Where’s The ‘Reba’ Cast Today — And Will There Be a Reboot?
You won't believe how much they have changed!
It’s not unusual for people who work together to feel like family, and Reba McEntire seems to be everyone’s favorite mom, sister, spouse and best friend. It’s no wonder that the cast of her popular sit-com self-entitled Reba, became a close-knit family.
The hit show aired on the WB (now CW) from 2001 to 2007, and stars McEntire as Reba Hart, a resilient and clever single mother juggling family, career and the challenges that come her way. After her husband leaves her for his dental hygienist, Reba must navigate life as a divorced woman and find a way to keep her family together.
Set in the suburbs of Houston, Texas, we meet Reba’s three children: Kyra (Scarlett Pomers), a rebellious teenager; Cheyenne (JoAnna Garcia Swisher), a pregnant and newly married high school student; and Jake (Mitch Holleman), a sweet and naive young boy. Adding to the mix is Reba’s ex-husband’s new wife, the bubbly and ditzy Barbra Jean (Melissa Peterman).
As the series progresses, Reba faces various obstacles with grace and humor. She tackles the ups and downs of co-parenting, adjusts to her new role as a grandmother, and tries to find love again. Fans adored the show for its blend of comedy and heartfelt moments, witting writing, touching on themes of family, resilience, and the power of laughter in the face of adversity.
Here, a quick look at where the Reba cast is now…and what we can expect in the future.
The ‘Reba’ cast is still as close as ever
Even though it’s been more than 15 years since the filming wrapped, the cast loves to get together when they can and recently had a reunion when JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Steve Howey (who portrayed Cheyenne’s husband, Van) and Melissa Peterman showed up to support the real Reba this spring during her concert at the Hollywood Bowl.
Peterman posted a sweet picture of the trio on her Instagram prior to the concert with the caption “Mrs. H is at the Hollywood Bowl tonight!!!” referring to Reba’s character, Reba Hart.
Peterman also posted a hilarious clip of JoAnna walking down a driveway carrying a cardboard cutout, waving to the camera and saying, “We got a show at the Bowl tonight! Reba and I are leaving, we got a show at the Bowl!”
Recently, McEntire and Peterson joined forces again in The Hammer, marking the fifth time the duo have worked together. The two played sisters in the Lifetime flick, which is based on a true story. In addition to Reba, the longtime friends appeared on CMT’s Working Class, Freeform’s Baby Daddy, and CBS’ Young Sheldon as recurring characters.
But they both admit working together on Reba will always be among their favorite memories, and they aren’t the only cast members who would like to see the gang get back together.
Will there be a ‘Reba’ reboot?
While there has been no official word on the return of Reba, Howey told Entertainment Tonight he would love to see a reboot. “Yeah, I mean, I don’t even know because when I played Van on that show, I was in my early 20s,” he said. “And to see where Van is now and where the family is, I mean I would do anything. Reba says, ‘Jump,’ and I’ll say, ‘How high?'”
Catch up with the ‘Reba’ cast in 2023
Take a look at where the cast of Reba is today!
1. Reba McEntire
McEntire played the character of Reba Hart in the beloved sitcom, and since her days on Reba, she’s continued to act over the years in both film and television, including in Reba McEntire’s The Hammer, Young Sheldon, Big Skyand Malibu Country to name a few.
McEntire treasures the longtime friendship with her former cast members, and she’s quick to credit faith, family and her friends for being the forces that anchor her life. “If you’re ever feeling down or in need of a confidence boost, call a girlfriend—that’s always a good thing to do!” Reba told Woman’s World in a 2020 interview. “Of course, I go to the Lord for everything, but talking to a girlfriend or getting together always helps. Just spending time together, talking and sharing, never fails to lift my spirits.”
2. Joanna Garcia Swisher
Joanna Garcia Swisher played the role of Cheyenne, Reba’s eldest daughter in the show. Her storyline begins with her as a pregnant high school senior who shows little responsibility and drive. However, by the end of the series, she undergoes major character development, leading her to become an addiction counselor. Joanna Garcia Swisher has since acted in Sweet Magnolias, Once Upon a Time, Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, Privileged, and various other shows where she has played recurring roles.
3. Christopher Rich
Christopher Rich played Brock Hart, Reba’s dentist ex-husband who had an affair with his dental hygienist. Although vain and consumed by his self-image at times, he loves and cares for his family. Christopher Rich has continued to act in shows including Melissa & Joey, Boston Legal, and Desperate Housewives.
4. Melissa Peterman
Barbra Jean “BJ” Hart, played by Melissa Peterman, was the dental hygienist Reba’s husband had an affair with. A lot of the comedy revolves around Reba “hating” Barbra Jean, while B.J. considers Reba her best friend. While she’s initially portrayed as over-the-top and annoying, she and Reba eventually form a close friendship.
In fact, McEntire and Peterman really are best friends in real life. Since Reba Peterman has acted in series such as Young Sheldon and Baby Daddy.
5. Scarlett Pomers
Scarlett Pomers played Kyra, the intelligent yet mischievous middle child of Reba, often picking on her younger brother Jake. Her character tended to feel as though she lived in the shadow of her older sister’s mistakes, but she eventually finds her independence. Pomers strayed away from acting after Reba, but did pursue a career in music and photography
6. Mitch Holleman
Jake Hart, Reba’s youngest child, was played by actor Mitch Holleman. His adorable innocence made him a beloved character and he could always be counted on for a laugh. Mitch Holleman acted in small roles after Reba, hosted a podcast called Extremely Internet, and now does comedy.
7. Steve Howey
Steve Howey played the role of Van, Cheyenne’s husband and father of her child, known for his goofy yet lovable personality. Outside of Reba, Steve Howey experienced major success in his role as bar owner Kevin Ball in Shameless.
Deborah Evans Price believes everyone has a story to tell and, as a journalist, she considers it a privilege to share those stories with the world. Deborah contributes to Billboard, CMA Close Up, Jesus Calling, First for Women, Woman’s World and Country Top 40 with Fitz, among other media outlets. Author of the CMA Awards Vault and Country Faith, Deborah is the 2013 winner of the Country Music Association’s Media Achievement Award and the 2022 recipient of the Cindy Walker Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Western Artists. Deborah lives on a hill outside Nashville with her husband, Gary, son Trey and cat Toby.
