NBC’s latest update leaves me concerned aboutHappy’s Place. The Reba-led sitcom about a woman who learns of her half-sister’s existence after her father’s death is one of the network’s most popular shows.Happy’s Placedebuted with over 10 million viewsand has consistently performed well despite its early Friday night time slot. It revolves around Bobbie’s (Reba McEntire) discovery that her father left half the tavern she is running to her half-sister, Isabella (Belissa Escobedo),as well as the interactions between the various quirky people who work at the tavern.
Happy’s Place’s strong ratings were enough for NBC to extend its order for a full season. However, despite the high viewership numbers,Happy’s Placeseason 2is not guaranteed, since the network has not yet renewed it. NBC recently announced good news for the fans for a different freshman sitcom, so its silence aboutHappy Place’sfuture is making me worried, especially knowing that just because a show is popular, it doesn’t mean it’s saved from cancelation.
St. Denis Medical Already Scores A Season 2 Renewal (But Not Happy’s Place)
NBC Has Yet To Renew One of Its Most Popular Comedies
St.Denis Medicalis the first show to score a renewal from NBC this season. The medical-themed mockumentary’s renewal makes sense, considering that 21 million people have watched it so far (viaVariety). However, it is disappointing that NBC did not renewHappy’s Placeat the same time, considering that it is pulling in similar numbers. It is difficult to understand why NBC would renew one but not the other if the network is making these early renewal decisions based on numbers. Of course,the fact that NBC hasn’t renewedHappy’s Placeyet doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t.
It’s possible that the network decided to wait a few days between announcements so that bothHappy’s PlaceandSt. Denis Medicalget the media attention they deserve for their renewals. Additionally, it is early in the season —St. Denisis the first scripted show NBC has renewed for the 2025-2026 season so far, and typically announcements are not made until April or May.
…it’s baffling why NBC would opt to renewSt. Denis Medicalfirst whenHappy’s Placepremiered earlier.
While there is still plenty of time before NBC has to make a final decision aboutHappy’s Place, there is still some cause for concern. I’ve covered renewal announcements for long enough to know that a popular show not scoring an early renewal when another one does could be a bad sign for its future. In relation to that, it’s baffling why NBC would opt to renewSt. Denis Medicalfirst whenHappy’s Placepremiered earlier.
What Are The Chances Of Happy’s Place Getting Renewed For Season 2?
Its Strong Ratings And Star Appeal Make The Chances Better Than Average
Based on the ratings, I’m still hopeful thatHappy’s Placewill be renewed eventually. I’m still disappointed thatBlue Bloodswas canceled despite strong ratings, but the two shows are not comparable.Blue Bloodswas on a different network and had been on for fourteen years, whileHappy’s Placeis a new show. Furthermore,Happy’s Placeis a comedy, and there are far fewer of those on television than there are dramas. Thus,NBC will likely want to keep any well-performing comedies, particularly newer ones, since they are usually cheaper to make.
Happy’s Place Is Better Than A Reba Revival Because Of One Divisive Character
Reba McEntire’s new sitcom is a much better return to comedy than reviving Reba because of an entertaining but divisive Hart family member.
The other thing that gives me hope is Reba McEntire’s star power. Her well-known name attracts audiences and thus, it’s likely a selling point. However, this also comes with higher pay for the talent. NBC needs to determine if Happy’s Place is profitable enough to be kept on the air. Ultimately, it’s still a business, and networks are looking to earn as much as they can.
Why NBC Needs Both St. Denis Medical & Happy’s Place
The Network Needs Two Strong Comedies To Be Competitive
Actually, bothSt. Denis MedicalandHappy’s Placeare important to NBC’s lineup. These two are the network’s best-performing comedies, and while the network has other lighthearted fare such asNight Court, these two are currently the ones that most people are interested in.If NBC is going to be competitive with other networks in the comedy arena, it needs breakout sitcoms,especially in light of CBS' winning lineup, which includes huge hits such asGeorgie & Mandy’s First MarriageandGhosts.
Happy’s Place Resolves Its Main Conflict Way Too Fast & That’s Not Ideal
Happy’s Place has already resolved its main conflict in just a few episodes, and that doesn’t bode well for the freshman workplace and family comedy.
Additionally, Friday nights are notoriously difficult for scripted television. People tend to start their weekends by going out, which impacts viewership. SinceHappy’s Placeis doing well on Friday nights, NBC should hold onto it for as long as possible. For all these reasons, I’m hopeful that the show will be renewed, even though it’s concerning that it hasn’t happened yet.
Happy’s Place
Cast
Happy’s Place: In 2024’s Happy’s Place, Bobbie unexpectedly inherits her father’s restaurant and navigates unforeseen challenges alongside the half-sister she never knew existed. The series explores themes of family and partnership amid the bustling backdrop of restaurant life.
