Reba McEntire has officially transformed Happy’s Place into something more than a sitcom — it’s become a warm, welcoming home for joyful Reba reunions, and fans are loving every minute of it.
From the moment McEntire and Melissa Peterman were announced as co-stars on the NBC series, longtime viewers began hoping that familiar faces from Reba would eventually follow. Peterman’s return alone felt special; her portrayal of the unforgettable Barbra Jean across the original show’s entire run made their on-screen reunion feel like a gift to fans who never stopped watching.
Nostalgia Done Right on Happy’s Place
Thankfully, series creator Kevin Abbott seemed to know exactly what audiences were hoping for — and he’s been delivering from the very beginning.
The first Reba alum to make a guest appearance was Steve Howey, best known as Van. His cameo quickly went viral after a lighthearted blooper in which he slipped back into character and accidentally called McEntire “Mrs. H,” just as he did years ago. The moment sparked a wave of excitement and speculation about who might appear next.
Soon after, Christopher Rich — who played Brock Hart — made his own guest appearance during Season One, further cementing Happy’s Place as a celebration of shared television history.
Now, fans have even more to look forward to. On October 1, 2025, it was officially confirmed that JoAnna Garcia Swisher, who portrayed Reba’s daughter Cheyenne, will join the cast for a special Season Two episode. The announcement sent fans into a frenzy across social media, with many calling it the reunion they had been waiting years to see.
Christopher Rich’s Return Carries Special Meaning
Christopher Rich’s appearance resonated on a deeper level, given the challenges he has faced in recent years. In 2018, Rich suffered a stroke that dramatically changed his life, leaving him with limited mobility and reliant on a cane. The health setback led him to step away from the spotlight, appearing publicly only on rare occasions, often during small cast gatherings.
That changed when Reba McEntire personally invited him to be part of Happy’s Place.
“It used to be so embarrassing to come out,” Rich shared with People. “But ever since Reba dragged me back to do Happy’s Place, I’ve sort of re-entered the world again. I’m having the time of my life.”
Rich also spoke movingly about the support he received from both McEntire and Peterman during his recovery.
“They were there from the beginning,” he said. “They came to my hospital bed. They sent me gifts. Melissa used to come over and bring me treats all the time. She was such a great supporter.”
Reflecting on the long road back, Rich described his recovery as slow but meaningful. “It’s been a long journey,” he said. “I liken it to climbing a marble facade of a building with your fingernails. You make tiny bits of progress, but you don’t get up there very high.”
More Than a Reunion
For fans, seeing Rich return isn’t just nostalgic — it’s deeply uplifting. His appearance on Happy’s Place represents not only a beloved reunion, but a personal victory and a testament to friendship, perseverance, and kindness behind the scenes.
As Happy’s Place continues to bring familiar faces together, it’s clear that the heart of Reba never really left — it simply found a new place to call home.
We continue to wish Christopher Rich strength, progress, and happiness as he moves forward on his journey.