Reba McEntire’s on-screen daughter JoAnna Garcia Swisher from her self-titled sitcom had a fantastic opportunity in Happy’s Place, but NBC missed the chance. In addition to being the Queen of Country Music, McEntire has ventured into acting, with her most prominent role being the lead in her 2001 sitcom, Reba.
Portraying the matriarch of the Hart family, Reba juggled raising her three children, dealing with her husband’s infidelity and subsequent divorce, and even forming a friendship with her ex’s mistress, all while building her own career. The character of Reba was so cherished that Happy’s Place simply had to arrange some on-screen reunions for its cast.
The cast of The Happy’s Place already includes two of the standout stars from Reba, Melissa Peterman & Reba McEntire. This time around, however, their roles showcase a simpler relationship compared to the complex dynamic of Reba and Barbara Jean.
McEntire portrays Bobbie, the pub owner, while Peterman plays Gabby, her loyal friend and assistant. Their reunion has sparked even greater interest in seeing more familiar faces from Reba, a request that NBC has responded to in Season 1.
Both Steve Howey and Christopher Rich have made appearances on the show in different roles. However, one notable Reba cast member has yet to join the fun at Happy’s Place — JoAnna Garcia Swisher, who played Cheyenne.
Happy’s Place Aims To Bring Together Reba McEntire & JoAnna Garcia Swisher
Co-creator and showrunner Kevin Abbott, known for his work on Reba, has announced that he is in the process of bringing JoAnna Garcia Swisher into the second season of Happy’s Place. Garcia Swisher portrayed Cheyenne, the firstborn of Reba and Brock, who faced an unexpected pregnancy in the show’s inaugural year in 2001.
Cheyenne eventually married Van, played by Howey, and together they navigated the challenges of new parenthood while maturing themselves. Their storyline was just as crucial to Reba’s overall narrative as the lead character’s personal development. Therefore, it’s no surprise that fans are eager to see Garcia Swisher reunite with McEntire on screen.
Following the conclusion of Reba, Garcia Swisher has continued to thrive in the entertainment industry, featuring in series such as Once Upon a Time and Sweet Magnolias. She has also enjoyed multiple off-screen reunions with her former co-stars since the show wrapped up, demonstrating that their bond remains strong despite not collaborating professionally anymore. This camaraderie facilitates the organization of Reba reunions at Happy’s Place.
JoAnna Garcia Swisher Was Ideal For The Role In Happy’s Place
As Happy’s Place prepares to introduce Garcia Swinger in its second season, the series had already identified an ideal role for the actor. Unlike the typical comedic roles McEntire is known for, this NBC sitcom breaks the mold by not portraying a divorcee; instead, Bobbie has a daughter named Gracie.
Due to her military commitments, Gracie has only made one appearance on Happy’s Place so far. This role would have provided a fantastic chance for Garcia Swinger to reconnect with McEntire, albeit in a limited guest capacity. However, NBC chose to pursue a different casting direction for Gracie.
Rather than casting Garcia Swinger, Happy’s Place opted for Emma Kenney to portray Gracie. The Conners star boasts an impressive acting resume and delivers a commendable performance in her guest role in the comedy.
However, if NBC aimed to capitalize on nostalgia and the lasting affection for Reba, reuniting Garcia Swinger and McEntire as mother and daughter would have been a perfect choice.
Since the role is not a permanent one, the Cheyenne actor can return occasionally, giving her the flexibility to explore other projects. In the meantime, it’s certain that she and McEntire will continue to shine together.
What Part Could Garcia Swisher Play In Season 2 of Happy’s Place ?
Happy’s Place is bound to discover a way to include Garcia Swinger soon. Although it’s unfortunate that the series can’t replicate the mother-daughter chemistry between her and McEntire from Reba, there are still plenty of opportunities to integrate the actress into the show.
Given how successfully Happy’s Place has crafted amusing and engaging roles for Howey and Rich, it’s clear they can create something equally compelling for Garcia Swinger.
One of the more enjoyable roles she could take on is that of a friend to Bobbie. This shift alters their relationship from what it is with Reba and provides a chance to explore how her presence affects Gabby and Isabella.
Alternatively, she might arrive at Happy’s Place through a possible link with other cast members. For instance, she could be revealed as Emmett’s secret daughter. Given his developing romance with Bobbie, Garcia Swinger could still serve as a daughterly figure to McEntire’s character.