Maybe ABC should rename itself The Nashville Network or Country Music Television. Not only do they have the new drama Nashville, they also have Malibu Country, a sitcom starring Reba McEntire.
Nashville’s Rayna James (Connie Britton) has been compared to Reba McEntire, so it’s fitting that McEntire has reinvented herself as a sitcom actress. With a successful run on The CW with her last show, aptly named Reba, McEntire is looking for another hit with Malibu Country.
The show follows Reba Gallagher (apparently, she can’t answer to any other name, so all the characters she plays are named Reba) as she relocates from Nashville to Malibu after finding out her country music legend husband, Bobby Gallagher (Jeffrey Nordling), is a bit of a philanderer. Cue “Stand By Your Man” and “Your Cheatin’ Heart.” I have to admit, I laughed out loud at the name of Gallagher’s recently cancelled tour.
Reba tries to restart her songwriting career, but she’s doesn’t have a hook, nor is she a 20-something ingenue (shades of Nashville again). Until she finds at least a hook and a song, no one will take any meetings with her.
The tables have turned on her kids, as well. Her son Cash (Justin Prentice), once the most popular and hottest guy in school, is now an outcast and considered “ugly” amongst all the Hollywood teen models at his school. Meanwhile, his sister June (Juliette Angelo) fits in with the crowd, and her new best friend is gay … or is he?
Even with the insufferable laugh track, Malibu Country has some great lines. Added to the mix is the legendary Lily Tomlin as Reba’s mom, Lillie Mae, who’s quickly discovered the benefits of living in California (read: medical marijuana), and the now svelte Sara Rue (who recently announced she’s pregnant) as the kooky next-door-neighbor, Kim.
I imagine there will be some cameos from country music stars. McEntire has already put the call out to Kelly Clarkson!
Malibu Country premieres Fri., Nov. 2 at 8:30/7:30c on ABC.
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