Happy’s Place has captured fans of the original Reba sitcom—and even celebrities are lining up to appear on the show. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Melissa Peterman shared that several stars have pitched ideas for guest appearances, some even as cameos.
“Cheyenne Jackson reached out with a hilarious idea,” Peterman revealed. “He’d be hired as a weekend bartender that Gabby is training—he’s gorgeous but a terrible bartender. Reba’s Bobbie would just shrug and say, ‘It doesn’t matter. He’s so good-looking.’”
Other stars have expressed interest as well. John Lithgow reportedly contacted Peterman’s co-star Rex Linn, and Lance Barber (Young Sheldon) is another fan favorite she’d love to see on the show.
Expanding the Happy’s Place World
The series, which premiered in October 2024, follows Bobbie (Reba McEntire) as she inherits her father’s restaurant and discovers a half-sister she never knew she had, played by Belissa Escobedo. Peterman stars as bartender Gabby, and Linn plays the tavern’s cook.
Peterman emphasized that Gabby is very different from her Reba character, Barbara Jean: “She’s a little odd, definitely flawed, and wants connection. It’s exciting to explore that.” She praised co-creator Kevin Abbott, noting how much he helps shape Gabby’s evolving backstory.
Honoring the Past While Moving Forward
While the show nods to Reba, it’s its own story. Peterman said, “We want to respect the past, but it’s definitely different. The chemistry Reba and I had is still there, and now we get to build with new cast members like Belissa, Pablo Castelblanco, and Tokala Black Elk.”
Looking ahead, Peterman hinted at possible storylines for Gabby’s family, including her mother, whom she imagines being played by Jean Smart. Fans can also expect more cameos from Reba alums like Steve Howey, Christopher Rich, Scarlett Pomers, and potentially JoAnna Garcia Swisher.
Happy’s Place airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, blending familiar faces with fresh storylines and plenty of laughs.