More than 20 years after her debut on the hit series “Reba,” Reba McEntire joins executive producers Kevin Abbott, Michael Haynel, Mindy Schultheis, and co-star Melissa for the new multicam NBC sitcom “Happy’s Place.” I met Peterman again. ” This new show is unrelated to the popular WB series that ran for six seasons, but it has the heart, fun, and relatability that so delighted the series in the early 2000s. Critics have only received two episodes in advance, but so far “Happy’s Place” has been nostalgic, funny and heartfelt. In addition to the colorful cast of characters and McIntyre’s signature edge woven throughout the comedy, the Tennessee-set sitcom pays homage to the rhythmic beats and tone of TV shows of the past, while also focusing on family, It feels like a universal crowd-pleaser with themes of friendship and generational divide.
“Happy’s Place” will open as an eponymous pub that is a staple of neighborhood regulars. After the death of his father, Bobby (McIntyre) reopens the door and steps into his new position as owner. For Bobby, a divorcee whose daughter is serving in the military, pubs mean the world to him. In addition to the Spitfire redhead, Happy’s Place employees will also take part in the show. Gabby (Peterman) is a cheerful, clingy bartender who longs to forge a deeper bond with her boss. (A character similar to Peterman’s role as Barbra Jean in Reba, but still works well here.) Emmett (Rex Lynn) is Happy’s chef and the tavern’s stoic pseudo-patriarch . Although he is a man of few words, his colleagues always seem to invade his kitchen for advice and guidance. Tokoda (Tokara Black Elk), a waiter at the restaurant, keeps to himself mostly, but his ability to solve almost anything makes him an indispensable part of the pub. Finally, Happy’s accountant Steve (Pablo Castelblanco) likes to sit at the bar and use his computer.
Bobby has been running Happy’s for 10 years and is now moving into a new normal as an owner. So when he hears the news that she has a younger sister, Isabella (Belissa Escobedo), who he didn’t know about until now, and now co-owns a bar with her, Bobby’s world changes forever. . Not only does this change the way he’s run his business, it also forces him to confront the image of the father he thought he knew.
Isabella, a cheerful, curious and typical Gen Z with a degree in psychology, is shocked by her new role at Happy’s. But while she tries to stay positive, share her ideas, and modernize the way things are run, her new sister is less enthusiastic. “Happy’s Place” perfectly captures the differences between the brothers. Bobby is determined to stick to the status quo, but Isabella jumps headlong into interference, voicing her opinion and switching protocols. As the two spend more time together, it’s clear that there will be quite a learning curve in learning how to succeed as sisters and business partners.
From the cat lady joke in the series pilot to Isabella’s incredibly fast-talking voice notes and recordings in episode 2, “Tapped Out,” “Happy’s Place” is full of hilarious moments. All the characters add to the overall story, but Steve, a germaphobe with OCD, stands out. He’s made the bar his workstation, but anyone who invades his personal space will likely get sprayed with his keyboard cleaning spray or accused of bringing germs into his vicinity.
Although humor is central to the sitcom, the story focuses on two very different women trying to reconcile their family lines. Despite his close relationship with his father, Bobby remains angry and frustrated due to the secrets his father has kept from him. Isabella’s presence further irritates her. Similarly, Isabella, who doesn’t even know her father, is desperate to find her stride and cement her legacy at Happy’s Place, even if it means stepping in her sister’s footsteps. McIntyre and Escobedo’s sharp and exciting chemistry mirrors that of brothers, despite their 40+ year age difference.
Although mockumentary-style half-hour shows have become popular, “Happy’s Place” (at least the first two episodes) shows that more traditional comedy series still have a place on TV, especially if they can add a 21st century element. It reminds me of what I can do. A flair for long-established themes and metaphors.
“Happy’s Place” premieres Oct. 18 on NBC, with new episodes airing every Friday.
