JoAnna García Swisher recently reunited with her former co-stars Reba McEntire and Melissa Peterman on the set of NBC’s new comedy series “Happy’s Place.” This marks another delightful collaboration among members of the beloved cast of “Reba,” which originally aired from 2001 until 2007. García Swisher’s guest appearance added to the show’s ongoing tradition of featuring former “Reba” actors.
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In a conversation with PEOPLE, García Swisher opened up about her experience filming the second season episode titled “Social Discontent.” In this episode, she portrays Kenzie, a local influencer who steps in to assist McEntire’s character, Bobbie, while managing a social media campaign. García Swisher expressed that the reunion felt incredibly special, as if no time had elapsed since they last worked together. “It was the best,” she stated, reminiscing about the camaraderie that flourished on set.
The reunion was made even sweeter with the unexpected visit from Christopher Rich, who played García Swisher’s on-screen father, Brock Hart, in “Reba.” While Steve Howey, who played her husband, Van, could not join them due to commitments to another project, they made efforts to reach out to him during the festivities. García Swisher fondly recalled the excitement of texting him, trying to coax him to join them, underscoring the close-knit bonds that have endured since filming wrapped on their original series.
The cast of “Reba” continues to prioritise their friendships, as García Swisher shared that they never miss an opportunity to come together. “We make it a priority,” she explained, highlighting the strength of their connections even after the show’s conclusion. For her, it’s important to maintain these meaningful relationships, which have played a significant role in her life and career.
Seeing McEntire and Peterman flourish on “Happy’s Place” filled García Swisher with joy. She expressed her happiness that they have been able to create a work environment reminiscent of the one they had on “Reba.” “It’s rare to stay on the air for as long as we did,” she remarked, emphasising the value of their time spent together on the show and the enduring impact it has had on their lives.
García Swisher’s appearance makes her the third alum to feature on “Happy’s Place,” following Rich and Howey’s guest spots in the inaugural season. The nostalgic blend of past and present is a significant draw for fans who cherished “Reba” and are eager to see familiar faces as they navigate their comedic roles in a new setting. Rich has previously called his return to the world of McEntire and Peterman a “joyous experience,” revealing the comfort he feels on set surrounded by kindred spirits.
When asked about the potential for other former “Reba” cast members like Scarlett Pomers or Mitch Holleman to appear on “Happy’s Place,” García Swisher laughed and affirmed that it would be exciting, although she acknowledged the complexities involved in making such guest appearances happen. Nevertheless, she appeared grateful for her own opportunity to join the current cast and delighted in the energy and enthusiasm present on set.
“Happy’s Place” has been airing new episodes every Friday at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and is available for streaming on Peacock the following day. Meanwhile, fans of “Reba” can catch all six seasons of the original series streaming on Hulu. As the legacy of “Reba” continues to evolve through projects like “Happy’s Place,” it is clear that the bonds forged on set remain strong, showcasing the enduring impact of shared experiences in the world of television.