Season 2 of Happy’s Place may still be on the horizon, but Melissa Peterman is already thinking ahead about what’s next for her scene-stealing bartender, Gabby. While reflecting on Season 1, Peterman shared her excitement about exploring the character’s mysterious past and the surprising details that have slowly emerged through dialogue.
According to Peterman, she keeps a personal “bible” of every clue about Gabby’s history, using small lines—like Gabby’s complicated feelings about her mother—to build a deeper emotional foundation. Initially, she assumed Gabby came from a divorced household, but recent script details revealed her parents are actually still together, a twist she finds both shocking and inspiring for future storytelling. She also hinted that showrunner Kevin Abbott already has plans to explain the family dynamic.
Peterman is also campaigning for a major guest star: she’d love to see Emmy winner Jean Smart cast as Gabby’s formidable mother. While nothing is confirmed, the idea reflects Peterman’s vision of a strong, layered parent figure who could match Gabby’s energy.
Beyond her character’s past, Peterman hopes Season 2 will feature more familiar faces from Reba, continuing the nostalgic crossovers that fans have embraced. With deeper character stories, potential dream casting, and more reunions on the table, the next chapter of Happy’s Place is already shaping up to be even bigger.
