Eric Stonestreet Brought the Therapy — and I Was There for Every Session

Two-time Emmy winner. Cameron Tucker himself. The man, the legend, Eric Stonestreet — coming through the doors of Happy’s Place as the gloriously unorthodox Dr. Russell Peabody III for the Season 2 finale. Being on set as dialogue coach for this one was an absolute highlight, and I’m not sure Eric knew what he was walking into — but he fit right in from the first moment.

Written by executive producers Kevin and Julie Abbott, with the full creative team of Michael Hanel, Pamela Fryman, and Mindy Schultheis, “Couples Counseling” sent Reba McEntire’s Bobbie and Belissa Escobedo’s Isabella to see Dr. Russ after a conflict at the bar — and Eric played the role of a straight-shooting, no-fluff therapist with such specific, grounded comedy that the whole audience was in stitches. He told NBC Insider it was his very first time performing in front of a live studio audience, and you never would have known it for a single second. He was fearless and magnetic from take one.

Eric said the set of Happy’s Place “couldn’t be a better-named show” and called it “a blast” from start to finish. I can confirm that from the other side of the camera. Alongside Reba, Rex Linn, Melissa Peterman, Tokala Black Elk, and Pablo Castelblanco — it was a series finale week full of joy, laughter, and that rare magic that only happens when truly great people get together and do what they love. More of this, please. 🎉