Malibu Country: Is Reba's New Show Different from the Last?
Lily Tomlin and Reba McEntire
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.
See photos of Reba McEntire
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 June (Juliette Angelo) 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.
Watch a clip below: