There’s something special about a sitcom that feels both nostalgic and fresh, and NBC’s upcoming comedy “Happy’s Place” captures this delicate balance perfectly. Set to premiere on October 18, 2024, “Happy’s Place” stars country music legend Reba McEntire as Bobbie, a woman who inherits her father’s tavern and discovers a new business partner in her half-sister, Isabella, whom she never knew existed. At the TCA Press Tour, the cast and creators gave us a delightful preview of what’s to come, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and poignant reflections on life’s little dilemmas.

For Reba McEntire, returning to the sitcom format is like coming home. Her previous show, “Reba,” remains a beloved favorite among fans, and “Happy’s Place” seems poised to capture the same charm. “Ever since we stopped doing the ‘Reba’ TV show, we have been looking for another project to do together because we had fun, we had more stories to tell,” McEntire shared. The excitement in her voice was palpable as she spoke about her love for sitcoms: “Out of all the things I get to do, this is my favorite because it’s camaraderie, it’s fun, you just get to go to work and play and it’s creative. It’s very comforting to me. I absolutely love it and get to work with these folks? Icing on the cake.”

The cast of “Happy’s Place” is a dynamic ensemble that includes Belissa Escobedo, Melissa Peterman, Pablo Castelblanco, Tokala Black Elk, and Rex Linn. Each member brings their unique flavor to the show, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere both on and off-screen. Belissa Escobedo, who plays Isabella, shared her initial nerves about working alongside McEntire. “Right when I met Reba, the first chem read, I went in there, gave her a hug, and she just smelled like warm fuzzy bears and I was just immediately comforted,” she recalled, highlighting the warmth and approachability that McEntire brings to the set.

Melissa Peterman, who starred with McEntire in “Reba,” reflected on their enduring friendship and professional relationship. “We’ve never really left each other. I mean, the show ended, we’ve been friends ever since. We’ve done other things together... We hang out and we just were waiting for another project so we could actually go to work together again,” Peterman shared, emphasizing the seamless transition from their past collaboration to this new venture.

While “Happy’s Place” brings together familiar faces, it also ventures into new thematic territory. Executive producer and showrunner Kevin Abbott explained the decision to set the show in a tavern: “The bar just seemed like it would be the most fun and give us the most territory to explore. It’s a way to bring in a diverse group of people that have different experiences in life and congregate them.” This setting provides a rich backdrop for exploring the intricacies of human relationships, from the familial bonds between Bobbie and Isabella to the friendships and tensions among the tavern’s patrons and staff.

One of the most compelling aspects of “Happy’s Place” is its ability to weave social issues and personal growth into its comedic fabric. Pablo Castelblanco, who plays Steve, the germaphobe accountant, spoke about the importance of portraying characters dealing with real-life challenges. “Pushing himself out of his comfort zone is going to be most of his experience right now... I feel like we can see in Steve that kind of heart -- like a family environment -- and I feel like ‘Happy’s Place’ highlights how a place where your co-workers are your family lets you have some safety net to grow and get better,” Castelblanco said.

Tokala Black Elk, who portrays Takoda, a character described as “the nicest person you're ever going to meet,” expressed his excitement about being part of a comedy after a career of playing villains. “In reality, I'm kind of a fun person... I’m a guy that plays a character who is supposed to be the nicest person you're ever going to meet. That is the essence of ‘Happy's Place’ for me as far as looking at it through my character as well,” Black Elk shared, highlighting the show’s emphasis on kindness and community.

One of the most iconic elements of the “Reba” series was its theme song, and fans will be delighted to know that “Happy’s Place” will feature a special theme song as well. McEntire revealed that the song has been written and will be recorded soon. “You will like it,” Abbott confidently assured the audience, building anticipation for another memorable musical introduction.

For McEntire, the journey from “Reba” to “Happy’s Place” is marked by growth and a deeper understanding of her craft. Reflecting on her career and the lessons learned, she shared, “What's different for me now is I'm familiar. I’m the old show dog and that I can help teach anybody who hasn't done a sitcom four camera before what's going on. The tables are turned a little bit. I'm so thrilled, grateful, and thankful to get to do this.”

As the panel concluded, it was clear that “Happy’s Place” is more than just a new sitcom; it’s a testament to the enduring power of friendship, the joy of collaboration, and the importance of creating spaces where people can come together, laugh, and grow. With a stellar cast, heartfelt storytelling, and a setting that promises both humor and warmth, “Happy’s Place” is set to be a delightful addition to NBC’s lineup, offering viewers a much-needed dose of happiness and reflection.

Series Premiere Friday, Oct 18 on NBC (8 pm PT/ET).