More than 20 years after the debut of her hit series “Reba,” Reba McEntire has reunited with executive producers Kevin Abbott, Michael Hanel and Mindy Schultheis and co-star Melissa Peterman for a new multi-camera NBC sitcom “Happy's Place.” ” Although this new show has nothing to do with the popular WB series that aired for six seasons, it has the heart, fun and familiarity that made the early 2000s series such a delight. Although critics only received two episodes in advance, “Happy's Place” is nostalgic, funny and heartfelt. In addition to a diverse cast of characters and McEntire's signature touch that runs throughout the comedy, the Tennessee-set sitcom feels like a universal audience favorite about family, friendship and generational differences while paying homage to the rhythmic beats and tone past TV shows.

Happy's Place opens at its namesake, a tavern known as a neighborhood staple for regulars. After her father's death, Bobbie (McEntire) reopens the doors and is eager to take on her new position as owner. As a divorcee whose daughter is deployed in the military, the pub is Bobbie's whole world. In addition to the Spitfire redhead, Happy's Place employees also appear in the show. Gabby (Peterman), a cheerful, affectionate bartender who desperately wants to form a deeper bond with her boss. (It's a character similar to Peterman's role as Barbra Jean in “Reba,” but it still works well here.) Emmett (Rex Linn) is Happy's cook and the tavern's stoic pseudo-patriarch. He is a man of few words, but his colleagues seem to be constantly barging into his kitchen, asking for advice and guidance. Tokoda (Tokala Black Elk), the bar's waiter, mostly keeps to himself, but his ability to fix almost anything makes him indispensable at the pub. Finally, there's Steve (Pablo Castelblanco), Happy's accountant, who likes to sit at the bar and work on his computer.

Bobbie has been running Happy's for a decade, but now she's experiencing a new normal as owner. When she receives the news that she has a younger sister, Isabella (Belissa Escobedo), whom she knew nothing about and who now co-owns the bar with her, Bobbie's world is turned upside down. Not only does it upend the way she has run the company, but it also forces Bobbie to confront the image of the father she thought she knew.

Isabella is lively, curious and a typical Gen-Zer with a degree in psychology. She is shocked about her new role at Happy's. But while she tries to take things in stride, share her ideas and modernize operations, her new older sister isn't particularly enthusiastic. “Happy's Place” does an excellent job of highlighting the siblings' differences. Bobbie is determined to stick to the status quo, but Isabella dives headfirst into the interference, speaking up for herself and changing the protocols. The more time the couple spends together, the more it becomes clear that learning to be successful sisters and business partners will be quite a learning curve.

From a Cat Lady joke in the show's pilot to Isabella's amazingly quick voice notes and recordings in Episode 2, “Tapped Out,” “Happy's Place” offers plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. All characters contribute to the overall narrative, but Steve, a germaphobe with OCD, stands out. He's made the bar his workplace, but anyone who invades his personal bubble is likely to get hit with his keyboard cleaning spray or scolded for bringing germs near them.

Although humor is the focus of the sitcom, the narrative highlights two very different women trying to reconcile their family lineage. Despite her close relationship with her father, Bobbie is now angry and frustrated because of the secrets he has been keeping. Isabella's presence further increases her irritation. Having never met her father, Isabella is determined to find her way and cement her legacy at Happy's Place, even if it means stepping on her sister's toes. The sharp, lively chemistry between McEntire and Escobedo mirrors that of the siblings despite their more than four decade age difference.

Half-hour mockumentary-style shows have become popular, but “Happy's Place” (at least in its first two episodes) is a reminder that more traditional comedy series can still have a place on television, especially if they add something 21st century have a flair for well-known themes and tropes.

“Happy's Place” premieres October 18 on NBC, with new episodes released weekly on Fridays.