“Happy’s Place” isn’t a “Reba” reboot — but they share a common connection, McEntire says

Although two of the same leads – Reba McEntire and Melissa Peterman – return to play unlikely friends in a multi-camera sitcom, the new NBC series “Happy's Place” is not an extension of “Reba.”

The new series “Happy's Place” tells the story of Bobbie (played by McEntire), who inherits her father's bar, only to learn that she has a surprising business partner – a 20-something half-sister named Isabella (Belissa Escobedo), that she never knew she had.

The show also shares behind-the-scenes talent with the original “Reba” series, but it is not a sequel or reboot, McEntire told TODAY.com at an NBC event at Universal Studios promoting the fall comedy program of the station was advertised. NBC is owned by NBCUniversal, the parent company of TODAY.

Additionally, she said there is currently no chance of a reboot of the original Reba series.

“Because here is the showrunner, the producers, everyone from the 'Reba' show The “I think it was a really good idea that we didn't try to do a remake, even though I miss all the other characters and cast of the 'Reba' show.”

In “Reba,” McEntire starred as a bubbly single mother who works two jobs – IYKYK – and struggles to take care of everyone in her home after her husband leaves her for his dental hygienist job.

While Happy's Place is also a comedy with some of the same actors, the similarities end there. The new series stars McEntire as a bar owner in Knoxville, Tennessee, after the death of her father, who discovers that she has a much younger half-sister that she didn't know about.

“It's just a new, fresh idea and we're taking a different approach,” she said, thanking fans for tuning in to “Reba” after all these years. The original series is currently available to stream on Netflix in the US.

“Now come over and watch us at 'Happy's Place!'” she laughed.

Escobedo said that working with an established team made her immediately feel welcomed and surrounded by “love and compassion.”

“They made it immediately very welcoming and just pleasant,” she said. “And Reba (McEntire) here makes everything better on set.”

Tokala Black Elk, who plays tavern waiter Takoda, told TODAY.com that the audition process was very intense — so much so that when they arrived on set, we “just clicked.”

“It's great, I come home every time after work and dance excitedly,” he said.

Pablo Castelblanco, who plays accountant Steve in the series, agreed.

“They were so excited and so welcoming, it was one of the best things just being there,” Castelblanco told TODAY.com.

Melissa Peterman, who appeared in the original series “Reba” and also stars in the upcoming series “Happy's Place,” agreed that it was a pleasure to work with the “Reba” team again.

“And what we all know is that Reba McEntire is great at it, she brings so much laughter and always keeps her heart down,” Peterman said.

“Happy’s Place” premieres Friday, October 18th at 8:00 pm PT/ET on NBC.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com