How Netflix fans and ‘The Voice’ are making Reba McEntire’s sitcom a hit again

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As a long-time movie critic with a soft spot for sitcoms, I was thrilled to learn about the unexpected resurgence of “Reba,” the beloved 2000s sitcom starring Reba McEntire. Eighteen years after its final episode aired, it continues to captivate audiences, particularly younger generations discovering it on streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu.

As a devoted film enthusiast and huge fan of Reba McEntire’s sitcom “Reba,” I can’t help but reflect on the powerful impact of that series finale filmed back in 2006. Fast forward to the present day, and it still amazes me how often fans and I find ourselves revisiting this cherished moment during casual conversations at airports or fan gatherings – a testament to the enduring legacy of her remarkable show.

During our trip back from Africa, we made a stop in Atlanta. To our surprise, people approached us expressing their enjoyment of the show on Netflix. I’ve been told by friends that their nieces and children are now watching it as well. This news fills me with great joy as we have reached two or three new generations of viewers.

“Since its addition to both Netflix and Hulu in May, the popular show ‘Reba’ has continued to be accessible. This dual presence on these streaming platforms resulted in Nielsen ranking it among the top 10 streaming programs for the weeks of May 13-19 and May 27-June 2, with a total of 1.45 billion minutes watched.”

The comeback of “Reba” on Netflix shows how streaming services can draw young audiences to older programs. It’s believed that many viewers were attracted to the platform for comedy specials like “Netflix Is A Joke,” and then discovered “Reba” with its 124 episodes. At 69 years old, Reba McEntire has gained new fans since she joined “The Voice” last year, one of television’s most-watched shows.

“Despite criticism and Emmy snubs, ‘Reba’ showcases the enduring popularity of the classic multicamera family sitcom format filmed before a live audience.”

As a movie enthusiast, I’d describe “Reba” like this: In this heartfelt tale, I find myself drawn into the story of Reba Hart, played by the brilliant McEntire. My heart aches as I see her life crumble around her. Her ex-husband, a dentist, remarries a pregnant woman, adding salt to her wounds. To make matters worse, her own 17-year-old daughter is in love with her high school football hero and carries his child. This country-infused plotline resonates deeply within me as I watch Reba navigate through the complexities of love, heartbreak, and family.

As a long-time TV writer with childhood memories of my parents’ divorce in Houston, I was drawn to penning the pilot script back in 1999.

Gibson once shared in an interview how his parents’ divorce left him feeling like the world had come crashing down, shattering the dreams he had for our family’s future. The TV show we created was a way to imagine a resilient family overcoming similar hardships.

McEntire didn’t join the project until after the series had begun production. Gibson, who was caring for her newborn baby during this time, frequently watched reruns of sitcoms on Nick at Nite late into the night.

After watching Sally Field make a brief appearance as a secretary on “Murphy Brown,” Gibson discovered the strong and determined protagonist’s voice in her screenplay. He named the show “Sally,” with the intention of persuading the Academy Award-winning actress to take the lead role. Despite her initial reluctance to come back to TV, Gibson’s script gained significant attention and was eventually acquired by 20th Century-Fox Television, now a part of Disney.

Steve Howey, JoAnna Garcia, Reba McEntire and Christopher Rich on the sitcom “Reba.”
(Greg Schwartz / The WB)

McEntire, an established country music artist, was branching out into acting when she auditioned for the role. Having experienced a divorce herself, she could relate deeply to it. Her popular 2001 song “I’m a Survivor” not only became the show’s intro theme but also gained renewed fame on TikTok in 2021.

In 2001, “Reba” managed to secure a spot on the WB schedule, an era when the network was particularly popular due to shows like “Dawson’s Creek” and “Gilmore Girls.” However, Jordan Levin, a seasoned TV executive who oversaw the WB at that time, emphasized that it was shows with wider appeal, such as “Reba” and “7th Heaven,” which contributed to the network’s financial success.

In his recollection, Levin mentioned that the media didn’t consistently match up with the audience ratings. We often aimed for the center of the country’s demographic in our programming.

After “Reba” ended its network run, reruns of the show became popular on cable channels such as Lifetime, CMT, Hallmark, and UPtv. With the rise of social media, new viewers discovered the program and expressed their gratitude, with one military veteran sharing that it provided relief from symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Fans told her they binge-watched on Hulu to help get through the pandemic.

In simpler terms, Gibson expressed that the show’s theme of overcoming adversity remains relevant during these difficult times when many are facing challenges and hardships.

Melissa Peterman, Christopher Rich, and Joanna Garcia Swisher, former cast members, continue to be a topic of “what’s happened to them” pieces due to their enduring friendship as shared by McEntire.

Beginning in October, McEntire will star in a new NBC sitcom called “Happy’s Place.” In this show, McEntire portrays a woman who discovers she has a new half-sister, whom she had never met before, and they must now share their father’s inherited restaurant.

“She expressed surprise with a comment like, ‘It’s the unexpected turns that leave you wondering how she’ll manage to get through.'”

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2024-07-18 21:47