“Reba” Rocks on So Many Levels

A Classic TV Retrospective

The cast of “Reba” (from top left): Steve Howey, Christopher Rich; (from bottom right): Scarlett Pomers, JoAnna Garcia, Reba McEntire, Melissa Peterman, and Mitch Holleman (center)

Reba, the sitcom, which originally aired on The WB/CW network from 2001 to 2006, and which remains popular in reruns, is a standout in the new history of now-classic television shows.

In short, Reba rocks on so many levels, and let’s not waste any time in breaking it down:

Reba the human being: First and foremost, the series stars Reba McEntire, who defines everything a star should be — and more. She employs her celebrity for frequent charity events (and a lot more that no one knows about). She was devastated by losing her band manager and six band members and paid tribute to them in 1991 with a hit album, For My Broken Heart. She then heralded in a new age of talent representation by having family members manage her career. She is also dearly loved by her peers and remains an inspiration to them (a pre-superstar, free-spirited Faith Hill once shouted at a McEntire concert, “I love you, Reba McEntire!”)

Reba the singer: Ain’t nobody twangs like Reba McEntire — and she has the pipes and the talent to back it up (as evidenced in her new CD, Room to Breathe). Combined with that awesome Annie Oakley hair (McEntire starred a few years back in a Broadway revival of Annie Get Your Gun), and the country-singing icon is simply unstoppable.