Reba McEntire makes history on The Voice, brings Snoop Dogg to tears

Reba made Snoop cry on The Voice premiere. Pic credit: NBC
The Voice is back, and the Season 26 premiere gave fans so much to talk about, including Reba McEntire making history.

Reba returned for her third stint on the NBC hit singing show.

The country legend was joined by Gwen Stefani, who’s back for her eighth stint in the iconic red chairs.

Newbies Snoop Dogg and Michael Buble round out The Voice judges for Season 26.

The blind auditions did not disappoint with talent as well as entertaining commentary from the judges.

One of those audition moments left Snoop in tears when Reba did something that had him in his feelings.

Reba McEntire makes history on The Voice, brings Snoop Dogg to tears

Season 26 of The Voice brought a change to the series called the Coach Replay button. The change allows any judge to change their mind if they didn’t turn around during the audition.

Reba had regrets after contestant Kendall Eugene wrapped up his audition. Kendall finished his rendition of Don’t Think Jesus, which had all of the judges gushing over him.

Despite their praise, not a single judge turned their chair for Kendall. Lucky for him, Reba regretted that choice and opted to make history by using the Coach Replay button for the first time.

“We’ve got this new thing this year, that is a Coach Replay button. I’m going to use mine,” she expressed.

Even Snoop regretted not turning, but he knew he couldn’t beat Reba when it came to helping Kendall on the show. Snoop encouraged Reba to go give her new team member a hug.

When she did just that, Snoop could be seen lifting up his sunglasses to wipe tears from his eyes.

“I knew in my heart I wanted him on my team,” Reba stated, making Snoop tear up even more.

It was a beautiful moment to kick off Season 26 of The Voice.

What is the Coach Replay button on The Voice?

The new rule for The Voice Season 26 will certainly shake things up. Look at what happened with Reba, who used hers right out of the gate.

Yes, each coach only gets to use the Coach Replay button once during the audition process. It adds another layer to the audition process, which is needed after all these seasons.

What do you think of the new rule on The Voice?

Season 26 of The Voice kicked off with a bang. The Voice fans will have to wait a little bit longer for the double weekly episodes, which kick off the week of October 7.

The Voice airs Mondays at 8/7c on NBC.

Get first look at Michael Bublé pulling ‘devious’ move on fellow ‘Voice’ coach Reba McEntire

The competition between the coaches is cutthroat on “The Voice.”

In a preview clip of the Sept. 30 episode of the long-running NBC series, Michael Bublé rankles a few feathers when he uses his block to prevent fellow coach Reba McEntire from adding a hopeful to her respective team during the Blind Auditions.

The sneak peak begins with Bublé sitting back in his red chair, with McEntire’s light in front of her chair appearing to read “blocked.”

“I think I should stop lying because I feel bad about it,” the Just Haven’t Met You Yet” singer says.

“You do not,” McEntire responds.

“I am the liar, a little bit,” he says after Gwen Stefani calls him out for being one, although it’s not explicitly clear why.

Snoop Dogg also accused Bublé of being a liar before McEntire goes on the offensive.

“You ought to feel ashamed of yourself,” she jokingly tells him.

She then tells the camera she is surprised by his behavior.

“Michael’s a rookie and he blocked me. That’s terribly rude,” she says, alluding to the fact he is in his first season as a coach on the series.

“It was very devious of you to do that,” she tells him during a one-on-one conversation.

“Thank you,” he says, prompting the audience — and McEntire — to laugh. “I’m honestly proud of myself. I’m playing the game. I’m learning.”

“He is. He’s doing too well,” the “Fancy” singer says.

You can see Bublé and McEntire, along with Stefani and Snoop, in action when the next episode of “The Voice” airs Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. ET. It will also stream on Peacock.

Melissa Peterman celebrates reuniting with good friend Reba McEntire for new sitcom Happy’s Place

The two starred on McEntrie’s sitcom “Reba” on The CW from 2001 to 2007.

Unto every television generation, a Reba McEntire sitcom must come.

Seventeen years after her first show ended on The CW, McEntire and her Reba costar Melissa Peterman are back together for Happy’s Place.

Peterman learned that Peacock had picked up the show during an interview with Entertainment Tonight.

Melissa Peterman and Reba McEntire.Jason Kempin/Getty

“Amazing!” Peterman said when she heard the news. “I get to work with Reba and our team and I’m so excited!”

Peterman and McEntire starred on the CW sitcom from 2001 to 2007, McEntire as a single mom who works too hard, who loves her kids and never stops, with gentle hands and the heart of a fighter. In short, she was a survivor. While Peterman played the younger woman her husband knocks up and leaves her for. Though they may have been rivals onscreen, Peterman and McEntire became good friends in real life.

Reba McEntire and Melissa Peterman in ‘Reba’.Fox Television/Courtesy Everett Collection

“She’s like coming home,” Peterman said of the country legend. “I think that in this business, we have a lot of ‘Hollywood friends’ — friends that you share just the good stuff with. I think I knew that when we started sharing real-life stuff, that it was forever. I know she’s got my back whether we ever work together again. She is on my side always, and she knows I’m on hers.”

In Happy’s Place, McEntire stars as Bobbie, a woman who inherits her late father’s restaurant along with the half-sister she never knew she had (Hocus Pocus 2‘s Belissa Escobedo). Peterman plays Gabby, a bartender at the restaurant.

“It’s whole new characters, a whole new scenario and a lot of our same team,” Peterman said of Happy’s Place. “The dynamic is gonna be that dynamic that we have, that natural one.”

NBCUniversal announced Monday that they had ordered a pilot starring the Voice coach back in January, with Kevin Abbott, a writer and executive producer on Last Man Standing, Cristela, and the original Reba, serving as head writer and EP for the series.

Happy’s Place will also star Pablo Castelblanco, Tokala Black Elk, and McEntire’s real-life beau, Rex Linn — who previously co-starred with Peterman and McEntire on Young Sheldon. Peterman revealed that she takes “a little credit” in setting up the two. And now they all get to play together.

“You’re lucky if you get one chance to work with people you love and have it be received so well and still sort of live on,” Peterman said, “but I’ve had more than that, and I mean, I feel like the luckiest.”

John Legend, 46, weighed in on President Donald Trump’s failed ambitions to win a Nobel Peace Prize, stating he’d have to ‘stop all this authoritarian dictator sh*t’ first

John Legend weighed in on President Donald Trump’s failed ambitions to win a Nobel Peace Prize, despite his peace deal in the Middle East between Israel and Gaza.

The 79-year-old second-term Commander-in-Chief lost this year’s nomination to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

And on Sunday, the 46-year-old singer had words of advice for Trump if he’d like to campaign for the honor in 2026: ‘Stop declaring war on the American people, stop sending the military intro our cities simply because they’re run by Democrats.’

‘He’d have to stop all this authoritarian dictator sh*t, all the fascist sh*t, all the inhumane sh*t he’s been trying to do,’ Legend added.

The Save Room music artist mentioned his personal connection to the award, after having performed at 2017’s Nobel ceremony.

Legend, born John Roger Stephens, used Instagram to record a straightforward statement directed at the politician on Saturday.

Legend shared a video trolling Trump’s bid for the coveted prize on Sunday, captioned: ‘Trump for Peace Prize 2026!’

The 79-year-old second-term Commander-in-Chief lost this year’s nomination to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado; pictured October 9

He captioned the video post, shared with his nearly 16 million followers: ‘Trump for Peace Prize 2026!’

The Voice coach has long been an outspoken critic of Trump’s, declaring him a racist in past remarks.

But on Sunday he took a softer, though snarky, approach to his differences with the former reality TV show host.

Legend rattled off previous winners of the Nobel Peace Prize, noting that it’s often been gifted to human rights activists and world leaders who had negotiated a big peace agreement.

He also acknowledged that the president has ‘made a step in the right direction’ with the recent ceasefire he helped negotiate between Palestine and Israel.

‘We all want to see peace in Gaza, in the West Bank,’ he declared in the video. ‘And President Trump has been instrumental in bringing about this new peace deal.’

And he added, ‘Let’s all pray that this deal is actually lasting, that it’s long-term. The people of Gaza have had their lives and their communities destroyed for the past two years.’

‘If this peace is really lasting, we just might see Donald Trump get that peace prize that he really, really wants,’ the musician said.

The singer had words of advice for Trump if he’d like to campaign for the honor in 2026: ‘Stop declaring war on the American people, stop sending the military intro our cities simply because they’re run by Democrats’

‘He’d have to stop all this authoritarian dictator sh*t, all the fascist sh*t, all the inhumane sh*t he’s been trying to do,’ Legend added

Legend and wife Chrissy Teigen have been candid about their anti-Trump stance; pictured in October 2024

In February Legend defended DEI and labeled Trump a ‘white supremacist’ while speaking at The Fifteen Percent Pledge’s 15th Street Block Party in Hollywood

The Voice coach has long been an outspoken critic of Trump’s, declaring him a racist in past remarks; pictured October 7

While explaining that he too wants to see Trump win the award, he outlined what behavioral changes the Leader of the Free World will have to make.

‘Believe it or not, I want you to do this. I want this peace prize for you so badly. I want this for us, for all of us. Hear me out, y’all.

‘If Trump is able to actually earn the peace prize, it probably won’t be enough that he’s helped bring peace to the Middle East,’ he prefaced before listing his latest gripes with the Trump administration.

‘Let’s look at what else he would have to do: He’d have to stop sending Black Hawk helicopters to terrorize people while they sleep in their apartment buildings in Chicago,’ he said, referencing the recent incident in Illinois.

‘Yes, the so-called “Peace President” who’s ending wars around the world would also have to stop declaring war on the American people,’ he emphasized. ‘Stop sending the military into our cities simply because they’re run by Democrats.’

And pointing to the widespread ICE raids, he added, ‘Stop sending masked, unaccountable ICE agents to torment immigrant communities. Stop ordering the prosecution of his political opponents on flimsy charges.’

Legend said that in order for Trump to win the prize, he would also have to ‘stop bombing boats in the Caribbean, stop executing people without proving that they’ve done anything wrong.’

He’d have to stop all this authoritarian, dictator sh*t, all the fascist sh*t, all the inhumane shit he’s been trying to do.’

Toward the end of the clip, Legend stated: ‘We should all really, really want Donald J. Trump to earn a Nobel Peace Prize, right?’

The day prior, Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria explained why she chose to dedicate the award to Trump following her shock win.

Machado, who leads the opposition to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, was announced as this year’s winner ‘for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela,’ the committee announced.

Her victory came as a surprise to many who believed that that Trump would be honored with the award.

Shortly after her win Machado took to X where she explained that many people across the world are relying on the president, ‘to achieve Freedom and democracy’.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria explained in a recent interview why she dedicated her award to Trump

Machado praised Trump as a ‘clear and courageous leader’ and argued that he’s ended numerous wars during his presidency

‘I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause!’ Machado wrote.

On Saturday she further explained the dedication during an interview with Rachel Campos-Duffy on Fox News where she heaped praise on the president.

‘Not only has he been involved in only a few months in solving eight wars, but his actions have been decisive to have Venezuela now at a threshold of freedom after 26 years of tyranny,’ she said.

She praised Trump as being a ‘clear and courageous’ leader, arguing that he’s been an advocate for dismantling criminal structures in Venezuela.

Katie Couric returns to Today show 25 years after she ‘made history’

Plus, another fan-favorite alum made an appearance earlier this week

KATIE Couric has returned to Today 25 years after she made history for her efforts to bring awareness to colorectal cancer.

Katie, 68, appeared on Today as a guest for the Thursday, September 25 episode.

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Katie Couric opened up about being the first person to ever have a colonoscopy done on television

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Katie promoting her latest project to advocate for colorectal cancerCredit: NBC
The journalist, who was a co-host on the morning show from 1991 to 2006, returned to continue her efforts to spread awareness for colon cancer.

In 2000, Katie became the first person in history to undergo a colonoscopy on television, as she was seen prepping for the procedure and getting it as well.

She showed how the procedure works to check for potential signs of cancer.

Katie’s late husband, John Monahan, died of colorectal cancer in 1998 at just 42 years old, inspiring her to spread awareness of early detection.

On today’s episode, Katie continued her advocacy, as she said to Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones, “It’s crazy, it’s been 25 years, it’s something I’m really proud of.”

“Early detection saves lives,” Katie said while speaking on Today.

She revealed her new public service announcement to urge people to get screened for colon cancer, which she said was filmed with Ryan Reynolds’ production company.

The PSA was done in conjunction with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

Katie said that the CCA called her and said, “There’s this pop culture moment that really captured the public’s imagination.

“Why don’t we have a little fun with it? Everybody was talking about it, so why don’t we basically draft on that attention and use it to good use,” Katie said.

In the PSA, titled Lead From Behind, Katie is seen wearing a denim jacket and reclining, like Sydney Sweeney’s pose in the American Eagle ad which sparked some controversy.

The camera panned out to show that the journalist is actually lying on a procedure table with a doctor and a nurse standing by.

Katie, speaking to the camera, said, “Speaking of genes, did you know that the majority of people who develop colon cancer are not genetically predisposed to the disease. That’s why doctors recommend everyone 45 and older get checked.

“Mine are televised,”

A male voice-over comes on and said, “Katie Couric gets regular screenings, and if you’re 45 or older, you should too.”

At the end of the PSA, one of the nurse asked Katie, “Can your camera crew back off please?,” to which the veteran journalist smiled and replied, “No.”

After the PSA, Craig asked Katie if more people had gotten screened since she first had hers done on TV 25 years ago.

“Yes, I think that awareness has been increased, and you’ve done a lot, so much for that. Craig, so thank you for that, because of your brother [who also died of colon cancer].

“But still, we have miles to go before we sleep, there are so many people who don’t get screened, 30% of all adults who should be getting screened are not screened, and the American Cancer Society lowered the screening age to 45 a few years ago, but only 20% of people between the ages of 45 and 49 are getting screened,” she said.

The journalist said the screening age is lower if you have a family history of it as well.

Also appearing this week was former host Hoda Kotb to promote her motivational book.

LIFE UPDATE

Katie opened up about being an independent journalist these days, and touched on the media company she and her husband launched seven years ago.

“We’re doing podcasts, I’m on sub stack. I just interviewed Ben Meiselas from the Midas Touch network yesterday, and I do a weekly show on sub stack.”

“We have about 40 people on our team, and I’m keeping busy, and I love being an independent journalist, no offense, NBC, but it’s nice to be able to say what I want to say,” she added.

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Katie launched her own production company seven years ago with her husbandCredit: Reuters

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Katie Couric left the Today Show in 2006 and is now an independent journalistCredit: Getty

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The veteran journalist, here with Al Roker and Matt Lauer, launched a PSA on colon cancer awarenessCredit: Getty

Plus, another fan-favorite alum made an appearance earlier this week

KATIE Couric has returned to Today 25 years after she made history for her efforts to bring awareness to colorectal cancer.

Katie, 68, appeared on Today as a guest for the Thursday, September 25 episode.

Ryan Seacrest sparks concern with ‘gaunt’ frame on latest episode of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune

It’s not the first time the game show host’s slimmed-down appearance has worried fans

RYAN Seacrest has raised concerns among fans after appearing significantly slimmer on the latest episode of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.

The American Idol host has noticeably dropped a considerable amount of weight in recent years while juggling his numerous gigs.

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Ryan Seacrest concerns fans with his ‘gaunt’ appearance in a teaser for the latest episode of Celebrity Wheel of FortuneCredit: Instagram/celebritywheeloffortune

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Ryan has noticeably dropped a considerable amount of weight in recent yearsCredit: Getty
Fans expressed their worries for the TV personality after he appeared in a teaser for Friday night’s episode of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.

The preview was shared on the show’s official Instagram page, showing a hilarious moment between Ryan and contestant Rhetta.

Ryan tried to ease the comedian’s nerves after she admitted she was nervous about competing, given her limited knowledge and skills of the game.

Oliver Hudson and Joey McIntyre also competed to give their winnings to charity.

WORRIES FOR RYAN

However, all viewers could focus on was Ryan’s seemingly thinner figure and raced to the comments to share their thoughts.

“Ryan is too thin, and his face looks gaunt,” one person wrote.

“I think it’s because the man does not rest! I’m always wondering how he even sleeps!!” someone else replied.

“Is Ryan ok?” wondered a third, while another asked, “Is that Ryan Seacrest? He is not looking well.”

Ryan recently addressed his drastic weight loss, insisting that it’s from his dedication to a Mediterranean-style diet and his exercise routine, which includes Pilates and strength training.

However, fans have long feared for the radio host and that he might’ve taken on too much with his multiple jobs.

In addition to his hosting gigs on Wheel of Fortune and its spin-off, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, Ryan is the long-running host of American Idol; he still hosts his iHeartRadio show and is the founder and producer of Ryan Seacrest Productions, among other ventures.

Over the summer, fans again expressed concerns about the 50-year-old’s health after he posted photos on Instagram of his slender physique.

Many thought he looked “too skinny” and “frail,” and begged him not to lose any more weight.

But Ryan has appeared in good spirits, as he was recently photographed enjoying a day out with his new girlfriend, Australian celebrity realtor Camille Orders.

Ryan Seacrest’s Current Jobs

Ryan Seacrest is quite the workaholic, with the Hollywood multiphenate juggling perhaps more ongoing jobs than any other A-lister:

-Host of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on ABC
-Host of American Top 40 on KIIS-FM
-Host of On Air with Ryan Seacrest on KIIS-FM
-Host of American Idol since its very first season in 2001
-Host of Wheel of Fortune as of 2024

Ryan has exited many previous roles in the past few years to get where he is today, including as an executive producer of Hulu’s The Kardashians and co-host of Live! with Kelly and Mark.

Hard work pays off; according to Celebrity Net Worth, Ryan’s worth a fortune of $450 million

The U.S. Sun exclusively obtained the pics, which were taken about one year after his split from model Aubrey Paige, 27.

CAN’T STOP, WON’T STOP

Regarding his bustling career, the game show host doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.

He only took on the Wheel of Fortune hosting spot last September, replacing longtime host Pat Sajak following his retirement.

Pat continued to host Celebrity Wheel of Fortune until this season, when he passed it off to Ryan and his co-host Vanna White.

“I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White,” Ryan said in a statement announcing his new role.

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Ryan raised concerns over the summer when he posted a photo showing off his slender figureCredit: Instagram/ryanseacrest

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Fans worried that the 50-year-old might be taking on too much with his numerous gigsCredit: Reuters

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Ryan started hosting Wheel of Fortune last year, taking over for longtime host, Pat Sajak, following his retirementCredit: Getty

Celebrity Wheel of Fortune sparks concern by abruptly canceling two tapings in ‘extremely rare’ move

Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White have remained quiet on social media

CELEBRITY Wheel of Fortune has sparked concern by abruptly canceling two of its tapings, The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal.

The complete taping cancellation is extremely rare and virtually “never happens,” a show insider spilled.

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Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White, welcomes author and actor Retta, singer and actor Joey McIntyre and actor Oliver Hudson on Celebrity Wheel of FortuneCredit: Getty

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Vanna White poses on Wheel of Fortune in the 2025 seasonCredit: Getty
On Tuesday, October 9th, the celebrity spinoff of Wheel of Fortune was set to film episodes for its 6th season.

Multiple tapings were scheduled for the morning and evening on Tuesday however, The U.S. Sun can confirm that both episodes were canceled at the last minute.

“Both October 9th tapings of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune have been abruptly cancelled the day of the show.

“They are being very quiet about what is going on but they wouldn’t cancel like this if it was something with the guests.

“It’s extremely rare they have canceled tapings like this,” a source claimed.

The insider added: “The next taping is scheduled for October 22 and is expected to resume as normal.”

Members of the studio audience, who come from all over the world to attend a taping, were also apparently notified the day of that the show had been cancelled.

While it’s unclear exactly what is going on, and whether it involves host Ryan Seacrest, 50, and legendary sidekick Vanna White, 68, both stars have been quiet on social media in recent days.

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Celebrity Wheel of Fortune sparks concern by abruptly canceling two tapings last minute in ‘extremely rare’ moveCredit: On Camera Audiences
However, a separate source has claimed that the filming delay had “nothing to do” with Vanna or Ryan and was simply a production shift.

The U.S. Sun has reached out to ABC for comment.

QUICK STEPPIN’ IT UP

Season 6 of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune kicked off on September 26th and celebrated fellow ABC show, Dancing With the Stars.

DWTS pro Jenna Johnson, along with judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli, competed on the game show.

“The fact I’m on the set, I feel like I’m dreaming a little bit,” Jenna said of being on the iconic Sony Pictures Studio lot where Wheel of Fortune films.

While Bruno admitted he had “no idea” what he was doing and Derek revealed that he was “terrified.”

Despite the nerves, the trio of fancy-feet celebs were able to score some money for the charity of their choice.

Jenna ended up winning the game and was able to take home a hefty prize for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Meanwhile, Derek and Bruno were able to score $20,000 each for their respective charities.

Derek played for Feeding America, while Bruno was able to take some cash back for the Project Angel Food.

WHEEL-Y BIG DEAL

After dominating most of Hollywood since 2002, when American Idol premiered, Ryan made the pivot to the Wheel of Fortune stage in 2024.

He made his highly anticipated debut to fill in for longtime host, Pat Sajak, following the TV legend’s retirement last year.

Vanna has been a staple of the show for over four decades, making her debut in 1982.

She was picked out of over 200 auditioners to be by Pat’s side, and they maintained a close bond in all the years since.

Celebrity Wheel of Fortune airs on Fridays at 8 pm EST on ABC.

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Vanna and Ryan host the 2025 season premiere of Celebrity Wheel of FortuneCredit: Getty

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Pat Sajak hosts Wheel of Fortune before his retirementCredit: Getty

Shifting Gears’ First Season 2 Storyline Goes Against Its Entire Purpose

Warning: SPOILERS for Shifting Gears season 2, episode 1.Shifting Gears season 2 has officially kicked off, but its biggest returning storyline goes against Tim Allen’s vision. After a rough pilot episode started the sitcom on the wrong foot with critics, Shifting Gears miraculously ended up as one of ABC’s highest-rated shows of the 2024-25 network TV cycle. Of course, the family comedy still has ample room for improvement.

Shifting Gears Was Always Supposed To Be A Comedy About Grief

For as highly-anticipated as its return was, however, the sitcom’s second season has an uphill battle to remain true to its original purpose. As Tim Allen explained in a Shifting Gears promotional interview with Good Morning America, he pitched the show as an exploration of grief with a sense of humor, exemplified by the sitcom’s “comedy scenes in a mausoleum.”

Yet, while Shifting Gears is primarily upbeat, season 1 proved it worked best when shining a light on the darker truths that underline the show’s premise. Irrefutably, the best scenes came when Shifting Gears pivoted to drama— albeit temporarily— to confront the pain Riley and Matt felt over Diane’s abrupt death (which happened only a year prior to season 1).

The laugh track and predictable storylines kept it rooted in firm sitcom territory, but Shifting Gears’ comedy served to soften the edge of its grief storyline, never to detract from it. After the arrival of Jenna Elfman’s Eve, unfortunately, Shifting Gears went into overdrive, rushing into a romantic cliffhanger for her and Matt.

Matt & Eve Have Chemistry, But The Romance Storyline Came Far Too Soon

A mere three episodes after meeting, Matt and Eve suddenly kiss in the Shifting Gears season 1 finale, while the long-established budding romance between Riley and Gabe had no easy payoff. Sadly, Matt and Eve’s kiss in Shifting Gears felt out of place and unprecedented by any believable build-up, making their romance a confusing last-second addition to the plot.

At face value, Matt and Eve should work. It’s a classic case of opposites attracting: Eve is a free-spirited dancer who prioritizes community and self-improvement while Matt is a stuck-in-his-ways traditionalist with a misanthropic streak. Beyond their personalities balancing out, they would force each other to change and grow, lending dimension to their characters.

Regardless, Eve and Matt’s chemistry on paper doesn’t mean Shifting Gears was right to throw in a kiss at the end of season 1. For the sake of longevity and sticking to Tim Allen’s vision, Shifting Gears should have dedicated its pilot season to building a strong foundation and establishing the family’s journey with grief.

Rather than end on a cliffhanger kiss, the season 1 finale could have been a more wholesome celebration of how much Riley and Matt’s relationship had improved, perhaps coupled with Matt agreeing to more grief-related healing tactics. Most importantly, Matt and Eve still could have had romantic development— but it would have been much more valuable in the long run.

Primetime Sitcoms Always Need A Love Story Element, But Shifting Gears Jumped The Gun

It’s understandable that ABC wanted both main characters to have a love interest, but Shifting Gears’ romances needed strong, realistic development. Part of what made Matt and Eve’s kiss jarring was that the show had spent the majority of their shared scenes cultivating a sense of animosity. As a result, Matt and Eve seemed like budding frenemies at most.

As Tim Allen mentioned to GMA, the “powers that be” wanted Matt to have a romance, but Eve deserved better than to be a narrative afterthought in Shifting Gears season 1. The hostility between Matt and Eve was an entertaining contrast, but they could have progressed their relationship by staying civil without jumping headfirst into a love story.

In contrast, Riley and Gabe’s storyline in Shifting Gears already feels like a slow-burn that will inevitably bloom. The key difference is that the sitcom primed the audience with Gabe’s feelings for Riley early on in season 1, while Eve wasn’t introduced until episode 7. Consequently, there were no stakes for the viewers when Eve kissed Matt.

Furthermore, without any established romantic or sexual tension, there was no reason for the audience to root for Matt and Eve, especially after Shifting Gears continually hammered home the fact that Matt was still coming to terms with his new life as a widower (and expressly wasn’t ready to move on).

How Shifting Gears Season 2 Handles Matt & Eve Could Make Or Break The Show

Luckily for Shifting Gears, the season 2 premiere indicated Matt and Eve aren’t heading towards a baseless committed relationship. If anything, “Secret” offered exactly what Shifting Gears season 1 needed: an unflinching look at Matt’s bereavement. The episode ends with Matt and Eve agreeing to casually explore their connection, but there’s still time for Shifting Gears to go south.

Matt’s grief in Shifting Gears season 2 requires nuance, and his relationship with Eve could add wonderful depth to the storyline. At the same time, their romance can’t be prioritized if it means sacrificing Matt and Riley’s relationship or letting the Diane of it all fall to the wayside.

The comedic look at grief is what sets Shifting Gears apart, and the ABC sitcom can’t afford to abandon its anchor so early in its run. There is, of course, life beyond loss— and Matt shouldn’t be stuck in his grief forever— but he also shouldn’t magically overcome his trepidation for the sake of Shifting Gears’ first love story.

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Season 2 Brings New Love Interest and ‘a Long-Buried Secret’: See the Trailer! (Exclusive)

‘Happy’s Place’ season 2 premieres Friday, Nov. 7 on NBC and will stream the next day on Peacock

NEED TO KNOW

PEOPLE has an exclusive look at the trailer for season 2 of Happy’s Place ahead of its premiere on Nov. 7
It Reba McEntire’s Bobbie exploring her feelings with Emmett, played by her real-life fiancé Rex Linn, after season 1 left a possibility for a romance unresolved
The series also stars Belissa Escobedo, Melissa Peterman, Pablo Castelblanco and Tokala Black Elk

There’s no place like Happy’s Place!

The NBC sitcom is back for its second season on Nov. 7, and PEOPLE as an exclusive first look at the upcoming installment’s new trailer. After making its debut last year, Reba McEntire is returning to star as Bobbie as she navigates the ups and downs of her personal life, all while running her late father’s tavern.

“In season 2, Happy’s Place reopens its doors, and a long-buried secret comes to light that will test loyalties and shake things up inside the tavern,” the official logline reads. “Through it all, Bobbie must remind everyone that family isn’t what you’re born into, but it’s the people that stand beside you, even in the workplace.”

Reba McEntire and Rex Linn.Casey Durkin/NBC

The preview sees Bobbie dealing with her dynamic with Emmett — who is played by McEntire’s real-life partner Rex Linn — after they confessed their feelings for each other at the end of season 1.

“Emmett is cute, but the men are the ones that are supposed to ask the women out,” Bobbie tells Gabby (Melissa Peterman), who replies, “That hasn’t been true for 30 years.”

“I haven’t dated in 30 years!” Bobbie exclaims.

Melissa Peterman and Reba McEntire.Casey Durkin/NBC

During another conversation with long-lost sister Isabella (Belissa Escobedo), Bobbie is seemingly panicking about the situation.

“I’m starting to get a nervous sweat right now just thinking about it,” she declares while Isabella fans her off.

Along with McEntire, Linn, Escobedo and Peterman, returning cast members include Pablo Castelblanco and Tokala Black Elk. McEntire also serves as an executive producer, alongside writer and co-creator Kevin Abbott, Michael Hanel, Mindy Schultheis, Matt Berry and Pamela Fryman.

Happy’s Place season 2.NBC

Like the first season of the hit comedy, which brought Reba alums McEntire and Peterman back together and featured appearances from their former costars Steve Howey and Christopher Rich, season 2 will have even more reunions.

In September, the network announced that JoAnna Garcia Swisher is slated to make a cameo as Kenzie, a “local Knoxville influencer who has been hired to represent Happy’s Place for their upcoming social media marketing campaign,” much to “Bobbie’s chagrin,” according to a description from NBC.

McEntire previously told PEOPLE how it felt to take on the screen with her Reba family again for Happy’s Place, calling the first table read last year “very nostalgic.”

“It was very emotional. I mean, see, I’m getting choked up right now. That’s the way it was for all of us to be so blessed,” she said in May. “If you get one really good sitcom that lasts for six seasons, you think, ‘Man, I’ve got the golden ring. That’ll be it. Probably never do it again, because that’s magic in a bottle.’ We got it again and we realize it.”

She added, “It’s real easy to step in back into that with the crew. You love people you get to work together with that you’ve worked with before. It’s just so much easier than starting over.”

Happy’s Place season 2 premieres Friday, Nov. 7, on NBC and will stream the next day on Peacock.

‘Kelly Clarkson Show’ Fans, the Show Is Changing Things in a Major Way for Season 7

The NBC series is back—but there are some key differences viewers will want to look out for.

The Kelly Clarkson Show officially aired the season 7 premiere on NBC on September 29.
Executive producer Alex Duda and music director Jason Halbert teased what’s to come on The Kelly Clarkson Show season 7.

In addition to new segments, Kelly is going to new musical heights with “Kellyoke” covers she’s never sung before.

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The Kelly Clarkson Show is back on the air for season 7, and folks are ecstatic to see Kelly Clarkson return to their TV screens. But it looks like there are some changes coming our way this season—and some major players are keeping us updated on what to expect.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly that was published on September 29, Kelly’s music director Jason Halbert and executive producer Alex Duda broke down some new things viewers will see on The Kelly Clarkson Show. While folks will still get the chance to see popular segments like “Kellyoke,” Alex teased two new segments will be coming our way, titled “Life Well Lit” and “Celebs With Skills.”

“When things are tough, [it’s that] Mister Rogers saying: ‘You look for the helpers.’ And that’s what we always try to do,” Alex told the outlet. “So, that’s why our premiere this year was just about going back to that and finding the light. And [Kelly’s] always said that since the beginning of the show that that helps her, and I think, hopefully, it helps the viewers, too.”

 

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But that’s not all they had to say about season 7!

Jason also made sure to bring things back around to “Kellyoke” in the interview, as he and Kelly’s house band, Y’all, are a major part of the popular segment. He revealed while Kelly will certainly play some of today’s biggest hits (Jason teased some Maren Morris is in the musical queue), it turns out she’s also going places she’s never gone before with her covers this season.

“I think we’re doing Queen for the first time ever,” Jason stated, confirming Kelly will sing “Another Bites the Dust” at some point. “I don’t think we’ve done another Queen song, so that’s gonna be fun.”

It’s been hard to find [songs] that haven’t been covered by so many other artists,” he added. “We either spotlight a new artist or, if we’re gonna do a huge hit, we try to make sure that we’re adding something to it.”

How fun!