The Surprising Connection Reba McEntire’s New Comedy Happy’s Place Has With Young Sheldon

by

Reba McEntire’s television series titled “Happy’s Place” is still running in the 2025 schedule, and it has quickly become a beloved show among fans since its fall premiere. This popularity can be attributed to the fact that it serves as a reunion for Reba McEntire, Melissa Peterman, and the production team from the ’00s sitcom who are all involved in this new project. Steve Howey is also a part of “Happy’s Place“, and more reunions might be on the horizon. It’s worth noting that “Reba” isn’t the only show with ties to “Happy’s Place“, as there’s an unexpected connection to “Young Sheldon” too.

Among the cast for Happy’s Place is CSI: Miami alum Rex Linn, who is also McEntire’s partner IRL. Linn plays the tavern’s cook and McEntire’s character’s love interest. The two are celebrating their fifth anniversary this week, as the singer noted in a sweet Instagram post, and it’s all thanks to Young Sheldon that their longtime friendship turned into something more, as she told Glamour:

In 1991, while filming The Gambler with Kenny Rogers, Rex and I became acquainted. Over the years that followed, we would cross paths occasionally. Remarkably, in 2020, I had a guest role on Young Sheldon, which both Rex and actor Melissa Peterman were part of as well.

Linn frequently appeared on the show “Young Sheldon” during its seven seasons, portraying Tom Petersen, the principal at Medford High School. Later, McEntire started appearing in a recurring role from the third season, taking on the character of June, Dale’s ex-wife and a local hairdresser. It appears that Linn and McEntire found it difficult to resist their feelings for each other, as many actors have done when dating their co-stars in real life.

Plus, the timing all working out perfectly, as The Voice coach explained:

During our dinner in January 2020, I found it difficult to get near Rex, despite our friendship. I had interacted with him informally the previous April as well. It seems that timing is crucial; events occur as they should because of some underlying purpose.

McEntire and Linn’s long-standing friendship might have blossomed independently of “Young Sheldon”. Nevertheless, we can partly attribute their connection to the fact that they met on the set of this popular CBS series.

Although Reba McEntire’s and Rex Linn’s characters didn’t form a romantic bond on “Young Sheldon,” their characters in “Happy’s Place” have a different storyline. Bobbie confessed her feelings for Linn’s Emmett, suggesting there may be something between them (though Emmett remains silent). Since “Happy’s Place” has been renewed for a full season, it will be intriguing to witness their relationship development and whether it could blossom into something more. If real life mirrors the show, I anticipate they will eventually become a couple, and I eagerly look forward to that moment.

For fans who miss “Young Sheldon”, a Max subscription offers the chance to revisit the beloved sitcom and witness the blossoming of an endearing love story at any time. On the other hand, “Happy’s Place” enthusiasts can catch new episodes every Friday starting January 31 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. The following day, these episodes will be accessible for streaming with a Peacock subscription.

Essentially, McEntire and Linn’s romance demonstrates that one can discover love regardless of age, and it is my hope that Emmett and Bobbie will experience a similar, deeply loving relationship in the not too distant future.

Read More

2025-01-24 20:07