Reba McEntire Revives 'Reba' with 'Reba's Most Wanted'

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, February 2nd 2026 at 21:41 GMT by Parade
      Locales: Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas, UNITED STATES

Reba McEntire's 'Reba's Most Wanted': A Deep Dive Into the Revival, Prequel Special, and What It Means for the Country Icon's Legacy

Reba McEntire, a titan of country music and television, is gearing up for a return to primetime with 'Reba's Most Wanted,' initially conceived as 'Happily Ever After.' This isn't simply a continuation of her beloved early 2000s sitcom, 'Reba,' but a multifaceted project encompassing a special prequel episode and a planned ongoing series. The shift in title, while seemingly minor, hints at a broader scope and a focus on the elements that have made McEntire a household name: her music and her enduring appeal.

So, what exactly is 'Reba's Most Wanted'? The project begins with a special airing on NBC on Thursday, February 6th at 9 p.m. ET/PT. This isn't a traditional reboot or sequel, but rather a unique blend of concert special and prequel. The special will feature Reba revisiting and reimagining some of her most iconic songs, performing them live with a band and giving them a modern, updated arrangement. This immediately suggests a celebration of her extensive catalog - a career spanning decades and encompassing countless hits. Think of it as a journey through Reba's musical evolution, presented in a dynamic, visually engaging format.

But the special is more than just a greatest hits package. It's designed to set the stage for the upcoming series. This suggests the musical performances won't be isolated incidents but woven into a narrative, offering glimpses into Reba's life and experiences that inspired those songs. We can anticipate backstory, context, and potentially even a framing device that connects the past with the present.

The clever integration of familiar faces from 'Reba' and 'Greenes' - Rex Linn reprising his role as Brock and Melissa Peterman as Cheyenne - is a stroke of genius. Their return isn't merely fan service; it's a signal that the new series intends to maintain a connection to the original show's humor and heart. It begs the question: how will these characters be incorporated into the new narrative? Will the series pick up with them years later, dealing with new life challenges? Or will their appearances be more episodic, offering a nostalgic wink to long-time viewers? The presence of Brock and Cheyenne indicates the ongoing series will likely blend the musical element with a comedic, family-oriented storyline, mirroring the successful formula of the original 'Reba.'

The shift in title from 'Happily Ever After' to 'Reba's Most Wanted' is particularly telling. 'Happily Ever After' felt conventional, hinting at a tidy continuation of a familiar narrative. 'Reba's Most Wanted,' on the other hand, is bolder and more intriguing. It suggests a series that will delve into the complexities of Reba's persona, exploring the passions, desires, and perhaps even the vulnerabilities that have shaped her career and life. It implies a more dynamic and perhaps even edgy approach, hinting at storylines that aren't afraid to take risks. It's a title that plays on her iconic status, suggesting audiences want more Reba - more music, more laughter, and more of the authentic personality that has captivated fans for years.

This project is a calculated move by NBC to tap into the enduring appeal of Reba McEntire. In a television landscape saturated with reboots and revivals, simply bringing back a familiar show isn't enough. 'Reba's Most Wanted' offers a fresh perspective, blending musical performance with narrative storytelling and leveraging the star power of one of country music's most beloved figures. It's a smart strategy that acknowledges the legacy of the original series while simultaneously forging a new path. The success of the special will be critical in determining the trajectory of the ongoing series, but with Reba McEntire at the helm, the odds are firmly in its favor. The special is poised to be not just a concert, but a reintroduction - a reminder of why Reba remains 'Most Wanted' by audiences across the nation.