It’s been a bumpy ride for Reba fans. The Reba McEntire series was The WB’s highest-rated sitcom for virtually all of its five seasons. You would think that high ratings would ensure that the show would continue on the CW. Not so.
The sitcom had received a two-year commitment from The WB network at the end of its fourth season so, last spring, fans believed their show was safe for an upcoming season six. In fact, when the UPN/WB merger was announced earlier this year, it was said that CBS’ leader Les Moonves sent word that the new CW network would honor the rest of the two-year commitment. The Reba cast and crew wrapped their shooting according to schedule on March 14, 2006.
A few weeks later, CW executives reportedly told 20th Century Fox TV (who produces the show) that they wanted to cancel the deal because the show didn’t attract the new CW’s “desired demographic.” As a result, the Reba fifth season finale, which was originally shot as a cliffhanger (Van and Cheyenne possibly breaking up), was re-edited to include a sentimental montage of images from the show’s run.
CW is said to have changed their mind about the cancellation when they realized they’d have to pay an eight-figure “kill fee” to 20th Century Fox TV. CW instead gave Reba a 13 episode renewal order but didn’t put the sitcom on the Fall 2006 schedule. Would they air?
Well, the wait is finally over. The sixth season of Reba will debut at 7pm on Sunday, November 19th with two new episodes. The following week, a Reba rerun will air at 7pm and a new episode will follow at 7:30pm.
Great news but keep in mind that the CW only committed to purchasing 13 episodes. If the ratings are good enough, it’s said that an order for nine additional episodes will be given — bringing the order to a full season of 22. The additional episodes would start airing by February 2007.
Production on the 13 episodes will be completed in early December so presumably the decision would have to be made soon if the 13th episode was to include any kind of closure for the series. Will that happen in time? Hard to say but, based on the sitcom’s rocky road last Spring, I’m guessing the Reba producers may have a few contingency plans up their sleeves. We’ll keep you posted so, stay tuned!
I was never a fan of country music nor Reba per say, but watching this uplifting, fun-filled spirited show made a Reba-lover out of me. I first watched this show because of Van- who I share the same name with and soon I caught myself watching every single episode because of its humor and characters. I also bought the DVDs collections and my family thought I was strange…they too were hooked on it eventually. Overall, I encourage all viewers to tune in and watch this show for what’s it worth. WE NEED MORE REBA just like we need more CHICKEN… Read more »
I LOVE THE SITCOM REBA….WATCH IT WHENEVER IT’S ON…
I just recently as in a few weeks started watching Reba and I absolutely love it. I even bought the seasons on DVD so I could start from the beginning. It is probably the only clean show left in our society. It’s decent and funny. It would be sad to have it taken off. It’s a great family show that has moral lessons for all. Please KEEP REBA!!!!!! WE LOVE HER!!!!
My family loves the Reba show. Please keep it on the air. Wonderful fun for our family. WE MUST HAVE OUR REBA FIX!!!
Reba is a show that I knew of but never really watched. However, now my wife and I are hooked. Of all the raunchy and unfunny sitcoms out there, Reba is actually funny and well written. CBS’s Les Moonves has no clue on what the public wants. He has single handily ruined CBS TV and radio, now he is in charge of the CW. I have seen a couple of the sitcoms the CW is making and to be quite honest they are horrible at best. Everyone watch Reba on Sundays and set your TIVO as well. The nielson ratings… Read more »
I cannot believe they would want to cancel this show.
There are not many shows that I would even consider watching – but the Reba show is terrific. Thank goodness for good, clean, wholesome comedy. It is about time. Thanks again for your gift of laughter – great show!
We have only discovered “Reba” recently. We lost track of it when the network changed, but finally have found it. We try to watch it everytime it comes on. “Reba” is refreshing. It provides us with great humor and emotion without having to flinch at the words or images on the screen. It would be a shame to lose this. Believe it or not, there are many people who do not want blatant sex and cuss words running rampant on the screen. Please keep “Reba”.
I am very sad to hear that you would want to take this show off the air I have been a big fan of Rebas since I was a kid and to watch her on TV is fantastic. I have two children 12 and 5. My 12 year old and I crack up when we watch it. My husband watched just the other day with us and could not believe how funny she is. I make him come to her concerts when she comes to Pittsburgh and he was amazed to see how talented she was. I enjoy that I… Read more »
The Reba show is one of the BEST. I sit and watch and laugh and laugh. She and her tv family are fantastic. Reba you are the LUCY of today and of course Barbara Jean is Ethel.
In a society where it seems that families find it more difficult to relate to their teenage kids, I find that this show bridges the gap. My son begs to watch Reba with me and we laugh our pants off. It takes everyone’s sense of humor and timing to pull this show off.They are ALL stars that shine…everyone has a name, but not everyone has this kind of talent. I appreciate each episode for it’s moral fiber and message of hope, that life may get you down or throw you a curve; but with family who support and defend you…no… Read more »
My husband and I both enjoy watching Reba. It is so funny we actually laugh right out loud. That Van is just a hoot, and as for Reba, I never knew she was such a comic. Please don’t take it off the air. We need good shows like this one. Get rid of some of that blood and guts, killing and guns and keep a good thing going like the Reba show.
I have loved Reba since it aired. My six year old son and three year old daughter love it, as do I. I was absolutely torn when I heard it may get cancelled. I fired up an email to CBS along with other Reba supporters. Thirteen episodes is a start, but like so many people are noticing-REBA is one of the only quality family shows on Fridays. Most of the other stuff on the CW or CBS is junk-garbage-I would spend most of my time covering up my children’s eyes and ears. It’s filth and America needs to stand up… Read more »
I just now starting watching all of the Reba shows. Everyone is hilarious. I watch it everytime it’s on. Finally, a show that I look forward to. Don’t take it off the air!
I am so glad to see that (Reba) wasn’t cancelled.
I watch her show all the time . She is very talented, actress & singer. I love the show & her music. Very good comedy, no swearing or nudity.I am from Illinois.
“Reba” is by far the best thing that has happened on TV!