Reba McEntire has officially turned Happy’s Place into a home for joyful Reba reunions — and fans couldn’t be happier about it.
From the moment McEntire and Melissa Peterman were announced as co-stars on the NBC sitcom, viewers began hoping the rest of the beloved Reba cast would eventually appear. Peterman, of course, played the unforgettable Barbra Jean throughout the entire run of the original series, making their on-screen reunion feel like a true gift to longtime fans.
Fans React to Happy’s Place Season 2 Reunions
Luckily, creator Kevin Abbott knew exactly what the audience wanted — and he has been delivering nostalgia from day one.
The first returning Reba alum to guest-star on Happy’s Place was Steve Howey, who played Van. His appearance immediately went viral after he accidentally slipped into character and called McEntire “Mrs. H,” just as he did in the original sitcom. The blooper spread quickly, sparking excitement about who might show up next.
Not long after, Christopher Rich — who portrayed Brock Hart — made his own guest appearance during Season One.
And now, fans have even more to look forward to. As confirmed on October 1, 2025, JoAnna Garcia Swisher, who played Reba’s daughter Cheyenne, will be joining the cast for a special episode in Season Two. The news sent viewers into a frenzy of excitement across social media.
Christopher Rich Credits Reba for Helping Him Step Back Into the Spotlight
Christopher Rich’s return to television is especially meaningful given the challenges he has faced in recent years. In 2018, he suffered a stroke that significantly altered his life, leaving him with limited mobility and the need for a cane. The health complications led him to withdraw from the public eye, making only a handful of appearances — typically at intimate cast get-togethers.
But everything changed when Reba personally invited him to appear on Happy’s Place.
“It used to be so embarrassing to come out, but now, ever since Reba dragged me back to do Happy’s Place, I’ve sort of re-entered the world again,” Rich told People. “I’m having the time of my life.”
He also shared that both McEntire and Peterman supported him through the most difficult moments of his recovery.
“They were there from the beginning. They came to my hospital bed; they sent me gifts. Melissa used to come over and bring me treats all the time in the hospital. And she was such a great supporter,” he said.
Reflecting on the seven-year journey since his stroke, Rich added, “It’s been a long journey. I liken it to climbing a marble facade of a building with your fingernails. You make tiny bits of progress, but you don’t get up there very high.”
Fans are overjoyed to see Rich returning to public life and embracing new opportunities. His appearance on Happy’s Place marks not just a reunion, but a personal triumph.
We continue to wish him strength, progress, and happiness on his road to recovery.