Reba McEntire is returning to television with a new multi-camera sitcom. NBCUniversal announced on Monday that the 68-year-old country singer will be starring in an untitled pilot, marking her first leading role in a series in over a decade.
The premise of the sitcom revolves around Reba inheriting her father’s restaurant and discovering that she has a new business partner in the form of a half-sister she never knew existed.
Alongside her acting role, McEntire will also serve as an executive producer, reuniting with her former “Reba” EPs Kevin Abbott, Michael Hanel, and Mindy Schultheis. Julie Abbott will join them as an executive producer on the project.
While NBC has not yet ordered additional episodes for the comedy, nor has filming begun, McEntire’s return to television is highly anticipated. Over two decades ago, she gained widespread acclaim for her portrayal of a middle-aged Texan single mom navigating the challenges of divorce and teenage pregnancy in the Emmy-nominated sitcom “Reba,” which aired from 2001 to 2007 on The WB and The CW.
In 2012, McEntire starred in ABC’s “Malibu Country,” but the series was short-lived and ended after just one season. She also appeared on ABC’s “Big Sky” during its third season in September 2022 and currently serves as a coach on NBC’s “The Voice,” preparing for her second season on the show.
Despite her busy schedule, McEntire has expressed interest in reviving “Reba” in recent years. During an appearance on “The Bobby Bones Show” in July 2022, she discussed her efforts to reboot the beloved series and reunite with the original cast and crew.
Her co-star JoAnna Garcia Swisher has also voiced enthusiasm for a potential “Reba” reboot, praising McEntire’s strength and kindness while expressing eagerness to work together again. Swisher emphasized the special bond among the cast and crew, indicating a strong desire to revisit the beloved series.
As fans eagerly anticipate McEntire’s return to television, the untitled sitcom pilot represents an exciting new chapter in her storied career.