Blog

Ryan Seacrest’s fans fear for Wheel of Fortune host as he looks ‘frail’ in new off-set photos

RYAN Seacrest has sparked concern among his fans after sharing some new snaps online.

The 50-year-old Wheel of Fortune host has left his fans questioning whether or not he is okay.

4

Ryan has shown off his slender figureCredit: Instagram/ryanseacrest

4

Fans are worried for him and claim he looks ‘frail’Credit: Instagram/ryanseacrest

4

Ryan has been at the helm of WoF since September 2024Credit: Instagram/ ryanseacrest
Many people think that the game show host looks ‘frail’ in some new off-set photos he shared on Instagram this week.

Taking to the photo-sharing platform, Ryan donned an all-beige look as she posed up a storm.

The host, who took over from Pat Sajak almost a year ago, wore some beige trousers with a matching shirt, as he posed with his hands in his pockets.

“Lately,” he penned in the caption, keeping it short and snappy.

In an instant, fans were quick to comment on the selection of snaps to say how “frail” he appeared to look.

“He looks frail to me. I hope he’s doing ok,” said one person.

“Ryan you’re getting too skinny,” said another.

A third person wrote: “Wow Ryan is looking very thin.”

“What is going on here!?! Something looks off,” speculated another.

“Looking weak and frail you ok?” asked a fifth.

Love Island USA’s Vanna flaunts curves in sexy low-cut dress as she dumps Ace – but fans ‘can’t get over’ his reaction
A sixth then wrote: “Please tell me your not on the skinny drugs too. You looked great before!!”

“Ryan-you’re too thin. Eat more pasta. love you but maybe relax with the workout,” urged a seventh.

An eighth then wrote: “Looking great, Don’t lose anymore weight, Getting too thin, The beard looks great, Your still handsome.”

Ryan took over as host on Wheel of Fortune in September 2024 following 78-year-old Pat’s retirement officially commenced in June of that same year.

Wheel of Fortune must-know staff

Wheel of Fortune’s universe is more vast than fans realize. Here’s a look at the key staffmembers of America’s most iconic puzzle-based game show:

Ryan Seacrest: host, 2024-present

Vanna White: co-host, 1982-present

Maggie Sajak: social media correspondent, 2021-present

Jim Thornton: announcer, 2011-present

Pat Sajak: host from 1981-2024, the newly-retired Pat still hosts Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and is now a supervising producer

Bellamie Blackstone: executive producer, 2021-present

Steve Schwartz, supervising producer of over 30 years and now co-executive producer

Jimmy McGuire: Stage Manager and Jeopardy! Clue Crew alum (also Jeopardy!’s stage manager)

Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! famously share a studio lot and use the others’ set next door for practice games before players take the stage.

Learn more about who keeps Wheel of Fortune spinning here.

The former host first announced his retirement in June 2023, after the Season 40 finale.

The game show legend began hosting in 1984 and did so for 40 years with Vanna White by his side the entire time.

When announcing that he was stepping away from his role, the TV stalwart tweeted: “Well, the time has come.

“I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last.

“It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all.”

4

Ryan took over from Pat SajakCredit: Wheel of Fortune

[SO SAD] Savannah Guthrie MISSING from Today and REPLACED by familiar face

Savannah Guthrie missing from Today and replaced by familiar face as Craig Melvin reveals her return date

TODAY host Savannah Guthrie has been absent from the show this week, and has been replaced by a familiar face.

Savannah, 53, normally is seated at the anchor desk with Today co-host Craig Melvin beginning at 7 am et each morning.

7

Savannah Guthrie is seen on Today Citi Concert Series at Rockefeller Plaza on May 13, 2025 in New YorkCredit: Getty

7

Craig Melvin hosts Today on March 20, 2023Credit: Getty

7

Savannah Gurthrie was all smiles in a red coat on Today on April 3, 2025Credit: Getty

7

Laura Jarrett hosted Today with Craig on Tuesday, July 1Credit: The Today Show
But this week, Craig, 46, has been joined by Laura Jarrett, 41, who typically works as the Saturday morning Today co-anchor.

“Laura Jarrett is in once again, Savannah is enjoying the week off,” Craig greeted viewers soon after 7 am on Tuesday, July 1, implying his usual co-host will return next Monday, July 7.

“Great to be here. Can you believe it’s July 1?” Laura asked Craig.

“Christmas is practically right around the corner,” Craig quipped.

Savannah, who is typically active on social media, has not posted over the past couple days.

However, it appears she is likely enjoying the July 4th holiday with her husband Michael Feldman and kids Vale, nearly 11, and Charley, 8.

DEEP CONFESSION

Despite her absence from the Today show, Savannah appeared on close friend Monica Lewinsky’s podcast, Reclaiming, on Tuesday, July 1. (The episodes are taped at an earlier date.)

Though she rarely discusses her past, Savannah opened up about her 2009 divorce from ex Mark Orchard during the interview.

“It was horrible and sad and it broke my heart and it took me years to recover,” she told Monica.

“And I’m not blaming anyone, but I don’t really want to get into it, you know.”

Entire Today team relocate from NYC set to Florida as Craig Melvin makes vow to fans
After the divorce, Savannah admitted she was left with “commitment issues” that affected her relationship with now-husband Michael.

“When we were dating, and by the way we dated for five and a half years…and we both had commitment issues for our own reasons,” she said.

“I met him very soon after getting separated and divorced so was like ‘here’s what’s never going to happen’.

“You know, I don’t, I can’t have a boyfriend I don’t want to, so it took a long, long time, but we talked about it because of our differing faiths and because my faith is so important to me.

“All I know is that I’m trying to have integrity in my faith with my children and in my family and Mike is there with me allowing me to do that.”

Savannah married Michael in 2014, while she was pregnant with daughter Vale.

The couple is still going strong over 10 years later.

“I love you now and forever,” Savannah said on her 10-year wedding anniversary.

The family lives in Brooklyn, New York.

7

Savannah appeared on pal Monica Lewinsky’s podcast on Tuesday, July 1Credit: YouTube/ Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky

7

Savannah opened up about her past divorce during the interviewCredit: YouTube/ Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky

7

Savannah and husband Michael Feldman share two kids togetherCredit: Instagram/savannahguthrie

‘General Hospital’: Why Eva LaRue Is Leaving and Natalia’s Final Episode Date

Eva LaRue Leaving ‘General Hospital’ — Find Out Natalia’s Final Episode Date

Disney/Christine Bartolucci

Eva LaRue (ex-Maria Santos, All My Children), who joined General Hospital in February 2024 as Natalia Rogers-Ramirez, will wrap up her run on the soap this week.

Her exit storyline kicked into high gear on the June 30 episode, in which she shared emotional scenes with Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos). Natalia broke down in tears with Sonny at his granddaughter’s christening, and he made it clear to Natalia that she wouldn’t be a part of his future. “May you and your whole family get every blessing you deserve,” Natalie bitterly told him before leaving for her hotel.

Working with Benard was something the actress looked forward to as she began her GH journey. “We’ve never worked together before, but we’re acquaintance friends,” she detailed to TV Insider last year. “But it felt so legit, so iconic. When I told all my ‘mom friends’ who are huge General Hospital fans that I had scenes with Sonny, they were like, ‘No way!’ That was really fun. And our scenes together were great.”

Disney/Christine Bartolucci

Natalia returned to her hotel room and downed a significant number of pills, then mixed them with alcohol. A series of tense conversations with ex, Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota), her son, Marco Rios (Adrian Anchondo), and Sonny played in her mind as the toxic combination took effect. As she walked unsteadily around her hotel room, packing to leave town, she texted her son, who didn’t respond. Marco was with Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), who said, “Your mom may be drunk, but she’s reaching out and this might be the last chance you have to reach back.” By episode’s end, she was passed out on the couch.

When LaRue joined the soap, she wasn’t sure how long her character would be in town. “They brought me on for the story, and I don’t know anything other than that,” she explained. “I’m recurring right now, but I would love to hang out and recur for as long as they need me or want me. It’s such a great place to work.”

In a statement, Executive Producer Frank Valentini said, “Eva’s been a dear friend for years, and I am so pleased we found an opportunity to work together! What originally was meant as a guest star arc turned into a longer and more satisfying arc, thanks to Eva’s terrific work and chemistry with our cast. I was thrilled Eva was available to us in this extended role. I wish her all the best in her upcoming projects.”

General Hospital, Weekdays, ABC, Check local listings

‘All Creatures Great & Small’ Stars Drop Big News About Season 6

Samuel West X

All Creatures Great and Small fans have been anxiously awaiting news on the much-anticipated sixth season, and now, comes news that filming has wrapped. Plus, series star Samuel West has shared some exciting behind-the-scenes snaps from filming in Yorkshire, England.

In previous seasons, West, who plays Siegfried Farnon, has shared sneak peeks of the cast on the set of the hit PBS series; however, this season, his posts have been lacking. Back on February 24, West tweeted, “I’m posting this again for clicks. Because we’ve started Series Six. Although my tweets are rarer now, Concerning horse and sheep and cow, I’ll do my best and try to post, Some stuff to keep you all engrossed.”

Since then, though, West has been absent from the social media app. But he returned on June 25 with some exciting updates, including several behind-the-scenes photos, as well as an apology to his followers.

“I’ve been remiss with BTS pics this series; forgive me. It’s been a very busy one. Here are some #ACGAS images I’m allowed to share from Series Six,” he wrote alongside an image of his co-star Anna Madeley, who plays Mrs Hall, sitting beside a vintage car.

Anna discovered that if you sit on a Vauxhall for long enough you go all thoughtful and monochrome pic.twitter.com/8kICOJq13b

— Samuel West 💙💛 (@exitthelemming) June 25, 2025

 

He also shared photos of crew members with clapperboards, make-up artist Raymond McArthur “making dog stitches,” costume continuity snaps, and a dinner with his co-stars Rachel Shenton, Madeley, Callum Woodhouse, and Nicholas Ralph.

The brilliant Raymond McArthur making dog stitches pic.twitter.com/DuI7nH29ga

— Samuel West 💙💛 (@exitthelemming) June 25, 2025

 

“Dinners with all five of us have been rare. This was an early one,” West wrote alongside the dinner pic.

The standard #AllCreaturesGreatAndSmall perch: half way down the stairs (we always sing it) pic.twitter.com/5FUODJVrDW

— Samuel West 💙💛 (@exitthelemming) June 25, 2025

 

West also revealed the cast filmed scenes at Worth Valley railway station for the upcoming sixth season. “Others are excited by the car’s; I prefer the trains. This was our day out at Keighley on the @WorthValley railway,” he shared.

Liv from costume gives me these every morning: continuity pictures to make sure Siegfried’s tie-knot has the same pattern on the same story day pic.twitter.com/wirmqCNmwu

— Samuel West 💙💛 (@exitthelemming) June 25, 2025

 

The photos come just four days after Ralph, who plays James Herriot in the popular period drama, took to his Instagram Stories to share that Season 6 filming has wrapped.

“Wrap on S6,” Ralph wrote over a behind-the-scenes video of the cast and crew embracing each other after filming the final scenes.

Based on books written by Alf Wight (under the pen name of James Herriot), All Creatures Great and Small centers on a trio of veterinary surgeons working in the Yorkshire Dales in the late 1930s. It premiered in January 2021 on PBS via Masterpiece and has become one of the network’s most popular series.

There is no official premiere date set for Season 6 yet; however, based on past seasons, fans should expect an announcement later in the year, with a fall premiere being most likely.

All Creatures Great and Small, Season 6, Premiere, TBA, PBS

The Mysterious Halt of The View Explained – Prepare for a Jaw-Dropping Truth!

Why Isn’t ‘The View’ on During July 4 Week? Summer 2025 Schedule Update

Why Isn’t ‘The View’ on This Week? The Latest Schedule Updates

ABC/José Alvarado Jr)

No, there’s nothing wrong with your television: The View is not airing a new episode today. In fact, the show is on hiatus for a summer break this week. The talk show will not be airing new episodes from Monday, June 30, to Friday, July 4. It will return on Monday, July 7.

This week-long break is nothing new, as the show generally takes the week of July 4 off. Everybody needs a vacation every once in a while, right?! The hosts did not talk about their plans for the vacation week in previous episodes.

Entertainment Weekly confirmed the 2025 summer scheduling following Whoopi Goldberg‘s absence from the show last week while she was in Italy. The outlet reported that, due to the hiatus, Goldberg wouldn’t be returning to the show until Monday, July 7, following her trip.

“We are all jealous of Whoopi today because she’s in Italy,” Joy Behar said during the June 23 episode. “I hope it’s 100 degrees,” she added, referencing the heat wave earlier this week. Behar also explained what Goldberg was doing in Europe, adding, “She’s in Italy accepting an award for her book Bits and Pieces, so she will be out this week.”

Behar moderated the show for the week of June 23 to June 27 in Goldberg’s absence. She led the conversation with cohosts Sara Haines, Ana Navarro, Sunny Hostin, and Alyssa Farah Griffin. Among the topics discussed were Donald Trump‘s decision to bomb Iran, the Supreme Court defunding Planned Parenthood in South Carolina, and more. Guests included Anthony Ramos and Mariska Hargitay.

The View previously took a week-long spring break in April and aired reruns instead of new episodes. The show was off the air from Monday, April 14, to Friday, April 18, and then again on Monday, April 21, before it returned with new episodes on April 22.

The View, Weekdays, 11 a.m. ET, ABC

“The Price Is Right” Delivers a Patriotic Surprise! Don’t Miss the Special July 4th Episode – It’s Going to Be HUGE!

‘The Price Is Right’ Sneak Peek as Show Honors First Responders on July 4th

CBS Broadcasting Inc.

This year, as in previous years, The Price Is Right will be honoring first responders who will get to compete on a special July 4 edition of the show.

However, this episode will be a little different because all of the first responders are local to California. Many of them fought to put out the Los Angeles fires that struck the city in January. The 14 destructive Southern California fires affected multiple areas in the state and destroyed millions of homes and filming locations. They started on January 1 and were completely extinguished on January 30.

Firefighters, paramedics, and police officers will “come on down” to play for big cash, cars, and exciting prizes, including a luxury boat and camper trailer perfect for summer getaways and vacations with thrilling outdoor adventures.

“Today’s a really special day. We’ve got heroes in the audience, especially all those who helped with the LA fires. They were horrific,” host Drew Carey gives a special message at the beginning of the episode.

Seen in a clip provided by the game show, a contestant named Daniel, who works for the Oxford Fire Department, got the chance to win a big prize. He also said that the highlight of his job is blasting the siren on the ladder truck he drives. “I want to borrow one of your sirens,” Drew Carey joked.

Another contestant, Jonith Johnson Jr., a helicopter pilot with the LA Fire Department, played Shell Game after bidding $1. These contestants and more will compete for awesome prizes.

The episode will air on Friday, July 4, for one hour at 11am EST/10 am PST on CBS. However, if you miss it, the episode will stream on Paramount+ the next day. Season 53 recently ended on Friday, June 27, but this special episode will be counted as this season. New episodes will return in September.

The Price Is Right, Season 54, coming this fall, CBS

‘The Price Is Right’ Viewers Shocked as Contestant Suddenly Quits Show, Drew Carey Left Speechless!

‘The Price Is Right’ Viewers Shocked as Contestant Suddenly Quits Show

The Price Is Right/YouTube

The Price Is Right fans were left scratching their heads on June 26 when a contestant left the show partway through. Kathy Young lost out on a car and then disappeared, which caused host Drew Carey to explain her absence.

Young won the third item up for bid, which was workout equipment, costing $749, on the penultimate episode of the season. She bid $625 and got to come to the stage to play Gridlock. Young screamed and then calmly walked to the stage to meet Drew Carey.

The game show contestant thanked the show when they told her she had the chance to win a 2025 Toyota Corolla LE. In Gridlock, The Price Is Right contestant has to correctly guess the price of the car in order to win it. The first number is given, and then they have to pick one blue car and one orange car, which both have two numbers on it. They are the next four numbers in the car. If the numbers are right, they get to take the car home.

Young was given two as the first number. She then turned to the audience for advice on the second. Young picked 41 as the second set. She was right and moved on to the last set of numbers. For the last two numbers, Young picked 20.

This made the price of the car $24,120. Young was wrong, but got one more chance to correct herself. Between 57 and 95, Young chose 95, making the vehicle $24,195. She was wrong, so she did not win the $24,157 car.

Carey said that she was going to spin the wheel when the game show came back from commercial, but she wasn’t there when it returned. “We only have two players for the Showcase Showdown because contestant Kathy had an emergency and she was unable to continue,” the host shared. “She’s not going to be able to continue. We’re going to have two spinners. Good luck to them.”

As Brigit spun the wheel, Carey said, “We hope Kathy is ok!”

Brigit went over, and Tawab wound up winning the Showdown.

At the end of the Showcase, the host said again, “Sending our best to Kathy. We hope she’s ok!” During the closing credits, the following update appeared: “A contestant on this episode could not continue, but will be receiving their prizes.”

“I’ve never in the history of watching this show seen 2 contestants at the wheel. I hope it was just an upset stomach or something,” a Reddit user said.

“That was a first,” said another.

“I hope she’s ok. Unless it was an extreme situation, they could have just brought the wheel out and did the first showcase showdown like they did under the old taping format,” added a third.

“Yeah, I never heard of this before either. hope whatever happened was mild and Kathy’s okay and well,” wrote another.

The Price Is Right released a statement to TV Insider about Young. They didn’t reveal what happened to the contestant, but are inviting her back.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances, one of our contestants was unfortunately unable to complete her time on a recent episode of The Price Is Right. We are pleased to share that Kathy has been invited to return as our special member of our audience for a future show taping. We look forward to the opportunity to welcome her back and extend our sincere thanks to Kathy —and to all of our loyal viewers—for being such an incredible part of our television family.

-The Price Is Right Production.”

Young will have to return for an episode on Season 54 as Season 53 wrapped up on Friday, June 27.

The Price Is Right, Season 54, returns this fall, CBS

Heartbreaking Revelation: Beloved “Reba” Actor Christopher Rich Shares Gritty Details of His Recent Stroke

Fans reeling! Beloved “Reba” star Christopher Rich has delivered a shocking and intensely dramatic account of his recent stroke, painting a terrifying picture of a neurological event he chillingly compares to an “atomic bomb” detonating within his own mind. Sources close to the actor reveal the agonizing ordeal and the miraculous fight for survival that followed this devastating health crisis, leaving loved ones and legions of admirers in utter disbelief and profound concern.

‘Reba’ Christopher Rich Compares Stroke To ‘Atomic Bomb’

Reba alum, Christopher Rich suffered a stroke in 2018, which he has since compared to being hit with an “atomic bomb.” Fans remember him as Brock Hart but he just reunited with some of the sitcom’s cast on Happy’s Place which was a trip down memory lane. Though he may look a little different, his life has also changed dramatically. So, what has life been like since that fateful day? Keep reading for more details.

Christopher Rich Compares Stroke To ‘Atomic Bomb’

Although Reba McEntire’s first hit sitcom, Reba, may have ended nearly two decades ago, it is still a fan favorite. The series, which ran for six seasons, can be streamed and airs on syndicated television. It revolved around the Hart family who faced problems from episode one. Christopher Rich played Reba’s ex-husband, Brock who had an affair with Barbra Jean, the incomparable Melissa Peterman. She found herself pregnant at the same time as Brock and Reba’s teenage daughter, Cheyenne. Together, they had to navigate many trials and tribulations, and a lot of highs and lows.

Reba McEntire-YouTube

By the series finale, they were all one big, happy, dysfunctional family. The Reba cast remained extremely tight-knit and now, Happy’s Place is a fan favorite. Reba McEntire and Melissa Peterman star as Bobbie and Gabby with a few former co-stars popping in. Now, Brock is back and fans have gone wild. Rich appeared on the Friday, February 21st episode as a tattoo artist named Maverick who was still booked and busy despite having a stroke. This mirrors his real life as he suffered a stroke in 2018. According to Us Weekly, he shared this insight:

“After my stroke and having a brain injury, it is like I got hit with an atomic bomb. So it all gets traumatized, and it is a hard reset.”

Unfortunately, Rich was not out of the woods as things continued downhill. He thought that he was doing okay upon exiting the hospital as he was able to move but that was not the case:

“Then I threw a bunch of blood clots and ended up in the hospital with lung embolisms and debris on my heart. After surviving all of that crap, I’m feeling really, really good.”

Christopher Rich’s positive attitude could be why he had such a bright light around him when he appeared on Happy’s Place.

The Moment That Changed Everything

Christopher Rich may have brought the laughs to Happy’s Place alongside Reba McEntire and Melissa Peterman but what about the moment that changed everything? Rich opened up about how he went to sleep one person and woke up another, something he and his wife are still grappling with today:

“I went to sleep the night before Easter and when I woke up, I couldn’t walk or really talk coherently. I had a stroke in the middle of the night and then I had complete left side paralysis. There was basically no use of my left arm at all. I couldn’t walk on my own. I was in a wheelchair. My voice sounded abnormal to me, and I had a lot of saliva running out of the left side of my mouth.”

It has not been an easy road especially because he is an actor. He has dropped fifty pounds and there are many changes. However, guest starring on Happy’s Place has been an amazing experience for Rich. He was back amongst friends and family, and it was the most welcoming experience. Fans were thrilled about this reunion so this could get him more parts in the long run:

This makes me so happy to see! My 10 year old daughter and I watch and rewatch the Reba show and it just fills us with joy!❤️
I am SO excited for tonight!
So proud of you Chris!!!!
Oh Brock! I’m so glad he’s back, who cares if he has a stroke we all just love hom

Looks like he has a lot of fans rooting for him and a good chance of a Happy’s Place return. Did you have any idea that Christopher Rich had gone through so much? More so, were you happy to see this reunion? Let us know in the comments below.

‘Happy’s Place’ Season 2 Sneak Peek Unearths Shocking Secrets and Unforeseen Drama! Prepare for Gut-Wrenching Twists and Explosive Performances That Will Redefine the Sitcom Genre Forever! NBC’s Glimpse Behind the Scenes Hints at a Dark Underbelly and Unsettling Truths Lurking Beneath the Surface of Reba’s New World, Leaving Viewers Breathless and Desperate for More Disturbing Details

NBC Sneak Peek Of Reba McEntire’s ‘Happy’s Place’

NBC is offering a sneak peek at Reba McEntire’s new sitcom entitled Happy’s Place. This was a series that Reba had hoped would get picked up but she had no idea what would happen. Now, it will be on the fall schedule and will reunite her with a former co-star and very close friend. Keep reading for more details and to see the first promo.

NBC Sneak Peek Of Reba McEntire’s Happy’s Place

When Reba McEntire appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show, she mentioned that she had a show in the works. It was a sitcom that she was very excited about and had asked the audience to pray that it got picked up.

Additionally, she and Jennifer sang “I’m A Survivor” which was a single and the theme song from her old sitcom, Reba. It was highly successful and ran for six seasons, is still syndicated, and is on streaming services currently. Now, Reba is back, once again with Happy’s Place, singing the theme song and is even reunited with a former co-star.
Reba McEntire-YouTube
Melissa Peterman is part of the cast as a bartender named Gabby whereas Reba will play Bobbie. She inherits her late father’s restaurant but there is one catch. Bobbie must share this restaurant with the half-sister that she never knew she had, Isabella.

She is much younger and very feisty so working together will cause conflict and comedy. Even Reba’s boyfriend, Rex Linn will be a part of the show and it looks like it will be a lot of fun.

@nbc @Reba McEntire is making her return to comedy! #HappysPlace is coming soon to NBC and streaming on @Peacock #reba ♬ original sound – NBC

After followers saw the clip from Happy’s Place and Reba McEntire’s return to the sitcom world, what did they have to say? They are even more thrilled about the Reba reunion:

Omg. Reba and Barbara Jean back together again. Yaaaaasss ❤
Fine, I’ll get sucked into another Reba show. ❤️
Melissa Peterman NEVER disappoints…
how does Reba and Barbara Jean never age🥰
I was just thinking “when is Reba coming back to tv?” and BARBARA JEAN TOO. so happy!

The Season Of Reba

Reba McEntire fans are thrilled about the preview for Happy’s Place. It looks like it will be the season of Reba as she will be returning to The Voice for Season 26 which will start in the fall. Therefore, this will mean a lot of the country superstar for viewers to enjoy but in different capacities.

She will be helping coach rising singers while trying to run a restaurant so Reba has her hands very full.

Are you looking forward to Happy’s Place? More so, what are you most excited about? Let us know your thoughts on the preview in the comments below.

REBA’S BAR NIGHTMARE: BEHIND THE SCENES SECRETS EXPOSED!

New For Fall: No Cheers For Reba’s NBC Bar Sitcom

In the premiere episode of Reba McEntire’s new sitcom, “Happy’s Place,” two characters feel the need to comment on Reba’s race.

“What happened in there? You’re whiter than usual!” says an employee of Happy’s Place, the show’s titular tavern owned by Reba’s character, “Bobbie” (no last name provided).

The employee character — “Takoda” (no last name) — is reacting to the way Bobbie emerged from the bar’s back office after hearing some shocking news.

The remark is supposed to be light-hearted. But at the same time, offhand comments about a TV character’s whiteness have become as ubiquitous in TV comedy as references to penises and vaginas. They are just as unwelcome too.

The character making the remark, Takoda — played by actor Tokala Black Elk — is apparently Native American, although neither the character’s race nor ethnicity is specified in the premiere episode of “Happy’s Place” that I previewed on Monday. 

Episode One establishes the situation in this situation-comedy. Bobbie is the daughter of a long-time local tavernkeeper in Tennessee who has recently died.

He bequeathed the bar to Bobbie, who has worked in it all her life. But in the premiere episode, Bobbie’s lawyer shows up to inform her that her father’s will also stipulated that the business be split 50-50 with another heir, a half-sister Bobbie never knew she had.

Enter the half-sister. Played by Belissa Escobedo (pictured, left, with Reba, above), she is much younger than Bobbie. The news of this half-sister is what caused Bobbie to turn more white than usual. Ha, ha.

The sister is named Isabella, and there is no apparent reason to suggest she is non-white. But she feels the need to play a race card anyway when she implies in a conversation that a white woman should not complain about being denied opportunities.

Despite the uproarious laughter heard as background noise every time Reba opens her mouth, there was little to laugh at in the premiere of “Happy’s Place.” The “comedy” consists of little more than Reba making faces and yelling at everybody. 

If the Tennessee setting of “Happy’s Place” is meant to appeal to residents of the Volunteer State and the rest of the mid-South, then even they might take offense when Reba remarks on the old cliché that Tennesseans marry a lot younger than other people. Ha, ha.

Not only do Tennesseans marry young, they prefer whiskey to their morning coffee — or so says Bobbie when she happily informs Isabella that “Tennessee coffee” is just another way of saying “whiskey.” Cue the laugh track. 

“Happy’s Place” premieres Friday, October 18, at 8 p.m. Eastern on NBC.