It’s a cozy late evening in 2005, and we’re tuning in to Reba, Season 4 Episode 19 (titled “Driving Miss Kyra”), then we sing our hearts out to “9 To 5” with Reba herself and Barbra Jean. Probably lying on the couch with a home alternative microphone like a hairbrush or a remote just to make it feel like you’re part of the show. And also probably trying to imitate both characters as they take turns singing Dolly Parton’s hit.
Rewind: The 9PM Friday Habit of the early 2000s
Reba had everything you would want in a sitcom during the early 2000s: a (very) relatable lead like Reba Hart (Reba McEntire), a funny neighbor who can be cringe-worthy at times, a hunk who loves to fools around like Brock Hart (Christopher Rich), and a second lead like Barbra Jean (Melissa Peterman) who keeps things interesting (aka a mix of fun and drama). And of course, a story that captured the reality of life and love and how to navigate through the struggles.
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That was why it wasn’t surprising that it became one of the most popular, fan-favorite sitcoms of its time, becoming the 9pm Friday habit of around 4.3 million viewers leading up to its 4th season. And when it went off-air in 2007 after 6 seasons that ran from 2001 to 2006, it still continued earning viewership and fans with the help of syndicated re-runs.
Fifteen years later, Reba is here to remind us all about her golden show.
For You
#throwback
Last 2020, the 65-year-old singer and actress took to Instagram and Twitter to share a little throwback clip of that time when Barbra Jean dragged Reba on stage to sing Dolly Parton’s hit song “9 To 5”. The video was a snippet from the show’s Season 4, Episode 19. In the beginning of the clip, Barbra Jean (the new wife of Reba’s ex-husband Brock and Reba’s sort of enemy turned confidant and friend) told the band to ‘hit it’ and began to sing the song with such passion and enthusiasm. From time to time, she would pass the mic to Reba, who seemed not too thrilled with the spotlight. Then at one point, Barbra Jean pulled Reba up on stage to complete the performance. And towards the end of the song, Reba finally let herself go and went all out to enjoy the song.
It was definitely one of the most enjoyable scenes in the entire run of the show.
Fast Forward: Will there be a Reba cast reunion?
Fans in the comment section were quick to jump in to say that they recall the scene as if they watched it just yesterday. And others chimed in if the throwback clip was also a hint for a cast reunion. Nothing has been said at the time until now, but maybe we’ll see all of them on stage at the most unexpected time. But as for Reba Hart and Barbra Jean, well, the two actresses have kept in touch off-screen and made it a point to indulge fans with photos of them in vacations and awards shows. They even revived their characters last 2020 (days before the throwback) for a skit about staying home and practicing social distancing.
Watch the throwback clip of Reba and Barbra Jean singing “9 To 5” in the video below.
