JoAnna Garcia Swisher has reunited with her former co-stars Reba McEntire and Melissa Peterman, making a special guest appearance on the NBC comedy series “Happy’s Place.” The episode that aired on March 13, titled “Social Discontent,” features Garcia Swisher portraying Kenzie, a local actress and influencer tasked with stepping into the shoes of McEntire’s character, Bobbie.
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Garcia Swisher, best known for her role as Cheyenne in the beloved sitcom “Reba,” expressed her excitement about the opportunity to reconnect with McEntire and Peterman. “It honestly didn’t feel like a day had passed,” the 46-year-old actress remarked. The chance to reunite sparked nostalgia, as the trio reminisced about their time together while filming “Reba.”
In typical fashion, “Happy’s Place” pays homage to its roots in a delightful manner. The writers connected Garcia Swisher’s storyline to “Reba,” adding layers of familiarity for loyal fans. In a twist that echoed the original sitcom, Kenzie reveals that her parents divorced after her father’s affair with a dental hygienist — a nod to a significant plot point from “Reba.” McEntire and Peterman’s laughter during this scene was genuine, as Garcia Swisher confirmed, “It’s always fun to give that little homage to our show and the story.”
The episode’s clever writing also matched Garcia Swisher’s character visually to McEntire’s Bobbie, as she donned one of Bobbie’s trademark looks and worked to emulate her Southern accent. Garcia Swisher described this impersonation as a unique and enjoyable challenge, stating, “Oh my gosh, it was a dream come true.” The actress recalled her conversation with showrunner Kevin Abbott, who was enthusiastic about making her guest appearance special. “I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, here we go,'” she said upon discovering she would be mimicking McEntire for the role.
Garcia Swisher’s portrayal was not without its challenges. She admitted that impersonating McEntire in her presence was a daunting task, considering the country singer’s distinct mannerisms and quips. Reflecting on the experience, she noted, “You could only hope to be like Reba. She’s a very special queen.”
This episode marks Garcia Swisher as the third alumnus from “Reba” to join the cast of “Happy’s Place,” following appearances by Steve Howey and Christopher Rich in its first season. Her enthusiasm about the reunion extended beyond this moment, with Garcia Swisher suggesting that it could be fun for other “Reba” stars to guest star as well. She praised the longevity of their work, stating, “It’s so rare to be able to stay on the air. To be able to do a show for six years was really, really special.”
Garcia Swisher expressed deep appreciation for her friendships formed during her time working with McEntire and Peterman, highlighting the strong bond they share. “These are people that have meant so much to me in my life,” she added, reflecting on the warmth and community within the cast. The reunion was not just an opportunity to act but also a chance to celebrate the enduring friendship they cherish.
“Happy’s Place,” recently renewed for a third season, continues to draw in audiences with its engaging storylines, and the blend of nostalgia from “Reba” adds a unique flavour to the show. New episodes air Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, and are available for streaming the following day on Peacock. As viewers tune in to see familiar faces and enjoy heartwarming stories, the legacy of “Reba” lives on through these inviting reunions.