Reba McEntire, Melissa Peterman, and Christopher Rich Reunite Onscreen for NBC’s Happy’s Place: “It Felt Like Coming Home”

It’s been nearly two decades since fans last saw Reba McEntire, Melissa Peterman, and Christopher Rich share the screen on the beloved sitcom Reba. Now, the trio is back together again—this time on NBC’s Happy’s Place—and the reunion is as heartwarming as it is hilarious.

In a recent episode of Happy’s Place, Rich guest-starred as Maverick, a mischievous tattoo artist who instantly catches the eye of Gabby, played by Peterman. The chemistry between the three was undeniable, and for longtime fans, the episode was packed with nostalgic nods to their Reba days—including Rich calling McEntire’s character “Red,” a throwback to his nickname for her on the original show.

“It felt like coming home,” Rich shared in an interview, reflecting on the experience of working with McEntire and Peterman again. “They took such good care of me. It was just so wonderful to work with those two women. They were very, very protective”.

Peterman echoed the sentiment, saying the reunion was filled with laughter and emotional moments. “We’ve been through so much together, both on and off screen. Getting to play off each other again—it’s like we never missed a beat,” she said.

McEntire, who stars as Bobbie in Happy’s Place, has been instrumental in bringing her former castmates into the fold. After reuniting with Peterman in Season 1, she helped pave the way for Rich’s guest appearance in Season 2. “It’s a joy to work with people you love and trust,” McEntire said. “We know each other so well, and that makes the comedy even sharper.”

The episode also carried extra emotional weight for Rich, who returned to acting after recovering from a major stroke. “The crew made it feel like the old Reba set,” he said. “It was a blessing. I want to go back so badly”.

Fans responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, flooding social media with praise for the reunion and calling for more appearances from the original cast. Rich even teased a possible return, joking, “I think Maverick should come back because Gabby wants to have a baby. I make pretty children”.

With Happy’s Place continuing to blend fresh storylines with nostalgic charm, the reunion of McEntire, Peterman, and Rich proves that some onscreen families never fade—they just find new places to shine.

You can read more about the reunion on NBC Insider and Us Weekly’s exclusive interview.