Melissa Peterman teases mini ‘Reba’ reunion with Steve Howey on ‘Happy’s Place’
Melissa Peterman couldn’t be happier about Steve Howey’s latest gig.
The “Reba” stars are set to reunite in an upcoming episode of “Happy’s Place,” which also stars Reba McEntire, the WB sitcom’s former matriarch.
“All I can share is that Steve Howey,” Peterman, 53, teased exclusively to The Post during the Alzheimer’s Association’s Dance Party to End ALZ on Sunday. “I can just say that Steve Howey maybe stops by ‘Happy’s Place.’ Let’s just say ‘Happy’s Place’ just got happier when Steve Howey stopped by.”
Peterman, Howey, 47, and McEntire, 69, starred on “Reba” for all six seasons from 2001 to 2007 alongside JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Christopher Rich, Scarlett Pomers and Mitch Holleman.
The actress noted, “We’re still family. That’s the beauty of it. We were family then, and we’re family now. I’ve been lucky in my career that I’ve gotten that with the other shows I’ve done, and we’re doing that again. That was one of my favorite things.”
Peterman continued, “Having our original and our new and how much they just loved each other. As you can tell, I just can’t stop smiling. It’s been a lovely, lovely couple of months and we’re just thrilled. We’re happy it’s out there.”
As for what it feels like to reunite with her on and off-screen bestie McEntire 17 years later?
“It felt like coming home,” Peterman gushed. “It felt like coming home in a whole new way, and she’s one of my best friends, so getting to work with her every day is wonderful. And it’s been lovely with the new editions of this cast and I’m truly just grateful and excited that people tuned in. We hope they continue because I promise they will fall in love with these characters. We are just thrilled.”
The “Baby Daddy” alum also shared insight into the cast, which stars Rex Linn, Belissa Escobedo, Pablo Castelblanco, and Tokala Black Elk.
“Honestly, we are on a group text, the whole cast, and this morning we were just saying what a great week everybody again and how much fun we had and how grateful and happy we are,” Peterman revealed. “We’re happy at ‘Happy’s Place.’”
As great as Howey’s appearance on the show is for “Reba” and “Shameless” fans, the “Working Class” actress also has some other dream guest stars in mind.
“Amy Poehler,” Peterman shared. “Tina Fey, Will Ferrell. I love funny people all the time. I would love to have Annie Potts because we worked together on ‘Young Sheldon.’ Any of the ‘Young Sheldon’ people. Lance Barber, who is hilarious, I would love Lance to come aboard.”
“There’s so many really great fun people,” Peterman continued. “Wendi McLendon. I would love to have her come. Maybe a crossover NBC thing. Melissa Rauch ‘Night Court.’”
“Snoop Dog because he’s next door at ‘The Voice.’ I think Snoop would be really fun!” she shared.
And, of course, anyone from her “Reba” family.
“JoAnna Garcia,” Peterman said. “Some more ‘Reba’ peeps. I mean, duh. Chris Rich. Anyone who wants to come play.”
But don’t count out a “Reba” reboot yet, as one thing’s for sure: Peterman would be onboard.
“I think we all would love that,” she admitted. “I don’t think that’s ever off the table. That’s my opinion. A movie would be fun, a reunion, anything. I’m saying it. As Reba always says, if the time is right and everyone can do it, that’s when things happen, but I don’t think it’s off the table.”
