What Similarities Exist Between Leanne Morgan’s Sitcom and Reba McEntire’s Show?
Leanne Morgan‘s Netflix series brings back memories of Reba — and that’s a good thing.
Beginning her career in stand-up comedy, Morgan drew on her comedic material to create her sitcom. The inaugural season, featuring Kristen Johnston, Celia Weston, Blake Clark, Ryan Stiles, and Graham Rogers, tells the story of a woman from Tennessee who faces a new beginning after her husband leaves her for another woman.
“This is something I’ve aspired to since I was young, and it was just as thrilling as I had hoped,” Morgan expressed to Netflix’s Tudum. “Adapting to a new format was certainly a challenge — memorizing new scripts each week was entirely fresh to me — but I truly enjoyed it. As a stand-up comedian, the comedic pacing felt second nature, and performing in front of a live audience felt particularly natural. By the time the season wrapped, it genuinely felt like home.”
Although Leanne explored fresh narratives, the core concept bore a resemblance to Reba, which aired from 2001 to 2007. The beloved series starring the country music icon revolved around a single mother (McEntire) who starts anew after her husband, Brock (Christopher Rich), leaves her for his dental hygienist, Barbra Jean (Melissa Peterman). Reba navigated the complexities of moving on while raising her children — including her pregnant teenage daughter (JoAnna Garcia Swisher) and her boyfriend Van (Steve Howey).
Continue reading for a look at the most notable parallels between Reba and Leanne:
New Beginnings After a Divorce
Leanne’s story begins just hours (or maybe days?) after her husband, Bill, informs her that he is leaving for another woman named Faye. In a similar fashion, McEntire’s show also begins with Reba’s last attempt to salvage her marriage with Brock.
New Living Situations
Even though Brock left Reba’s house, she was still surrounded by their three kids and Van. After Bill’s departure, Leanne invited her sister to move in so she wouldn’t be alone.
A Surprise Pregnancy
It was revealed early on in McEntire’s sitcom that Brock’s girlfriend, Barbra Jean, was expecting a child. For Leanne, the pregnancy surprise unfolded over a few episodes, arriving at a particularly tough time when Leanne was considering reconciling with Bill.
The Dental Connection
Similar to Barbra Jean, who met Brock through her job as his dental hygienist — hired by Reba — Leanne inadvertently set up Bill with Faye by finding her a last-minute dentist appointment.
Children Expanding Their Families
In the first season of Reba, Cheyenne gave birth to her and Van’s daughter, Elizabeth. Meanwhile, Leanne’s son, Tyler, became a father of two. (Fun fact: both series concluded their first season with a moment where the lead character engages with her new grandchild.)
Getting Physical
Leanne slapped Bill after he left, while Reba had a more amusing approach — she hit Brock with a faux baby during a Lamaze class.
Those watching Leanne Morgan’s show, Leanne, should expect a plethora of jokes surrounding weight and self-image. The series follows a woman from Tennessee embarking on a new journey after her husband leaves her for another woman. The show is inspired by Morgan’s experiences in stand-up comedy. “Leanne uses humor as a coping mechanism,” Morgan elaborated.
Southern Appeal
While Leanne’s story unfolds in Knoxville, Tennessee, Reba is set in Houston, Texas. Both characters navigate the joys and challenges of having their personal lives become fodder for small-town gossip.
Returning to the Dating Scene
Both Leanne and Reba were persuaded to re-enter the dating scene post-divorce. Leanne ventured out with her sister, Carol, to a bar, eventually meeting an FBI agent. Reba, while not in a long-term relationship, had memorable encounters with Brian (Brian Collins) and Dr. Morgan (James Denton).
Close Calls
A car accident left Reba concerned about Cheyenne and Van’s wedding, while Leanne faced a similar harrowing moment when Mary (Jayma Mays) accidentally hit her and Carol.
Charming Pastor
Recall the storyline where Barbra Jean had a crush on the attractive pastor, Reverend Yummy Pants (Patrick Fabian), who showed interest in Reba? Carol encountered a similarly appealing religious figure later in the season.
Assisting in Delivery
Leanne played a crucial role in helping Faye give birth, just as Reba was present in Barbra Jean’s delivery experience.
