television in NBC’s “Happy’s Place,” she brought with her not just star power, but the warmth, wit, and heart that made her previous sitcom “Reba” a fan favorite. But behind the easy laughs and heartfelt moments of this new comedy lies a creative journey full of unexpected twists, creative reinvention, and a passionate team determined to make something truly special.

From Reboot to Reinvention

“Happy’s Place” didn’t start out as an entirely new show. In fact, it began as a planned reboot of “Reba”—with original showrunner Kevin Abbott and the old cast ready to revive their beloved characters. “We spent a year developing the reboot,” Abbott reveals. “Everyone was on board, and Disney, who owned the rights, loved our pitch.” But just as things seemed set, Disney’s shifting priorities put the project on ice.

Rather than give up, McEntire and Abbott pivoted. Inspired by a suggestion from Abbott’s wife, they reimagined the story: instead of revisiting old characters, Reba would play Bobbie McAllister, a woman inheriting her late father’s bar and discovering a half-sister she never knew existed. Thus, “Happy’s Place” was born—a fresh start that kept the spirit of “Reba” alive while taking viewers somewhere new.

Building a World Full of Heart

The creative team—Abbott, McEntire, director of photography Gary Baum, and production designer Glenda Rovello—set out to craft a show that felt both familiar and original. “We wanted the same mix of snappy humor and genuine emotion,” McEntire explains. Drawing inspiration from classics like “The Andy Griffith Show,” the team ensured each episode balanced laughter with moments that resonated deeply with audiences.

For Rovello, this meant designing sets that radiated warmth and authenticity. Since the show is set in Knoxville, Tennessee, she wove in local colors and artifacts, making the bar at the center of “Happy’s Place” feel like a real gathering spot you’d want to visit. “Everything from the woodwork to the booths was custom-made,” Rovello says. “We wanted it to feel tactile and real, a place full of stories.”

Baum’s cinematography played a key role in establishing the show’s inviting atmosphere. By carefully selecting lenses and lighting, he created a look that’s both cinematic and intimate—allowing viewers to fall in love with the characters while feeling right at home.

The Magic of a Live Audience

A crucial ingredient in the show’s success is its live studio audience. For McEntire, their energy is irreplaceable. “You know immediately if a joke lands—or doesn’t!” she laughs. The writers and actors thrive on this feedback, often rewriting lines on the spot to keep the laughs coming. “It keeps everyone on their toes and makes the show feel alive,” McEntire says.

Abbott agrees, crediting the cast’s flexibility and chemistry for making every episode better right up until the cameras roll. “It’s like putting on a play every week,” he says. “And this cast just feels so organic—they’re a joy to watch.”

A New Classic in the Making

Though “Happy’s Place” was born from the ashes of a reboot, it’s quickly becoming a new classic in its own right. As the show heads into its second season, McEntire and the creative team are excited for what’s next. “There are so many more stories to tell,” Abbott says. “And honestly, I’m glad things worked out this way. It’s been a blessing.”

For fans of heartfelt, funny, and genuinely warm television, “Happy’s Place” is exactly where you want to be.