The Unexpected Reba Reunion: Where The Cast Is Today And The New Sitcom That Brought Them Back
The beloved cast of the early 2000s sitcom Reba has staged a surprise, multi-episode reunion in the 2024-2025 television season, solidifying their status as one of TV's most enduring ensembles. The country music icon and star, Reba McEntire, has been instrumental in bringing her fictional family back together on her new NBC sitcom, Happy's Place, which premiered in October 2024. This exciting development has provided the freshest and most current updates on the careers of Melissa Peterman, Steve Howey, JoAnna García Swisher, and Christopher Rich, proving that the Hart family chemistry is still potent two decades later. As of today, December 21, 2025, the cast members are thriving in new projects, but it is their collective return to the sitcom world that has fans buzzing.
The original series, which aired from 2001 to 2007, captivated audiences with its sharp wit and southern charm, focusing on the titular character navigating a messy divorce from her dentist ex-husband, Brock, who left her for his hygienist, Barbra Jean. While a full-fledged Reba reboot never materialized, the show's spirit lives on through the new series, which features several key cast members in new, yet familiar, comedic roles. Below is a detailed look at what each member of the iconic Reba cast is doing now, with a special focus on their latest projects and the ongoing reunion.
Reba McEntire: The Queen of Country and Sitcoms Today
Reba McEntire, the powerhouse at the center of the show, has continued to dominate both the music and television industries. Her latest venture, Happy's Place, serves as a spiritual successor to the original show, featuring her as Bobbie, the owner of a restaurant who inherits a business partner she never knew she had. Her career remains a masterclass in longevity and versatility, making her one of the most bankable stars in entertainment.
Reba McEntire Biography and Profile
- Full Name: Reba Nell McEntire
- Born: March 28, 1955
- Birthplace: McAlester, Oklahoma, U.S.
- Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Producer, Entrepreneur
- Genre: Country, Pop
- Music Career Highlights: Over 75 million records sold worldwide, 25 studio albums, 29 No. 1 songs, and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame.
- Acting Roles: Reba Hart on Reba (2001–2007), Bobbie on Happy's Place (2024–present), and a recurring role as Sunny Barnes on Big Sky.
- Current Partner: Actor Rex Linn, who also co-stars with her in Happy's Place.
- Recent Major Achievement (2024): Joining the cast of the NBC singing competition The Voice as a coach, and the premiere of her new sitcom.
The Happy's Place Reunion: Reba's Co-Stars Return
The most exciting news for fans of the original show is the series of reunions on Happy's Place. The new sitcom, which centers on Bobbie (McEntire) and her family, has become a hot spot for former Reba cast members, creating a delightful sense of nostalgia while introducing fresh character dynamics. This deliberate effort by McEntire and the producers to bring back the old cast has successfully capitalized on the strong, established chemistry.
1. Melissa Peterman (Barbra Jean Hart)
Melissa Peterman, who played the lovable and often exasperating Barbra Jean, is a main cast member in Happy's Place, playing Gabby, the manager of Bobbie's restaurant.
- Current Status: Main cast member on Happy's Place (2024–present).
- Other Recent Work: She concluded a long run as Brenda Sparks on the hit CBS series Young Sheldon in 2024. She also hosts the game show Person Place or Thing.
- The Reunion: Her on-screen banter with Reba, which was the heart of the original show, is a key selling point of the new sitcom, showcasing their enduring comedic timing.
2. Steve Howey (Van Montgomery)
Steve Howey, who played the dim-witted but endearing former pro athlete Van Montgomery, has also joined the Happy's Place family.
- Current Status: Guest star on Happy's Place, reuniting with McEntire and Peterman.
- Other Recent Work: Howey is best known for his long-running role as Kevin Ball on the acclaimed Showtime series Shameless, which concluded in 2021.
- The Reunion: His appearance in the new sitcom provides a full circle moment for fans of the show, demonstrating his versatility beyond his Shameless persona.
3. JoAnna García Swisher (Cheyenne Hart)
JoAnna García Swisher, who played the eldest daughter Cheyenne, has confirmed she will also appear in Happy's Place, completing a major reunion of the Hart women.
- Current Status: Confirmed guest appearance on Happy's Place.
- Other Recent Work: She stars as Maddie Townsend on the popular Netflix series Sweet Magnolias, which has been renewed for a fourth season. She has also hosted two seasons of the Netflix reality series The Ultimatum: Queer Love.
- The Reunion: Her return is highly anticipated, as her character’s relationship with Reba was a core emotional element of the original series.
Updates on Brock and Kyra: From Stroke Recovery to Retirement
The remaining main cast members, Christopher Rich and Scarlett Pomers, have taken different paths since the end of the original show, with one making a triumphant return to acting and the other choosing a quiet life away from Hollywood.
4. Christopher Rich (Brock Hart)
Christopher Rich, who played Reba's ex-husband, Brock Hart, is making a comeback to television after a serious health scare.
- Current Status: Guest star on Happy's Place, playing a tattoo artist named Maverick in an episode titled "Sisters Ink."
- Health Update: Rich suffered a massive stroke and was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury in 2018. He has openly discussed his recovery process, calling the opportunity to reunite with his former co-stars a "blessing."
- The Reunion: His appearance marks a significant milestone in his recovery, with the actor expressing hope about acting again.
5. Scarlett Pomers (Kyra Hart)
Scarlett Pomers, who played the youngest daughter Kyra Hart, has stepped away from the spotlight entirely since the series concluded.
- Current Status: Retired from acting.
- Post-Reba Life: After returning for the final season following a personal battle with anorexia, Pomers chose to retire from Hollywood to focus on advocacy and raising awareness for eating disorders.
- In the Public Eye: She has pulled further back from the public eye and has not been involved in the Happy's Place reunion, choosing to maintain her private life.
The Enduring Legacy of the Reba Sitcom
The original sitcom Reba has seen a massive resurgence in popularity, especially since its addition to Netflix in May 2024. This move introduced the show to a new generation of viewers and reignited the passion of original fans, demonstrating the show's topical authority and timeless appeal. The core themes of family, divorce, co-parenting, and finding humor in life's challenges continue to resonate deeply with audiences across the globe. The show's success on streaming platforms is undoubtedly a key factor in the greenlight and subsequent success of Reba McEntire’s new sitcom, Happy's Place, which has essentially become the long-awaited Reba reunion fans have been dreaming of for over a decade. The fact that the majority of the main cast—Reba, Melissa Peterman, Steve Howey, and JoAnna García Swisher—are all connected to the new project proves that their professional and personal bonds remain one of the strongest in television history.
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