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CBS Loses Right to Distribute ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ ‘Jeopardy!’

A court rebuffed the network’s bid for a preliminary injunction that would’ve allowed it to continue distributing the two shows.

‘Jeopardy!’ Courtesy of CBS

Sony will take over distribution of syndicated game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune from CBS, a court has ruled.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kevin Brazile, in a tentative ruling issued on Thursday, denied CBS’ bid for a court order that would’ve temporarily blocked Sony’s efforts from assuming distribution.

“Sony can begin distributing the Shows and need not deliver episodes to CBS,” the order stated.

In a statement, CBS Media Ventures said the ruling will be immediately appealed. It added, “This is only a preliminary ruling based on partial evidence, not the outcome of the full case. We’re confident once all the evidence is heard at trial, we will prevail on the merits. In today’s ruling, the court itself recognized the balance of harm tips in CBS’s favor, so we will ask the appellate court for a stay pending our appeal.”

Sony produces the two long-running shows, which are perennially among the most watched syndicated programs on broadcast TV. In February, Sony took over CBS’ role as a distributor after claiming that the network breached its contract by entering into unauthorized licensing agreements. CBS later filed for a restraining order seeking to keep the terms of the deal in place, which was granted.

At the heart of the lawsuit: allegations that CBS licensed the shows at below-market rates, failed to maximize advertising revenue and has overall rendered itself incapable of living up to its end of the agreement with Sony by implementing far-reaching layoffs that have allegedly decimated teams responsible for the shows’ distribution, marketing and advertising sales.

CBS, which filed a countersuit last year alleging that Sony is unfairly trying to get out of the deal, maintained that it has mostly complied with the distribution agreements and made billions for Sony.

“We are gratified by the Court’s ruling today and we look forward to distributing our shows, Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, to the 200+ stations that license and count on this programming in the U.S. and around the world, and the millions of fans who tune in to these beloved game shows every week,” said Sony Pictures Television in a statement.

CBS’ practice of bundling its shows for both licensing and advertising purposes when presenting them to broadcasters was the focus of the court’s ruling. Although Brazile concluded that this is likely “mostly permissible,” he said that it could be a conflict of interest because the bundle includes both CBS and Sony programming, which could undercut profits for Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. The shows are the most desired programming in “virtually any package,” the order stated.

Dale Woods, an affiliate station manager, testified that “negotiations with CBS for the Sony shows often included, at CBS’ insistence, conversations about other CBS programming” and that it was “well understood that CBS would only license Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! if we agreed” for the shows to be packaged with other CBS programming. He added, “We felt like we had to take the other CBS programming given the importance of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! I cannot stress enough the power of the Sony shows to a local station. Having the rights to broadcast these shows can quite literally make or break you.”

CBS denied Woods’ assertions. In defense of bundling, it said that the practice never undermined Sony because it was CBS’ shows that would take any bundle-based deduction, though the court disagreed. Wu found that bundling shows may “decrease prices relative to marketing a show separately” and that “some stations may be more reluctant to make a deal because they are being required to simultaneously take undesired programming from CBS.”

Also at issue: the absence of an open bidding process for the shows, unlike its treatment of The Oprah Winfrey Show, allowing the same stations to continuously air them. This foreclosed the ability of new stations to generate higher bids, the court said.

In 2019, CBS and Viacom struck a deal to recombine. The court pointed to ripple effects from this merger as evidence that CBS didn’t sufficiently try to maximize profits for the shows. Roxanne Pompa, a former CBS vice president, testified that she was told by network executive Lisa Kramer that Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! are “not shows the international formats team should primarily focus on ‘because we don’t take in 100 percent of the revenue.’”

Notably, Pompa said, “Before the CBS-Viacom merger, my team always took care of production 100 percent from start to finish. We valued the relationship that we had with the Sony producers and technical teams … When the Viacom-side team took over some of this work, I saw that they didn’t have the same regard for the production process. For example, I noticed that they started production in other countries with no one staffing the production and were allowing production materials to be delivered before signature of a deal.”

Court filings indicate that the feud between CBS and Sony has been simmering behind closed doors. In 2021, Sony led licensing negotiations with ABC, which resulted in bids from all major stations and culminated in a significant increase in fees for the following renewal term. Two years prior, an audit found that CBS had engaged in improprieties costing Sony roughly $1.1 million, which resulted in a settlement.

Additionally, the court pointed to agreements limiting licensing agreements to a two-year period. Despite that provision, CBS made numerous deals in Australia and New Zealand for a longer period of time. When the two sides discussed the issue, CBS allegedly declined to pay the fees it collected. The network later made the payments after it was sued.

The agreements required CBS to use its “best efforts,” consistent with customary practices and its business judgment, to obtain “maximum receipts” for the shows, though it’s allowed to set licensing prices as it deems “expedient.”

‘The Price is Right’ player nearly experiences wardrobe malfunction on game show

Bob Barker was the longtime host of the game show from 1972 to 2007

An overly excited contestant on “The Price is Right” had a fashion slip-up during the beloved game show earlier this week.

Arkansas native Christianne jumped up and down with excitement when she was called down to meet “The Price is Right” host Drew Carey, 66.

After she ran down the stage to meet Carey, she held up the top of her red and white checkered dress multiple times.

“Hi, right over here. How are you doing?” Carey asked the woman.

“I can’t see your name. What’s your name?”

After the contestant repeated her name, Carey greeted her and said, “Nice to see you, Christianne. Welcome to the show.”

She continued to pull up her dress to narrowly avoid her wardrobe malfunction as Carey announced the prizes she could win.

Christianne wore a black jacket over her dress, a hat that said “America” in bold red letters and brown cowboy boots.

She proceeded to play the game “Do the Math,” during which she had to guess if the price was lower or higher than the electronics presented on the stage.

Once Christianne won the game, she jumped up and down again with excitement but held onto her dress tightly so it wouldn’t fall.

The “Price is Right” player isn’t the first contestant to experience a game show fail.

Last year, during an episode of “Wheel of Fortune,” a contestant gave a risqué viral answer as he attempted to solve a puzzle.

Contestant Tavaris Williams went viral last May on the game show when he answered the first toss-up puzzle with a NSFW response.

“I tried to just beat my contestants by buzzing in first and letting my brain catch up,” Williams told Fox News Digital at the time.

“And when my brain was ready to speak, I saw the R, I saw the B, I saw the T. I went for ‘Right in the butt.’ … And once [host Pat Sajak] said ‘no,’ oh, it was the worst feeling,” he added with a laugh.

Host Vanna White was at the puzzle board as the letters for the phrase were revealed — “_ _ _ _ /I _ /T _ E /B _ _ T!”

Williams quickly buzzed in and confidently said, “Right in the butt.”

His answer was met with brief silence, then audience laughter, followed by a “What?” from fellow contestant Tyra and a definitive “no” from Sajak as a look of utter surprise crossed Williams’ face.

The correct answer was “T H I S / I S / T H E / B E S T !”

“None of those common sense [thoughts like], ‘Well, there wasn’t enough letters for the word “right”’ [or] ‘This is a family show.’ None of that is going through your head when you have 50 monitors above you, the lights are extra bright, there are 100 stagehands, there’s producers, there’s sound guys,” he said.

“And I was standing next to Pat, so I had to say something. I wasn’t going to get buzzed without saying something. And the rest is history.”

Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Stanton contributed to this report.

Bob Barker Makes a Surprise Prediction About “The Price Is Right”

In a surprising turn of events, legendary television host Bob Barker shared his thoughts on the future of “The Price Is Right,” the iconic game show he helmed for 35 years. His prediction has sparked excitement and curiosity among fans and industry insiders alike.

Barker, who hosted “The Price Is Right” from its revival in 1972 until his retirement in 2007, has always held a special place in the hearts of viewers. Known for his charming demeanor and commitment to animal rights, Barker’s legacy is intertwined with the show’s success.

In a interview, he reflected on the show’s enduring popularity and made an intriguing prediction about its future.

During the conversation, Barker expressed confidence that “The Price Is Right” would continue to thrive for many more years. He remarked, “As long as there are contestants eager to play and audiences excited to watch, the show will always find a way to adapt and entertain.” His words resonated with long-time fans who have cherished the show’s blend of fun, competition, and unpredictability.

Barker emphasized the importance of keeping the format fresh while honoring the traditions that have made the show a staple of American television. His insights highlight the balance between innovation and nostalgia, a challenge many long-running shows face.

Fans of “The Price Is Right” were thrilled to hear Barker’s thoughts on the show’s future.

Social media platforms lit up with discussions, as viewers expressed their appreciation for Barker’s influence on the program and their excitement for what lies ahead. Many shared fond memories of watching the show during Barker’s tenure, reinforcing the strong connection viewers have with the series.

Bob Barker’s surprise prediction about “The Price Is Right” serves as a testament to the show’s lasting impact on television culture. His confidence in its future resonates with fans who have enjoyed years of entertainment and excitement.

As “The Price Is Right” continues to evolve, it remains a beloved fixture in the world of game shows, thanks in part to the foundation laid by Barker and the countless memorable moments he helped create.

The Conners Season 7’s David Replacement Sets Up Darlene Repeating Her Worst Mistake

Warning! Spoilers ahead for The Conners season 7, episode 2, “Fame, Flying Fists, and Cold Feet.”

The Conners season 7 is setting up Darlene to repeat her worst mistake by introducing its David replacement. With only a handful of episodes left for its final stretch, there are still a lot of lingering storylines that the Roseanne spinoff sequel is set to tackle. Despite Roseanne’s death happening in its inaugural year and the family having somehow moved on from the unexpected tragedy, ABC’s premier family sitcom not only revisits the incident, but also makes it the center of The Conners‘ final season. Despite his hesitation, Dan finally agrees to join the class-action lawsuit against big pharmaceutical companies.

While it will likely be the overarching storyline of The Conners season 7, there are other things that’s happening in the final episodes of the Roseanne franchise. Jackie is trying to rejoin the police force, while Mark is busy making money by being a hacker. However, an overlooked arc in The Conners season 7 is Darlene’s growing frustration over Ben’s lack of time for her. Granted that he’s busy trying to establish a business that could be their ticket to financial stability, but rationale goes out the window when one is sad. Unfortunately, things might just get worse from here.

Darlene’s New Friendship With Chad Could Result In Another Cheating Plot

Don’t Do It, Darlene

Darlene has a history of infidelity. She dabbled with it in the original show, but it became a really big deal in The Conners, when she cheated on Ben with David. Despite the interest from the fans and the promise of a compelling storyline, Johnny Galecki elected not to come back for a final time as Mark and Harris’ father. That being said, The Conners season 7 finds a way to establish another love triangle with Darlene and Ben via the introduction of Seth Green’s Chad. They meet at The Lobo and immediately hit it off.

When The Conners season 7, episode 2 ends, Chad and Darlene are still chatting, and official information confirms that Green will have more appearances moving forward. Darlene’s new friend will appear in 2 more episodes against the remaining 4 for the show’s whole run. It’s safe to say that they will continue to grow closer. Considering Darlene’s grievances in her marriage couple with her electric chemistry with Chad, it isn’t impossible to think that she might cheat on Ben again.

Why The Conners Cannot Afford To Do Major Damage In Darlene & Ben’s Marriage

The Conners Doesn’t Have Much Time Left

Only time will tell what The Conners‘ plan for Darlene and Ben are. While it’s easy to understand him for devoting so much time and effort to establishing the magazine, it’s also unfair to fault Darlene for feeling the way she does. Still, any form of cheating is inexcusable — assuming that The Conners is going down that route again. Simply based on storytelling common sense, however, it’s pointless to ruin Darlene and Ben at this time. The Conners can present them challenges, but they shouldn’t be big enough to warrant a break-up, even a temporary one.

It’s worth noting that other members of The Conners cast also need some kind of closure, and to be able to do that, the comedy should also devote time to developing their final stories.

The thing is, The Conners simply does not have the time to properly repair their marriage if they go through another cheating crisis. As it is, the show is already pressed with time, given its truncated final year. It’s worth noting that other members of The Conners cast also need some kind of closure, and to be able to do that, the comedy should also devote time to developing their final stories.

Matthew McConaughey Leads Yellowstone Spinoff With Fresh Cast & Characters

Matthew McConaughey Leads Yellowstone Spinoff With Fresh Cast & Characters

The expansive Yellowstone universe is gearing up to ride into uncharted territories with its new spinoff starring the charismatic Matthew McConaughey. The beloved Western drama, Yellowstone, is hanging up its spurs after a thrilling five-season run. The show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan, couldn’t have chosen a better time to pass the torch, with the announcement of an untitled spinoff, as the sun sets on the Dutton family’s story.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Initially, the spinoff was dubbed a sequel. This led to fervent speculation among fans that the original cast members of Yellowstone would make a triumphant return.

However, Taylor Sheridan dropped subtle hints that we might be in for something entirely different. Sheridan suggested the spinoff could introduce fresh faces and characters to the audience.

And that’s not all! Sheridan also alluded to the possibility of the spinoff being set in a location other than the iconic Yellowstone Ranch. During an interview with Hollywood Reporter, Sheridan said…

[McConaughey] seems like a natural fit. We had a few conversations over the years, and spitballed a few ideas. Then he started watching Yellowstone and responded to it. He was like, ‘I want to do that.’ And by ‘that’ he meant diving into a raw world clashing up against the modern world. And then I said, ‘Buddy, that we can do.’

My idea of a spinoff is the same as my idea of a prequel — read into that what you will.

There are lots of places where a way of life that existed for 150 years is slamming against a new way of life, but the challenges are completely different. There are a lot of places you can tell this story.

As the curtain falls on Yellowstone, the franchise is not fading into the shadows. On the contrary, it’s stepping out into the limelight with renewed vigor.

Yellowstone Universe Is Expanding Its Horizons

The Yellowstone universe has never shied away from expanding its horizons, as evidenced by its previously aired prequels, 1883 and 1923. The latter is slated for a second season, although the writer’s strike has thrown a spanner in the works as far as production is concerned.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The Yellowstone franchise is poised to go on a creative spree with an array of spinoffs in the pipeline. Alongside McConaughey’s series, the franchise is crafting new shows, including Lawmen: Bass Reeves, 6666, and 1944, which are in development as further extensions within the Yellowstone universe.

The inclusion of Matthew McConaughey in this new venture is nothing short of a casting coup. Known for his magnetic screen presence and versatile acting chops, McConaughey is likely to breathe life into this new chapter of the Yellowstone universe.

With Taylor Sheridan at the helm, who has a knack for storytelling and a deep connection to the Western genre, this collaboration promises to be something to watch out for.

The Conners Effectively Confirms Its Official Roseanne Replacement, And It Makes A Lot Of Sense

Roseanne’s official replacement in The Conners has been effectively confirmed. Over the years, ABC’s premier family sitcom has tried to move forward without Roseanne Barr. The Conners was born out of the Roseanne revival’s unexpected cancelation, but because it was so popular, the network had to find a way to continue it after it fired Roseanne Barr from it. In the end, Roseanne died of an opiod overdose in the narrative, leaving Dan, their kids, and the rest of their extended family grieving over her unexpected demise. Despite the tricky situation, the show made the most out of it.

The Conners family has moved forward from the unfathomable tragedy with the loss of Roseanne. Dan has remarried and is now retired, Jackie has relegated the reigns of The Lunch Box to Harris, while Darlene and Becky are doing okay, all things considered. Despite being written out of the hit sitcom, DJ is likely okay too. That being said, there has always been murmurs of who would step in and fill the void that Roseanne’s death left. The show in itself hasn’t explicitly announced a replacement, but ABC’s The Conners retrospective trailer effectively confirms this person.

The Conners Season 7 Retrospective Video Highlights Jackie As The Family’s Mother Figure

Jackie Steps Up As The Family’s New Maternal Figure

In an official The Conners trailer (via ABC) commemorating Roseanne’s legacy and how it’s tied to its spinoff’s upcoming end, Dan, Jackie, and Becky are featured in some of their most nostalgic moments over the years. This makes sense, considering that the offshoot has shifted its focus on Roseanne’s widower and their daughters. Initially, DJ was part of The Conners, but he was written out of the series ahead of season 5, so he isn’t highlighted in the retrospective clip. That said, instead of the moments with Roseanne, the clip surprisingly includes those with Jackie.

It’s a reminder of how big of an impact Laurie Metcalf’s character has had on the franchise. Technically, Jackie isn’t part of the actual Conner family, since she is Roseanne’s sister and Dan’s sister-in-law. So, when Roseanne rebranded to being The Conners, technically, she isn’t a member of the titular family. Oddly, Jackie’s role in the family comedy has grown significantly because of what happened to Barr. In any case, considering how involved she has been in the clan since the beginning of Roseanne, Jackie has made an immense contribution to raising the kids.

Why Jackie Is The Perfect Roseanne Replacement In The Conners

Jackie Is Very Much Like Her Sister

For the longest time, Jackie has been Becky, Darlene, and DJ’s second mom in the Roseanne franchise. That said, her role in the clan significantly got bigger when Roseanne unexpectedly died. The early seasons of The Conners not only dealt with Jackie’s grief over her sister’s death, but also how she stepped up to help Dan and his kids navigate an extremely difficult situation. In terms of storytelling, ABC positioning Metcalf to be Barr’s replacement in the offshoot also made sense. She’s arguably the most recognizable actor in the remaining The Conners cast after John Goodman.

It also helps that Jackie has some of the hallmarks of Roseanne. She’s intense and sarcastic, but she’s also loving and protective of the people she loves. Granted that she is more loose and careless compared to her older sister, but time and experience have taught her to be less impulsive and impatient. Somehow, ABC was able to transform Jackie to be a more maternal character, even though she doesn’t have her own children in the spinoff, without stripping her off of the characteristics that endeared her to viewers. Ultimately, The Conners couldn’t have picked a better replacement for Roseanne than Jackie.

The Conners’ Has Also Solidified Jackie’s Place As Dan’s Partner

Dan & Jackie’s Relationship Has Gotten Better & Stronger

Impressively, The Conners never really shied away from tackling Roseanne’s fate in the show. She has been referenced occasionally, with the family fondly remembering some of her best antics. That said, the show also didn’t allow the tragedy to bog down its storytelling. It had to eventually move on, as a reflection of how real life goes on after the most catastrophic of losses. Dan dating and eventually marrying Louise was a turning point in the Conner family history, however. It was the final step in the clan carrying on after Roseanne’s death.

Even in The Conners season 7, when the idea for the class-action lawsuit came about, the primary conversation about whether to partake happened between Dan and Jackie, which effectively highlights this point.

Although Dan has already re-married, The Conners has barely done anything to flesh out his marriage to Louise. Between this and Jackie’s prominence in the show, the patriarch’s partner when it comes to making big decisions about his clan, and sometimes, even his own life, is Metcalf’s character. This is a more underappreciated role for Jackie. Even in The Conners season 7, when the idea for the class-action lawsuit came about, the primary conversation about whether to partake happened between Dan and Jackie, which effectively highlights this point. The pair’s relationship has only gotten stronger since Roseanne passed away.

This isn’t a knock on Louise’s role in The Conners. However, even she understands that when it comes to family matters, it should be handled by people who have long been in the family. Louise herself mentioned this when the idea of the class-action lawsuit first came about. Considering how Dan and Jackie knew Roseanne the longest, they have the last say in the matter, alongside the Conner kids.

What Lies Ahead For Jackie In The Conners Season 7

Is Jackie Coming Back To The Force?

Jackie’s has been the biggest support system for The Conners when Roseanne died. Even though she was also struggling, she made sure that her late sister’s family felt taken cared of during arguably the darkest period of their lives. That being said, The Conners has also done a great job making sure that she has her own storylines. Since The Conners started, Jackie has married Neville and even retired from running The Lunch Box, handing over the business to Harris.

That being said, The Conners season 7 also poses some major plots for Jackie. Aside from the lawsuit, she has also been contemplating going back to the police force, after she has realized that being retired isn’t all that fun. Interestingly, ABC was able to cast Metcalf’s real-life daughter, Zoe Perry, as a young police officer who gives Roseanne’s sister a hard time about her plan. There’s also her ongoing relationship development with Beverly. While her mother isn’t making an appearance in The Conners season 7, expect some updates about her, which will likely come from Jackie.

Source: The Conners/YouTube

Happy’s Place Missed The Perfect Opportunity To Bring Back Reba’s 2001 Sitcom Daughter

Reba McEntire’s on-screen daughter from her namesake sitcom already had the perfect role in Happy’s Place, but NBC failed to seize the opportunity. Aside from being the Queen of Country Music, McEntire has also dabbled in acting, with arguably her most notable role to date being the titular character of her own sitcom, 2001’s Reba. As the Hart family matriarch, Reba raised her three kids, navigated her husband’s cheating and divorce, and even befriended her ex’s mistress while also establishing her own career. Reba was so well-beloved, that Happy’s Place just have to stage some on-screen reunions for its cast.

The Happy’s Place‘s cast already features two of Reba‘s most prominent actors, McEntire and Melissa Peterman. This time, however, the actors play a less complicated dynamic than Reba and Barbara Jean, as they play Bobbie — pub owner, and Gabby — her right-hand and good friend. Their re-team has only further fueled desires to see more of Reba’s cast return, which NBC obliged with in season 1. Both Steve Howey and Christopher Rich have appeared on the show as different characters. That said, there’s another Reba cast member who has yet to be involved in Happy’s Place — Cheyenne actor, JoAnna Garcia Swisher.

Happy’s Place Wants To Reunite Reba & Cheyenne Actor, JoAnna Garcia Swisher

McEntire’s Original Sitcom Daughter Needs To Come To Happy’s Place

Co-creator and showrunner Kevin Abbott (who was also the showrunner of Reba) has revealed that he is working on bringing Garcia Swisher in Happy’s Place season 2. The actor played Reba and Brock’s firstborn, who was revealed to be unexpectedly pregnant in the 2001 sitcom’s debut year. Cheyenne went on to marry Howey’s Van, and together, they navigated being new parents while also growing up themselves. The pair’s story was as important to Reba‘s narrative as its lead character’s personal journey. Because of this, it’s perfectly understandable that there’s interest in seeing Garcia Swisher reunite with McEntire on TV.

Since the ending of Reba, Garcia Swisher has remained active in the industry, appearing in shows like Once Upon a Time and Sweet Magnolias. She and her former co-stars have also reunited off-screen several times since the curtain dropped on the Texas-based family comedy. This has proven that they all maintain a good relationship even though they are no longer working together. This makes it easier to stage these Reba reunions in Happy’s Place.

Garcia Swisher Already Had The Perfect Role In Happy’s Place (But NBC Cast Someone Else)

McEntire & Garcia Swinger Could Have Played Mother & Daughter Again

As Happy’s Place works on bringing in Garcia Swinger in season 2, the show actually already had the perfect role for the actor. While the ongoing NBC sitcom breaks McEntire’s comedy trend by not playing a divorcee, Bobbie does have a daughter in the show — Gracie. Being in the military, she has only appeared in one episode of Happy’s Place thus far. The role would have been the perfect opportunity for Garcia Swinger to reunite with McEntire, as it would just be a recurring guest stint at best. However, NBC opted to go a different route for casting Gracie.

…if NBC wanted to take advantage of nostalgia and the enduring love for Reba, seeing Garcia Swinger and McEntire play mother and daughter again would have done the trick.

Instead of tapping Garcia Swinger, Happy’s Place cast Emma Kenney as Gracie. The Conners actor has a solid acting portfolio, and she does a great job in her one-time appearance in the comedy thus far. That said, if NBC wanted to take advantage of nostalgia and the enduring love for Reba, seeing Garcia Swinger and McEntire play mother and daughter again would have done the trick. Because the role isn’t full-time, the Cheyenne actor can come back periodically, allowing her to pursue other endeavors. Meanwhile, it’s guaranteed that she and McEntire

What Role Can Garcia Swisher Play In Happy’s Place Season 2?

There Are Still Some Interesting Character Options

It’s only a matter of time before Happy’s Place finds a way to feature Garcia Swinger. While it’s disappointing that the show is unable to recreate her and McEntire’s dynamic in Reba as mother and daughter, there are other ways for the show to incorporate the actor. Happy’s Place was able to find hilarious and interesting characters for Howey and Rich to play, so there’s no doubt that they can do the same for Garcia Swinger.

One of the more fun ones that she can portray is a friend-type for Bobbie. This changes their dynamic from Reba while also offering a narrative opportunity to tackle how her arrival impacts Gabby and Isabella. Otherwise, she could also find her way to Happy’s Place via a potential connection with other characters in the cast. Maybe she could be Emmett’s secret daughter. Considering his budding romance with Bobbie, Garcia Swinger could still end up being a daughter figure to McEntire’s character.

How THAT Happy’s Place Finale Scene Sets Up A Key Season 2 Arc Explained By Showrunner

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for the season 1 finale of Happy’s Place.

After eighteen episodes, NBC’s Happy’s Place wrapped up its first season on Friday, March 21 at 8 p.m. ET. The finale’s official synopsis reads: “When Isabella requests Emmett’s help getting a security system installed, Bobbie claims she can protect her sister better than any alarm or man, leading to Bobbie and Emmett having a competition over who’s the better protector.” However, it doesn’t take long for Isabella to realize that the two are trying to repress their feelings for one another.

In a comedic turn of events, viewers learn that the bar staff has been trying to keep Bobbie and Emmett apart for the last decade. Isabella forces them together during a showdown at the arcade, leading the duo to become aware of their obvious sparks. While Bobbie and Emmett aren’t quite ready to take the next step, “Alarm Bells” concludes on a hopeful note. In lieu of a home security system, the cook asks Bobbie if he can check in on her for his own peace of mind.

ScreenRant interviews co-creator, showrunner, and executive producer Kevin Abbott about what that ending scene means for Bobbie and Emmett. He also discusses which guest stars will return to the series and what fans can expect now that Happy’s Place has been renewed for season 2.

Abbott Has Always Wanted To Give Reba’s Character A Satisfying Love Story

“That’s the one thing that never popped. The chemistry wasn’t working.”

ScreenRant: The finale focused on Bobbie and Emmett’s feelings for each other. How early on in the creative process did you realize that was the direction you wanted to take with these characters?

Kevin Abbott: It was always a possibility that those two would be love interests, before we had Rex in the breaking of the story and everything. That was always a potential love interest. With the old Reba show, the one area that we just never did well was the love interest for the old Reba character. I’m sure I am much harsher on it than the audience, but for me, it was always like, “Eh, I don’t buy it. I don’t believe it at all.”

And we tried it a couple of times, and it just never worked for me. So I’ve always kind of wanted to be able to tell some of those stories with Reba. She can do almost anything. That’s the one thing that never popped. The chemistry wasn’t working. So then when we brought Rex on, I thought, “Well, maybe this is the key. Maybe she’s got to actually be attracted to this guy.” Because the one person she had a little spark with was James Denton.

She was a little attracted to James Denton. Rex and she, I don’t know how you felt, but that moment in the pilot, I just loved that. It just tickled me. I had such a good time watching it. That has been in the works. The season 1 finale, if I’d known and could plan out the entire thing, would’ve been in a different place. There’d be more to this. But because we didn’t get the pick-up until later on, I didn’t know how many episodes we were going to have.

I couldn’t plan out all the steps to get to where I originally wanted to go. So this is earlier on in this entire arc. We’re going to go to more places that I know of already, but the two of them have been great. That’s a minefield you wouldn’t necessarily walk into willingly, but it’s been great so far.

Bobbie and Emmett are still not together at the end of the finale. Would you say there’s been an acknowledgment of feelings on both sides?

Kevin Abbott: Yeah, what I’d like the audience to walk away with, what I hope they do, is that we know that they both have feelings for each other and that there’s a possibility there now. Nobody has said whether or not they’ve decided to overcome the possible negatives of being together and the risk that is being taken. But that’s what Isabella is there for—to push Bobbie and to push for love.

So hopefully what this does is promise something for season 2 that we’re going to be getting into, not just an episode about this, but it’ll be an arc. There’ll be a number of episodes that deal with this issue and to see where the two of them wind up because I’m kind of fascinated by it. Like I said, that was the one area that I really didn’t get to tell stories about in the original Reba—love interest stories. I’m really excited to see it. She’s charming. She’s absolutely charming when she plays in love. How can you not love her?

Isabella’s Role Is To Open Bobbie Up To Possibilities

“This is the honeymoon period when Bobbie and Isabella both want to have a sister and make it work.”

Gabby and Steve have been trying to keep Bobbie and Emmett apart for 10 years. Going back to what you said before, why was it important for Isabella to bring them together?

Kevin Abbott: One of the things I thought was interesting about telling this story, and obviously TV’s done this a lot, but because it’s interesting, people in love are interesting, I really liked the scene where we find out that the rest of the people in the bar have been keeping them apart because there’s a huge downside. What you don’t hear a lot of in these relationship things is, “Well, what’s the downside if they actually have a relationship?” There’s a huge risk for everybody else involved.

So I like that notion because that’s there. I think that having Isabella do it, her role in the show really is to open up Bobbie to possibilities. One of the reasons Happy did this, that we will find out, is he did have a plan. He didn’t just stick them together. Bobbie has a tendency to close down. When she lost her husband, Travis, she kind of closed down. That’s why he brought her to start working in the bar—to keep her open.When he passed away, he knew that she’d need somebody to help keep her open to life and open to possibilities. And that’s Isabella.

What Bobbie brings to Isabella is foundational strength. You have a home, you have people you can come to when you need it. So the two of them feed each other, hopefully, in positive ways. And it also will put Isabella a little bit more at odds with some of the people in the bar. One of the things we wanted to do this season was make certain that the audience grew to really care for Isabella, as well. That she’s a part of this before we start causing a lot of problems.

This is the honeymoon period. This is the honeymoon period when Bobbie and Isabella both want to have a sister and make it work. Now we’re going to get into the marriage part of it. Maybe it’s a little bit more work. There’s a little bit more things. The little things start to bug you a little bit more. So I think that’s where we’re going to be heading with all of this, so that Isabella having something that she feels really strongly about, that the people in the bar feel differently about it. I think it’s an interesting dynamic that I want to get to in season 2.

In that same vein, with Bobbie and Isabella being at odds in the pilot, was there a specific place you wanted them to land by the end of season 1?

Kevin Abbott: Originally, I had that dynamic working a little bit differently. People love Reba, for whatever reason. I don’t know. I don’t get it. But they love her, and they don’t like people that she doesn’t like. [Laughs] I used to tell her that you could punch a nun in the throat, and people would say that the sister had it coming. That’s who Reba is.

So I changed my mind and went, “Okay, I want to make certain that they’re bonded first. That the audience knows that Reba loves this character before we get into some of the difficulties.” Because otherwise, Isabella’s going to have a really hard time winning the audience over. So that’s what the plan became. We’re going to bond them quicker upfront and then play with it more on the backend, versus having them be at odds more upfront and then having them grow gradually closer together.

That became the arc on that. I think it’s correct. Now, we can start to have a little bit more conflict between the two of them because I think that the essence of the relationship is set. She’s not just going to leave. Isabelle’s not just going to go home again. She’s going to stick around—that she’s found a place. So we want to make certain that she was planted before we started digging at the roots of this stuff.

Abbott Plans To Bring Maritza And Gracie Back For Happy’s Place Season 2

“Their chemistry with our cast was marvelous, and the backstory behind them is going to be really interesting.”

I loved meeting Bobbie’s daughter, played by Emma Kenney. Could she return in season 2?

Kevin Abbott: Yeah, absolutely. Season 1, I wanted to keep the guest cast small. There’s only so much real estate for our characters, and I wanted our characters to have all the dialogue and whatnot, so I wanted the audience to get to know them. Season 2, we get to branch out a little bit more, and we saw Maritza, we saw Isabelle’s mom, we saw Gracie, Bobbie’s daughter, we saw Steve, we saw Chris.

Those two, especially Maritza and Gracie, are going to come back because I love the actresses. They were phenomenal. Their chemistry with our cast was marvelous, and the backstory behind them is going to be really interesting. I think there are stories to be told between Maritza and Bobbie and Gracie and Isabella. We plan on having them back. We plan on having a couple of other guest cast hopefully too, if they pan out. Some fun people to explore other areas of our characters’ lives.

Was there a specific plotline you wanted to fit into season 1 that you weren’t able to do in these 18 episodes?

Kevin Abbott: Yeah. It was going to be the season finale if I had time to lay it in. There are two plotlines that I wanted to do that I wasn’t able to do, both along the Bobbie and Emmett arc. I’m not going to give it away because I’m going to do them in season 2, but they’re surprising. They’re very surprising, I think.

I don’t think the audience is going to see it coming, but I really like them. I really like them. We also wanted to do a Dios de los Muertos episode that was really interesting as well. Maybe we can do it this year, but we couldn’t do it in time for actual Dios de los Muertos, so it would’ve seemed odd doing it otherwise. Maybe next year we’ll do that one.

Where are you in terms of writing season 2? Do you have a filming window?

Kevin Abbott: So season 2, we’re actually starting up early. We’ll probably start pre-production mid-April because of Reba’s schedule on The Voice. We have to work around that. So we will start shooting again beginning of June. We do have leftover ideas from what would’ve been season 1 that we didn’t get to. So we definitely have those, and I’ll start up with the writers next week.

We’ve got a couple of new writers coming on, so I want to be open to any ideas that they might have to take these characters places. And I’d like to take a week or two off just to let my brain rest from living with these people. They’re noisy. But I have a lot more energy for season 2 already than I would normally have at the end of a season. And really, this cast has been marvelous. It’s been a fun season doing this show with these guys.

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About Happy’s Place Season 1 On NBC

Writer Kevin Abbott Executive Produces With Reba McEntire, Michael Hanel, Mindy Schultheis, Matt Berry And Pamela Fryman

Happy’s Place is a TV show that follows the story of Happy, a charismatic and enigmatic figure who runs a mysterious establishment where individuals can come to escape their troubles. As Happy’s Place gains popularity, its patrons must navigate the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, leading to unexpected consequences.

“Reba Is Beloved, and Justifiably So”: ‘Happy’s Place’ Co-Creator Explains Season 1 Finale and Teases Season 2

Happy’s Place co-creator, Kevin Abbott, is a fan of a good old-fashioned slow burn. During the first season, which celebrated its finale on Friday, audiences watched as Reba McEntire’s Bobbie moved back to Knoxville, Tennessee to take over the titular bar that she inherited from her father. There were plenty of surprises along the way for Bobbie — the main one being her first meeting with a much younger half-sister (Belissa Escobedo) who she didn’t know about.

As Bobbie settled into her new life, it certainly seemed like a relationship was beginning to blossom between her and the bar’s cook, Emmett (Rex Linn). But, now that we’ve seen the Season 1 finale, we can officially say that — despite the shipping of fans — Bobbie and Emmett didn’t take that plunge towards romance. However, Abbott is here to tell audiences not to fear and that it’s all in the cards — he just didn’t want to rush a good build.

Speaking with TV Line, Abbott said,

“That was the original intent — to actually have them a little bit further along than we did. That was an idea that I had from before we wrote the pilot, actually, but we didn’t go as far as that because of the scheduling. We only had 13 episodes originally ordered. We were putting some pieces in place just in case, but we didn’t know if we were going to get a back order, or how many [episodes] it was going to be if we did.”

‘Happy’s Place’ Hinges on Character Development

After the title landed a full-season order at the tail end of last year, Abbott knew there was time for the hopeful couple to build on an already solid foundation. Still, he didn’t want to rush things, so he hoped that NBC would renew the series for a second season — a wish that was answered last month. Now, with plenty of time on his hands to mold Emmett and Bobbie’s relationship, Abbott tells fans that it’s on the horizon, explaining,

“I don’t like to just jump into these things out of nowhere. I want to build to them so that, when they happen, it feels right. Ultimately, we got the pickup — a back five — after we’d wrapped the first 13. I just didn’t feel like I could successfully build the relationship to the point where I wanted it to be by the finale, so this is going to be something we’re going to get into next season. We can give the audience something to look forward to without taking it too quickly. When we get there, I want the audience to feel really satisfied.”

Season 1 of Happy’s Place is now streaming on Peacock.

The Voice Coach got creative with the children’s track while entertaining his 10-month-old daughter.

John Legend just did his own take on a modern nursery rhyme!

On November 23, The Voice Coach shared the sweetest clip of him playing the piano and singing to his 10-month-old daughter Esti. In the video, he sang the whimsical track, “Purple Monkey in a Bubblegum Tree,” which is a tune featured on the kid’s toy Fisher Price Kick n Play Piano Play Mat. Legend’s wife, Chrissy Teigen, held Esti and swayed side to side, singing along with Legend while Esti enthusiastically kicked her little feet around.

“Just me over here covering Esti’s play mat bops,” Legend wrote on the post.

“Do we hear… a collab 👀” the Fisher Price brand commented.

See the video down later in the post!

Esti has been up to a lot lately. This September, Teigen posted an adorable snapshot of Esti holding up a toy to the camera and smiling. In the picture, you can see that the little one is starting to grow her first baby teeth!

Esti also had another major milestone, as Legend revealed in an October interview with People that she recently started crawling. Then, on November 5, Teigen shared a snapshot of Esti eating pasta all by herself. In the picture, she has the biggest grin while spaghetti sauce is smeared all over her face. How cute!

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen welcome baby Esti

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend attend LOVED01 By John Legend launches Pop-Up At at Westfield Century City on July 20, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for LOVED01

On January 2023, Teigen announced the wonderful news that she gave birth to baby Esti. Legend and Teigen both informed fans of Esti’s arrival by sharing the same sweet photo of two of their other children, Luna, 7, and Miles, 5, cradling the newborn and looking at her lovingly.

“On Friday, we welcomed Esti Maxine Stephens to our family, and our house is overflowing with love and joy. I’m in awe of Chrissy’s strength and resilience and I’m so thrilled to see how Luna and Miles embrace their baby sister. I’m so, so grateful, but that doesn’t seem like a big enough word…,” Legend captioned the photo on his official Instagram page .

“She’s here! Esti Maxine Stephens – the house is bustling and our family could not be happier 💕 Daddy sheds nightly tears of joy seeing Luna and Miles so full of love, and I am learning you still need diapers with a c section!? We are in bliss. Thank you for all the love and well wishes – we feel it all! X,” Teigen wrote on her post.