TV Guide
Malibu Country: Is Reba’s New Show Different from the Last?
Nov 1, 2012 10:01 PM ET
by Robyn Ross
Reba McEntire admits there are some similarities between her new ABC show Malibu Country and her last sitcom Reba. But she thinks that works to the new show’s advantage.
“Both are great… entertaining shows [that] the whole family can sit down and watch,” the 57-year-old country superstar tells TVGuide.com.
Like her character on the WB series that ran from 2001 to 2007, this Reba is a newly single mom ready to start over – only this time around she’s the one who’s doing the leaving. In the premiere (Friday, 8:30/8:30c, ABC), Reba’s famous husband “apologizes” during a press conference for cheating and instead of standing by her man she ups and leaves, taking her two kids to California.
“Reba is a career woman trying to make sure her family is OK,” McEntire says. “She’s going to be dating and trying to get back on her feet with her music career.”
Rounding out the cast is neighbor Kim (Sara Rue) and Reba’s eccentric family, including her son Cash (Justin Prentice), daughter Juliette (June Gallagher) and her no-nonsense (and slightly loony) mom Lillie Mae, played by Emmy winner Lily Tomlin.
“Lillie Mae is the liberal in the family and the person who’s open minded,” McEntire says. “She’ll go out and you never know what she’ll come back talking about or doing. Or who she’s going to bring home!” McEntire says. “You never know what Kim will spring on Reba. There’s an element of surprise.”
While the show has just lined up guest star Travie McCoy, McEntire already has a long list of friends that she’d like to have on –and some she’s already invited!
“I’ve already asked Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson and they said yes,” she says. “Alec Baldwin would be a hoot to work with, I’d love to have Bette Midler on the show, Carol Burnett … the list goes on. Maybe I can get Betty White, she’s on the set next to us.”
Malibu Country premieres on Friday at 8:30/7:30c on ABC.
No no no! I have my issue with Reba, that bitch. It already kills me that Lilly Tomlin is in the show and I can’t watch. Ack.
I, for one, would love Miss M to make an appearance on Reba’s sitcom, even more so if they sing together. I like McEntire’s voice very much and I’m curious to know how would they sound together.
Betty White would be delicious.
I think this show was very funny. It definitely has some similarities to Reba, but I like it. I am happy that my Hopper from DISH automatically records the primetime shows on the four major networks with the PrimeTime Anytime feature. I completely forgot the season premieres were on this week, so I spaced out setting up the recordings. When I got home from my shift at DISH, I watched Malibu Country and Last Man Standing. I am so excited I have a little bit of comedy to watch now on Fridays, and I would love to see Bette Midler on the show.
Yeah, I enjoyed both shows. Hope Bette says yes…ya never know