Melissa Peterman discussed the recent guest appearance by her former Reba co-star JoAnna Garcia Swisher on NBC's Happy's Place. Swisher played Kenzie, an actress mimicking Reba McEntire's character in social media promos. Peterman also previewed Jane Lynch's debut as Gabby's mother in the show's second season.
In a recent interview, Melissa Peterman shared insights into the reunion with JoAnna Garcia Swisher on Happy's Place, the NBC comedy starring Reba McEntire and Peterman. Swisher, who played Reba Hart's daughter on the original Reba sitcom from 2001 to 2007, guest-starred as Kenzie, an actress and influencer hired to portray Bobbie in promotional videos. Kenzie delivers a precise impression of McEntire's character, adding a layer of meta humor to the episode.
The storyline nods to Reba's past, with Kenzie mentioning that her parents divorced because her father left her mother for his dental hygienist—a direct callback to the plot where Brock leaves Reba for Barbra Jean. Swisher sports red hair similar to McEntire's, enhancing the resemblance. During filming, McEntire briefly breaks character, laughing at the line, and comments that it "sounds like a richly comedic situation."
Peterman described the experience as "delightful," praising Swisher's mimicry and comedic timing. "JoAnna Garcia is very funny... She's a very good mimic and she's really sharp. It was hilarious," Peterman said. Off-screen, the trio—Peterman, McEntire, and Swisher—prank-called former co-star Steve Howey and sent him photos, continuing the Reba camaraderie. This marks the third Reba alum to appear on Happy's Place, following Steve Howey and Christopher Rich.
Looking ahead, Peterman revealed Jane Lynch's role as Valerie, Gabby's mother, debuting in Episode 13 on March 20, 2026. Lynch has already filmed a second episode airing April 10, 2026. Peterman called working with Lynch fulfilling, citing her roles in Best in Show and Glee. "She was so generous with me, and we immediately had such great chemistry," Peterman noted, adding that Lynch provides the needed gravitas for the character.
