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[VERY SAD] ‘Jeopardy!’ Contestant Passes Away 2 Years After Competing on Game Show

‘Jeopardy!’ Contestant Laurin Bell Dies 2 Years After Competing on Game Show

Jeopardy!

Warning: The following post contains discussions of suicide.

Laurin Bell, who competed on Jeopardy! in 2023, has died at the age of 41. The Florida resident died by suicide on March 23, a spokesperson for the medical examiner’s office told The U.S. Sun.

“An autopsy has been performed, and toxicology testing is underway,” the spokesperson confirmed, but did not offer any further information about Bell’s death.

In a Facebook post, Bell’s friend added, “It is with a heavy heart that we have to let everyone know Laurin Bell decided to end her life last night. She was a brilliant, funny, and beautiful soul. Please keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers as they process this loss.”

The statement continued, “She had a dog that was taken to the pound, if anyone is willing to take her in please let me know. She is 14 years old and not good with other dogs, but is friendly with everyone and cats. She’s a great companion and needs love.”

Tributes flooded in from fans who were devastated by the news. “Oh this is heartbreaking. I hope her soul finds peace and I hope someone is able to take her pup,” one person wrote on Reddit. Another commenter added, “May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her. And may she be remembered well and fondly. Hopefully she’s at peace,” and someone else said, “I’m so sorry to hear this. If you’re ever in this situation, please reach out to someone. There’s always someone who will listen and try to help.”

Bell competed on the Valentine’s Day episode of Jeopardy! in 2023. She played against the returning champion, Kendra Westerhaus, and Blaine Smith. Although she did not win the game, she still won over viewers.

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or dial 988. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

Announcing ‘1923’s ending time, the final episode promises to be gripping. Here’s everything you need to know about the remaining episodes of 1923

When Is the ‘1923’ Finale? Details on Extended Episode

Lo Smith / Paramount+

[Warning: The following contains MAJOR spoilers for 1923 Season 2.]

1923 Season 2 is taking after its predecessor, Yellowstone, with an extended season finale (Yellowstone Season 5 ended with a nearly two-hour closer in December). The Paramount+ original series will be seven episodes long, the streamer confirms to TV Insider. It was previously believed that the season would consist of eight episodes. The finale will be a longer episode released all at once.

Here’s everything you need to know about the remaining episodes of 1923.

When are new episodes of 1923 Season 2?

1923 Season 2 premiered on Sunday, February 23, on Paramount+. One episode has been released weekly since. 1923 Season 2 Episode 6, “The Mountain Teeth of Monsters,” comes out on Sunday, March 30. The episode description reads, “Alexandra [Julia Schlaepfer] catches a lucky break during her journey; Teonna [Aminah Nieves] reunites with a face from her past.”

When is the 1923 Season 2 finale?

1923 Season 2 Episode 7 is the finale, Paramount+ confirms. It’s called “A Dream and a Memory,” and it will be close to two hours long in runtime. The finale comes out on Sunday, yubi April 6, only on Paramount+. The episode description reads, “Jacob [Harrison Ford] and his crew eagerly await Spencer’s [Brandon Sklenar] return at the train station. Teonna has a fateful run-in. Alexandra braves the cold.”

Will there be a 1923 Season 3?

As of the time of publication, 1923 has not been renewed for Season 3. But with record-setting viewership for the platform, Paramount+ may want to continue telling this story.

What happens in 1923 Season 2?

Paramount+

Spencer and Alex have been on long, dangerous, separate journeys to Montana in the second season. Alex began her trek in England, traveling overseas via ocean liner and arriving in America in New York. She had a harrowing experience with immigration services at Ellis Island, was robbed in Grand Central Station, and things didn’t get easier on the train to Chicago. Episode 5 ended with Alex being offered a helping hand by English train passengers Paul (Augustus Prew) and Hillary (Janet Montgomery). They offered her respite at their home in Winnetka, Illinois. All of this has happened while Alex is pregnant with her and Spencer’s first child.

Spencer, meanwhile, got a job shoveling coal on a merchant ship following his arrest in Marseilles at the end of Season 1. That ship docked in Galveston, Texas, and further conflicts prompted Spencer to jump onto a moving train in Fort Worth before jumping off the same train near Amarillo. An unexpected run-in with Marshal Mamie Fossett (Jennifer Carpenter) resulted in her buying Spencer a train ticket home to Montana. The last viewers saw Spencer in Episode 5, he was boarding that locomotive, and Sheriff William McDowell (Robert Patrick) was rushing to tell the Duttons that Spencer had called to say he was coming home.

Teonna has been fleeing far from home with father Runs His Horse (Michael Spears) and romantic fling Pete Plenty Clouds (Jeremy Gauna). They reunited in Season 1, after Teonna had long been on the run by herself following her escape from the abusive residential school run by Father Renaud (Sebastian Roché). She’s wanted for the murder of a group of nuns at the school, all of whom physically and emotionally abused her and other students at the boarding school that aimed to force indigenous girls to assimilate into white American culture.

As of Episode 5, Teonna, Runs His Horse, and Pete were still on the run, but were in the inconvenient location of the open plains where Renaud and Marshal Kent (Jamie McShane). Episode 5 ended on the cliffhanger of Kent and Renaud finding Pete, who was looking for water, and a war cry from Pete as he and Kent shot at each other.

Spencer and Alex will hopefully be reunited by the series’ end. When asked what he thinks the most romantic Spencer and Alex moment of the entire series was, Sklenar told TV Insider, “You’ll have to ask me when this thing is all said and done,” with a wink of a smile.

1923, Season 2 Finale, Sunday, April 6, Paramount+

‘Voice’ Coach Michael Bublé Was Stunned After Emotional Battle Round Between Contestants

Team members Adam David and Ricardo Moreno went “Home” to see who would come out on top.

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It’s not often viewers get to see a coach on The Voice choose their own song for a duet in the Battle Rounds. But Michael Bublé decided to do just that for season 27, and he wasn’t expecting the result he got.

On the March 24 episode of the NBC series, fans watched as Adam David and Ricardo Moreno vied for a chance to continue on Michael’s team in the competition. For their battle, Michael gave the duo his hit 2005 song “Home” to perform, a tune that was later covered by other artists (including The Voice alum Blake Shelton).

At the end of their performance, each coach spoke about how incredible the duo were, and Adam Levine acknowledge just how difficult the decision would be for Michael. “You didn’t really get into your pocket until a little later, but then it got really strong,” Adam said. “You both have really, really pretty voices, but so drastically different. That’s what kind of makes this a tough one, but you guys did a great job, and I don’t know what he’s going to do. I don’t know how to help him.”

When it came time for Michael to deliver his feedback on the battle, he couldn’t help but get choked up over what he’d just witnessed.

“It’s really incredibly emotional to me,” he said in the clip posted on YouTube. “When I got signed, I was 27-years-old. Everybody told me it was way too late … They also didn’t think I was a songwriter, and I was like, ‘No, I’m a songwriter!’ So, I can’t really thank you enough for honoring me.”

This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, yubi or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Adam David and Ricardo Moreno Wow Coach Bublé with His Hit Song “Home” | The Voice Battles | NBC

When fans saw how Michael reacted to Adam and Ricardo’s duet online, they were equally moved by what they watched in that moment.

“Great throwback I love this song so much!! So glad they sang it so well,” one person wrote in the comments. “I loved both of them ❤️ Amazing talent,” another penned. “I really loved this song you wrote Michael 💕💕,” a different follower agreed.

While Michael eventually chose Adam to move on to the Knockout Rounds, we love how both Adam and Ricardo paid homage to their coach in this manner. And who knows … maybe there’s a chance we’ll get to see more of Michael’s catalog pop up later on in the season!

Shifting Gears Season 1 Finale Subtly Highlights What Sets Matt Apart From Tim Allen’s Previous Characters

Warning: SPOILERS for Shifting Gears season 1, episode 10, “Kiss.”Many criticize Tim Allen’s sitcoms for being too similar, but the Shifting Gears season 1 finale highlights one important character trait that changes with each new show he does. As much as Shifting Gears’ cast has been its biggest draw since the day of the series’ announcement, that’s also led to one of its biggest criticisms since before the show even aired. Tim Allen’s been fairly divisive since his Last Man Standing character spent half the series supporting a controversial political figure, and many had stopped watching by the time Baxter’s opinions began to shift gears slightly.

One of the biggest criticisms of Allen’s sitcom characters is that they’re all just grunting gearheads who force their opinions on others, but Shifting Gears’ season 1 ending calls that critique into question. In fact, closer inspection reveals that all three of Tim Allen’s sitcom roles have differed in one key area of their personalities. And the best part about Allen’s newest role is that, if Tim and his writers are willing to put in the effort, Matt Parker can continue to set himself apart even more in Shifting Gears season 2.

Shifting Gears Season 1 Finale Shows That Matt Is Willing To Let Riley Make Her Own Decisions

It’s Visibly Killing Him Not To Voice His Opinions

While much of the season 1 finale focuses on setting up Shifting Gears’ romance between Tim Allen’s Matt Parker and Jenna Elfman’s Eve, the primary conflict first introduced is that Jimmy finally has enough money to support Riley and the kids if she’s willing to take him back. Matt’s present when Jimmy makes this proposition, but he uncharacteristically keeps his opinions to himself for most of the episode. Riley, Eve, and even Matt himself all make mention of how unexpected it is for Matt to simply shrug and assert that Riley’s smart enough to figure things out on her own.

Apparently, this is a new development. Riley actually gets angry at Matt for refusing to share his opinion, claiming that he forced his opinions so far down her throat throughout most of her childhood that she practically suffocated. In the end, Matt does admit that he wants Riley to stay because he enjoys having her and the kids under his roof. But while Shifting Gears’ negative reviews affirm the common belief that Tim Allen only plays one character, Matt’s growth in keeping silent about Riley’s decision calls attention to the biggest difference between Tim Allen’s various sitcom dads.

Matt’s Parenting Approach Is Different From Tim Allen’s Other TV Dad Characters

Imagine Mike Baxter Keeping This Quiet About Ryan

Out of Tim Allen’s three sitcoms, the clearest similarities are likely between Shifting Gears and Last Man Standing. In both series, Tim plays a curmudgeonly conservative who’d sooner eat chalk than let his opinions go unvoiced. But Matt’s willingness to let Riley make her own decision about Jimmy shows a clear difference between him and Last Man Standing’s Mike Baxter. Mike never missed a chance to let his oldest know how thoroughly he disapproved of her liberal lover, and that really didn’t change until the later seasons when Mike came to respect Ryan as a provider.

Meanwhile, Home Improvement’s Tim Taylor wasn’t very similar to either character. Not only was he much less political, but Taylor also showed less capacity for long-term growth. He always meddled, always bungled it, and always had to ask Wilson for advice afterward. Considering the three shows have gone out of their way to establish a Tim Allen shared universe in which each character exists, it’s fair that they shouldn’t be carbon copies of each other. But the fact that they specifically differ in their approach to parenting sets up how Matt can become the unique of them all.

How Shifting Gears Can Continue Setting Matt Apart From His Predecessors

Matt’s Relationship With Carter & Georgia Can Lead To More Growth

There are several theories on how to improve Tim Allen’s character in his newest sitcom. One compelling theory is that Shifting Gears’ Matt Parker needs a friend. However, the even better route is to have Matt’s character grow through his relationships with grandkids Carter and Georgia. He’s already made attempts to share their interests, such as video games and weed gummies. That’s a thin start, but it’s not hard to continue building from there. Having Matt start to make references to fashion or robotics would go a long way toward showing how his grandchildren have helped him become more open-minded.

Or, if the series decides to use outside influences like Eve or various friends to build Matt’s character, there’s a chance for new faces to lend assistance. Nancy Travis’ character helped Matt when he was in the thick of his grief on Valentine’s Day, and it seems likely, based on Tim Allen’s history, that Shifting Gears will continue including Last Man Standing cameos that could fulfill similar roles. Either way, the fact that he’s already grown significantly in the first season shows that, with just a little effort, Matt could easily become the most dynamic of Allen’s characters to date.

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Shifting Gears Finale’s Strangest Callback Hints At A Major Change In Season 2

Warning: SPOILERS for Shifting Gears episode 10.The pilot season of Shifting Gears has come to an end, but one moment in the finale implies the sitcom may be changing its trajectory for the better. The ABC sitcom follows Tim Allen as Matt Parker, widower and owner of an auto restoration shop run by the affable Gabriel/Gabe (Seann William Scott), witty Stitch (Daryl “Chill” Mitchell), and underdeveloped but present Frankie (Cynthia Quiles). The inciting incident of the comedy comes when Matt’s daughter, Riley (Kat Dennings), suddenly moves home with her children, Carter (Maxwell Simkins) and Georgia (Barrett Margolis), to escape a failing marriage.

Though the premise wasn’t anything groundbreaking, Shifting Gears garnered impressive viewership off the bat, yubi due in no small part to Allen’s leading role. After 10 episodes, Shifting Gears season 1 wrapped up with a soft conclusion and many purposefully unresolved storylines. While Shifting Gears season 2 has still yet to be officially confirmed by ABC, it’s difficult to imagine that the network won’t renew the comedy given the substantial ratings it’s pulled in since January. The ending of Shifting Gears season 1 left much up in the air, but one quick scene could have subtle implications for the sitcom’s future.

Seann William Scott’s “Dude, Where’s My Car?” Reference In Shifting Gears Episode 10 Explained

A Single But Significant Line

While Tim Allen may have been the headliner, one character has been a scene-stealer in Shifting Gears since the pilot: Gabe. From his endearing naivety to reliable comic relief, Gabe is undeniably one of Shifting Gears’ best side characters thanks to the work of Seann William Scott. The Shifting Gears season finale even references one of Scott’s most iconic roles when Riley walks into the auto shop, looks at Gabe, and asks: “Dude, where’s my car?” Scott starred in a film of the same name alongside Ashton Kutcher, and it remains one of the most memorable titles in Scott’s filmography.

The absurd mix of science fiction and comedy earned Dude, Where’s My Car? poor critical reception, but the film garnered a cult following that persists decades after its initial release.

Shifting Gears made many not-so-subtle callbacks to Allen’s past roles throughout the pilot season, even setting up a Tim Allen shared universe in Shifting Gears set designs and guest stars. However, Riley’s on-the-nose reference to one of Scott’s biggest roles is a blissful departure from Shifting Gears’ Tim Allen tunnel vision. The callback didn’t require any extra meandering to draw attention to it, just a line from Riley and a quick reaction shot from Gabe. The scene then continued without delay, but the quick wink to Scott could indicate a new and necessary direction for Shifting Gears season 2.

Shifting Gears Season 1 Finale’s Non-Tim Allen Reference Hints At Its Season 2 Story Approach

The Sitcom Is Broadening Its Scope

While ABC marketing Shifting Gears as a Tim Allen sitcom was undeniably the most logical move, the comedy needs to expand its horizons if it wants long-term success. There are many talented actors in the Shifting Gears cast of characters, and the Dude, Where’s My Car? reference indicates the sitcom realizes this as well. The plot can’t stray too far from the Parker family, but it doesn’t have to in order to celebrate its ensemble. In fact, exploring individual characters would inevitably lead back to Matt, given he’s connected to everyone as a father, grandfather, boss, or neighbor.

Actor
Shifting Gears Character

Tim Allen
Matt

Kat Dennings
Riley

Maxwell Simkins
Carter

Barrett Margolis
Georgia

Seann William Scott
Gabriel

Daryl “Chill” Mitchell
Stitch

Cynthia Quiles
Frankie

Jenna Elfman
Eve

Show more

Seann William Scott is only one member of the Shifting Gears cast with iconic past roles that can be playfully worked into the script. Kat Dennings is recognizable to many as Max from 2 Broke Girls, Daryl Mitchell and Jenna Elfman (Eve) both worked on Fear the Walking Dead, and even Maxwell Simkins is widely remembered as Zane from Bizaardvark. While Jenna Elfman’s character in Shifting Gears hasn’t been around long enough to necessarily warrant a callback, it’s reassuring to know the sitcom has at least opened the door to acknowledging its full cast.

Why Shifting Gears Expanding Its Narrative Beyond Tim Allen Is Great

The Ensemble Cast Could Be The Key To Longevity

Beyond callbacks and inside jokes, the entire Shifting Gears cast deserves more screen time in general. Matt’s character in Shifting Gears doesn’t have to be sidelined, but letting others shine will help the sitcom in the long run. There are only so many iterations of Riley and Matt clashing heads that Shifting Gears can air before it becomes exhausting. Frankie, Stitch, and Gabe could get into a fight, leading to an episode where the auto shop can’t function. Georgia and Carter could have a sibling squabble, leaving Matt and Riley to defuse the situation. Inevitably, some much-needed originality would ensue.

Admittedly, the sitcom has already vastly improved from the early reviews of Shifting Gears that seemed to spell doom for Tim Allen’s return to network television. Certain episodes of Shifting Gears season 1 did focus on other characters— albeit only partially— and were irrefutably better because of it. Of course, there’s still room to improve and make Shifting Gears the fun family comedy it has the potential to be. Involving its diverse cast more, even with something as small as a one-liner reference, is the first step to Shifting Gears embracing its ensemble and setting season 2 up for success.

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Big Changes Coming to ‘Call the Midwife’ Season 14

More drama awaits in the 1970s Poplar when Call the Midwife returns with Season 14 later this month on PBS in the U.S. As you would expect, the installment features pretty strong storylines, which series star Jenny Agutter recently noted, praising creator Heidi Thomas, particularly for Episode 1, which involves a teen pregnancy. Agutter, who has portrayed Sister Julienne, the Sister-in-charge at Nonnatus House, since the very beginning of the period drama, dropped even more captivating details about the season while chatting with TV Insider, teasing major changes to come in Poplar.

Season 14 of Call the Midwife “is a conclusion” to all the loose strings from the 2024 special and is centered on “poverty and all the social issues that come out of it, the abuse that might happen, the difficulties.” While the 60s in Poplar had “a lot of growth and optimism,” Agutter explains that the new era is not so positive, saying,

“It also shows the beginnings of what one’s feeling in 1970, which [are] the problems that come out of expecting more from [what] might’ve been offered and what actually is on offer. We have strikes, people unhappy about what they’ve got. As far as Julienne’s concerned, the [Board of Health] really want Nonnatus House out of the game, so their sense of control there is being diminished. But they serve the community, and oftentimes when you hand over to state to take care of everything, it doesn’t actually take care of all those things.”

Racism & Homelessness Are Prevalent in ‘Call the Midwife’ Season 14

With poverty at the forefront of Call the Midwife Season 14, we also have homelessness and racism. As Agutter teases, an “extremely good” Trinidadian nurse of whom Sister Julienne is very proud joins the midwives and is later falsely accused of being negligent. Agutter says “it purely comes because she doesn’t like being touched by this person.” Another issue in store at Nonnatus House is “spina bifida,” with the actress adding, “the difficulties that sometimes come with we’re getting less home births, more births in the hospital, and then people being dismissed from hospital early and not being followed up.”

There’s even more! An explosion later this season of Call the Midwife is coming up as “there haven’t been enough checks on the building” with the state managing housing regulations. Fortunately, there are no deaths or injuries, but Agutter points out that “it’s a sign of something falling apart, going wrong.” Moreover, things will become very difficult at Nonnatus House as the midwives are being “monitored all the time,” making them unable to “run things efficiently in [their] own way.” Nevertheless, Sister Julienne will spend much of Season 14 figuring out how to keep Nonnatus House going, continuing the good work.

Call the Midwife Season 14 premieres on PBS on March 30. Stay tuned to Collider for further information.

EXCLUSIVE: Reba McEntire shocked fans by announcing that she and Rex Linn WILL GET MARRIED in 2025.

Country music legend Reba McEntire has surprised her fans with an exciting announcement—she and longtime partner Rex Linn will officially tie the knot in 2025! The beloved singer and actress, known for her incredible career spanning decades, has finally decided to take the next big step in her relationship. Read on to discover all the details about their love story, wedding plans, and what this means for Reba’s future!

Image: Getty Images

Reba McEntire and Rex Linn’s Love Story: A Romance for the Ages

Reba McEntire and Rex Linn’s relationship has been a heartwarming tale that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. The couple, who have been together since 2020, first met decades ago but reconnected later in life, proving that true love can come at any time. Their bond has only grown stronger over the years, yubi with Reba frequently sharing glimpses of their joyful moments together.

Image: Getty Images

The two stars have been open about their deep admiration for each other, often expressing their love through social media posts and interviews. Rex, an accomplished actor best known for his roles in “CSI: Miami” and other Hollywood projects, has been a pillar of support in Reba’s life. From attending red carpet events to sharing cozy home moments, their relationship has been nothing short of inspiring.

The Surprise Wedding Announcement That Shocked Fans

Fans were left in awe when Reba McEntire revealed that she and Rex Linn are officially getting married in 2025. The unexpected announcement quickly became the talk of the entertainment world, with social media buzzing with excitement and congratulations.

Image: Getty Images

The couple’s decision to finally tie the knot comes after years of building a strong and loving relationship. Many of their supporters have been rooting for them, eagerly awaiting the moment they would make their union official. Now that the big day is on the horizon, speculation about their wedding plans is at an all-time high.

What to Expect from Reba and Rex’s 2025 Wedding

While Reba and Rex have not disclosed every detail of their upcoming wedding, sources close to the couple suggest that it will be an intimate yet star-studded affair. Given Reba’s deep roots in country music, fans are expecting a celebration filled with heartfelt performances, close family, and longtime industry friends.

Image: Getty Images

Rumors suggest that the wedding will take place in a picturesque countryside venue, possibly in Reba’s home state of Oklahoma or Rex’s native Texas. The couple’s love for nature and classic Southern charm might play a big role in shaping the event’s theme. Additionally, there is speculation about which country music icons will perform at the ceremony—many are hoping for appearances by close friends like Dolly Parton or Vince Gill.

Image: Getty Images

Another exciting aspect of the wedding is Reba’s choice of gown. With her timeless elegance and love for fashion, fans are eager to see what breathtaking dress she will wear as she walks down the aisle. Will she opt for a classic lace gown, or will she surprise everyone with a bold, modern look? Only time will tell!

Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins for Reba McEntire and Rex Linn

As Reba McEntire and Rex Linn prepare to embark on this new chapter of their lives, fans around the world couldn’t be happier for them. Their love story is a testament to the power of connection, resilience, and finding joy at any stage in life.

With their wedding set for 2025, excitement is building, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for this beloved couple. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey, and be sure to follow Reba and Rex as they share more glimpses into their special day.

Are you as thrilled as we are about Reba and Rex’s big news? Share your thoughts and send them your best wishes in the comments!

 

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Source: Tampa Bay Times

‘Happy’s Place’: ‘Reba’ Reunions & More Season 2 Plans Revealed by Showrunner Kevin Abbott (Exclusive)

‘Happy’s Place’ Showrunner Reveals Season 2 Plans for a ‘Reba’ Reunion, Romance & More

Preview

[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for Happy’s Place Season 1 Episode 18, “Alarm Bells.”]

Happy’s Place may have wrapped its Season 1 run, but showrunner Kevin Abbott already has big plans for Season 2 which was previously announced by yubi NBC.

“The network told us that we were picked up for Season 2 the night of our last taping,” Abbott recalls. “So just before we started taping at six o’clock that Tuesday night, they called us into the room and told us.” While the opportunity to continue telling these characters’ stories certainly excites Abbott, the pick-up shifts some of the planning.

“I’ll lay out arcs to see where we can get the characters to,” he notes of his process, and while they’re “not set in stone,” he says, “we generally land around those areas [that are mapped out]. And this season, because we didn’t find out we were getting a back order and how many [episodes that would include] until after we’d shot the original 13, I didn’t really have a chance to lay all the groundwork to get to where I wanted these characters to go.”

Casey Durkin / NBC

So, where will they go next? Abbott’s already begun planting the seeds that people have seen so far this season, but they’ll go even further in Season 2.

For those less acquainted with Happy’s Place, it tells the story of Bobbie (Reba McEntire), a woman who discovers she has a secret younger sister, Isabella (Belissa Escobedo) when their father’s will is read, bequeathing them with the titular bar he once oversaw. In addition to following Bobbie and Isabella, the fabric of this show also includes bartender Gabby (Melissa Peterman), cook Emmett (Rex Linn), worker Takoda (Tokala Black Elk), and regular patron Steve (Pablo Castelblanco).

As Abbott looks ahead to the future, he teases that Season 2 will further explore arcs like “Gabby’s motherhood [journey], the Bobbie-Emmett relationship, Isabella and her backstory… Steve’s becoming a really interesting character to me. We want to find out more about Takoda’s home life.”

“We wanted to spend a lot of time in Season 1 letting the audience get to know the characters,” Abbott says, “Then we’ll get to branch out a little bit more in Season 2 now.” Some ideas have been percolating for so long that Abbott reveals, “I’ve had in my head where I want these characters to go since before we actually wrote the pilot. So we’re getting there.”

After welcoming several Reba favorites into the mix with guest roles in Season 1 for Steve Howey and Christopher Rich, Abbott promises more reunions are on the horizon if it’s up to him. “We definitely want to bring Joanna [Garcia Swisher] in. We’ve been talking to her. It’s a matter of timing for her.”

What do you think of Abbott’s plans for Bobbie, Isabella, and the rest of the gang? Let us know in the comments section, below, and stay tuned for any possible updates as Happy’s Place Season 2 takes shape.

Happy’s Place, Season 2 Premiere, TBA, NBC

‘Wheel of Fortune’ Fans Slam Ryan Seacrest for Laughing After Teacher Loses $100,000

Wheel of Fortune via YouTube

Ryan Seacrest is getting backlash from fans for seemingly laughing at a Wheel of Fortune contestant after losing out on a big prize. On Friday, March 7, contestant Jim Venckus, from Downers Grove, Illinois, wasn’t popping a champagne cork after making it to the Bonus Round.

The recently retired educator played against Samantha Rizzo, from Hoboken, New Jersey, and Krystin Godfrey, yubi from Pelham, Alabama. Rizzo is a former NFL cheerleader. Godfrey is a photographer.

Venckus, a drummer and singer in two bands – What She Said and Electric Cars- guessed the second toss up, “Buff Lifeguard,” giving him $2,000 right off the bat. He got to spin the wheel first for the category “Song Lyrics.” However, on his second spin, he landed on the Bankrupt wedge, ending his turn and emptying his bank. The other two game show contestants landed on Bankrupt during the round as well, bringing them all down to $0. Venckus solved the puzzle – “Just you and I defying gravity” from Wicked – giving him $4,900.

The former high school teacher solved “Making sand angels ” to win the prize puzzle and a trip to the Carribean. This brought his total to $24,350. Despite Venckus not winning any of the tossups at the end or the final puzzle, he still won the game with almost $25,000. Rizzo went home with $11,600, and Godfrey left with $4,000.

Venckus got to the Bonus Round, and he brought his wife, Stacy, who also retired from teaching, and his parents with him. He chose “What are you doing?” for the category. After being given “R,S,T,L,N, and E,” Venckus picked “C,D,M, and A.” After that, his puzzle looked like “_ _ _ _ _ N_  T_E  C_R_.” All he could say was, “Something the corn,” but that was not right.

“Popping the cork,” was the answer.

“I think you needed a little more of a head start,” Seacrest said. He opened the envelope to reveal $100,000. Venckus put his hands up to his face and groaned while the host smiled. He seemed to chuckle at his loss while announcing his final total.

Wheel fans on Reddit pointed out Seacrest’s expression and slammed him for it. “Why does Ryan think it’s funny when someone loses $100,000?” the original poster asked. “Since Ryan took over, anybody noticed Ryan smiling and pretty much laughing when $100,000 is lost in the Bonus Round?”

“Yes, I got that too…. strange laughter over such a big laugh.. not funny,” said another.

“Could just be nervous energy. If I were on the show and lost $100,000 I’d prob laugh too. It would be the only thing keeping me from cursing and crying lol,” added another.

“I think it’s a laugh like oh noooooo! I think he always feels bad when people lose. He seems to really enjoy seeing people win,” one fan commented.

“I see what you mean, but it doesn’t come across to me like laughing at them – more like commiserating, “we have to laugh so we don’t cry,” releasing the awkward moment of the reveal. It’s also still a time to celebrate because the contestant has other winnings,” a fan defended.

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‘Wheel of Fortune’: Ryan Seacrest Makes Surprising Relationship Confession & Gets Big Reaction

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Ryan Seacrest surprised viewers when he poked fun at himself and his relationship history on Tuesday’s (March 11) episode of Wheel of Fortune, where he revealed his “biggest fear.”

During the introductions, a contestant named Jill McDaniel from Lakewood, Colorado explained how she holds “discussion dinners” with friends, including potluck and no alcohol. When Seacrest asked what kind of questions she asks, McDaniel said one example is, “What’s your biggest fear?”

“Vanna, what is your biggest fear?” Seacrest asked, turning to his co-host Vanna White.

“Oh, my biggest fear? Erm… spiders? Spiders is a big one,” she replied. “How about you?”

The American Idol host then turned straight to the camera and admitted, “Relationships.”

This then sparked a big reaction from McDaniel, who  leaned over and gave Seacrest a big fist bump, yubi to which he quipped, “We are each other’s people.”

Seacrest, who turned 50 back in December, has never married, though he once said he “loves the idea” of marriage.

“I love the idea [of getting married],” he told his former co-host Kelly Ripa in a 2017 episode of Live with Kelly and Ryan. “I know you’re going to ask me of marriage because my parents have been married for 47 years, and so I have this thing… I figure the longer I wait, the older I’ll be, the closer to death I am, so I can get it in and not screw it up.”

Seacrest was most recently in a relationship with Aubrey Paige Petcosky, though the couple split in April 2024 after three years together. Before that, he dated model Shayna Taylor from 2017 to 2020, and Dancing With The Stars host Julianne Hough from 2010 to 2013. He also dated model Sara Jean Underwood in a two-year on-and-off relationship.

As for McDaniel, she had a successful night on Wheel as she beat Ryan Ballester, a Navy pilot from Pensacola, Florida, and Carolyn Owens, a music sync licensing worker from Northridge, California, to advance to the Bonus Round.

McDaniel selected the dreaded “Phrase” category, along with the additional letters “M, C, D, and A,” giving her a three-word puzzle that read, “A / _ A _ _ _ / M E D _ _ M.”

It didn’t take her long to shout out the correct answer, “A Happy Medium,” after which Seacrest opened the prize envelope to reveal she’d added an extra $40,000 to her winnings. McDaniel ended up leaving the show with a grand total of $63,749, plus a trip to the Canadian Rockies.

At the end of the episode, White opened up about her fear of spiders, saying it started when she was in the second grade. Seacrest then scared her with a decoy spider.

What did you think of Tuesday’s episode? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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