Fans of Reba are in for a nostalgic treat as Reba McEntire reunites with her former on-screen daughter Joanna Garcia Swisher in an upcoming episode of Happy’s Place. The special appearance brings a dose of early-2000s magic back to the screen while pushing the current storyline forward.
In the episode, tavern owner Bobbie (McEntire) tries to help accountant Steve (Pablo Castelblanco) land a quirky local mattress commercial. The role requires Steve to play a Roaring Twenties time traveler discovering modern sleep technology—an idea that quickly pulls Bobbie into an acting rehearsal she didn’t sign up for.
According to executive producer Kevin Abbott, the comedy comes from Steve critiquing Bobbie’s acting skills—and he’s not impressed. Abbott praised Castelblanco’s physical comedy, noting that his unexpected character choices kept the cast laughing throughout filming.
The fun with “acting inside the show” inspired another storyline in the episode “Social Discontent,” where Joanna Garcia Swisher guest stars as a Knoxville influencer who recruits the tavern crew to create promotional social media content. The appearance doubles as a heartfelt reunion for longtime fans who remember her as Cheyenne from Reba.
Meanwhile, tensions flare in the kitchen when Isabella (Belissa Escobedo) critiques chef Emmett’s latest creation, Armadillo Eggs. Emmett (Rex Linn) doesn’t take feedback lightly, setting up another comedic clash.
As for Isabella’s love life, her relationship with the professor has ended—for now—though Abbott hints the character could return. On the romantic front, viewers hoping for more development between Bobbie and Emmett won’t have to wait long, with the producer teasing “a lot of interesting stuff” ahead for the pair.
With surprise reunions, meta-style comedy, and evolving relationships, Happy’s Place continues to blend nostalgia with fresh storylines that keep audiences coming back.