a new chapter

Belissa Escobedo on ‘Happy’s Place’ Season 3, Reba McEntire, and finding her own path

The 'Blue Beetle' and 'Hocus Pocus 2' actress opens up about Isabella's evolution, her special connection with Reba McEntire, the surprises ahead on 'Happy's Place,' and her hopes of making a difference beyond Hollywood

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 22: Belissa Escobedo attends the NBCUniversal Emmy Luncheon on April 22, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/WireImage)

OCTOBER 15, 2026 2:17 PM EDTOCT 15, 2026, 2:17 PM EDT

Belissa Escobedo is carving out her own space in Hollywood, and she's doing it with versatility, confidence, and a refreshing willingness to explore different sides of her craft. From supernatural comedies and superhero blockbusters to heartfelt family sitcoms, the actress has built a career that refuses to fit neatly into one genre. Now, as she continues her journey on NBC's Happy's Place, Escobedo is embracing a new chapter, one that brings together her love of theater, comedy, and meaningful storytelling.

Long before audiences became familiar with her on television, Escobedo was already using her voice to make an impact. In 2014, she appeared on The Queen Latifah Show alongside fellow young poets Rhiannon McGavin and Zariya Allen, performing their powerful spoken-word piece, "Somewhere in America." The performance offered an early glimpse of her ability to connect with an audience through storytelling, a skill that would eventually become central to her acting career.

Belissa Escobedo at the 25th Edition of The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival

Her television breakthrough arrived in 2020 with ABC's romantic comedy-drama The Baker and the Beauty, a series that introduced her to a wider audience. The show marked an important step in her transition into television and helped establish her as an emerging talent. In 2021, she expanded her résumé with appearances in the anthology series American Horror Stories, demonstrating her ability to navigate darker, more suspenseful material.

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The following year brought even more opportunities. Escobedo appeared in the comedy Sex Appeal before joining the highly anticipated Disney sequel Hocus Pocus 2. The film introduced her to a beloved franchise with a devoted multigenerational following, allowing her to explore the magical and comedic world of the Sanderson sisters while connecting with a new generation of viewers.

Belissa Escobedo with The Baker and the Beauty cast — Escobedo appeared in the comedy Sex Appeal before joining the highly anticipated Disney sequel Hocus Pocus 2.

In 2023, she continued building momentum with Sid Is Dead and DC's Blue Beetle, a milestone for Latino representation in mainstream superhero cinema. The film, centered on Jaime Reyes and his Mexican American family, brought together an ensemble of Latino talent and placed family, identity, and cultural connections at the heart of its story. For Escobedo, whose career has moved between independent projects and major studio productions, it was another opportunity to participate in a story with cultural significance.

But one of her most distinctive professional experiences has come through Happy's Place, the NBC multicamera comedy starring country music icon Reba McEntire. Escobedo plays Isabella, a young woman in her twenties who discovers an unexpected family connection with Bobbie, McEntire's character. Their relationship begins with the revelation that they are half-sisters, introducing a complicated family dynamic that gradually develops into something more affectionate and meaningful.

As the show moves into its third season, Isabella is no longer simply the newcomer trying to find her place in Bobbie's world. She's becoming increasingly independent, pursuing her own ideas and learning how to establish boundaries while maintaining her connection with her sister. One of the most significant developments is her involvement in creating a speakeasy, a project that gives her something she can truly call her own.

Belissa Escobedo plays Isabella on the new NBC comedy “Happy’s Place.”

For Escobedo, the character's search for joy, independence, and new experiences offers a few unexpected parallels to her own life. Although she admits that she and Isabella are very different people, the actress appreciates her character's fearlessness and willingness to take chances. She also enjoys working alongside McEntire, whose decades of experience in entertainment have helped make Happy's Place a unique creative environment.

In an exclusive conversation with HOLA! USA, Escobedo opens up about Isabella's evolving relationship with Bobbie, what audiences can expect from Season 3, and why working on a sitcom with a live audience feels like a return to her theatrical roots. She also shares an unexpected detail about her own experience working in bars, her interest in eventually creating a nonprofit organization, and a meaningful Día de Muertos tradition she hopes to bring to the Happy's Place set.

Belissa Escobedo talks Happy's Place Season 3, working with Reba McEntire, Isabella's future

Belissa Escobedo on Isabella's independence and 'Happy's Place' Season 3

Isabella arrived at Happy's Place as a surprise half-sister and an outsider. Now that she's building something of her own with the speakeasy, how has that changed her sense of belonging?

I think it definitely gives her a sense of purpose, you know, something that she has all on her own. That was her idea, and she brought it to life. I think it's really important to her to have this, especially because Bobbie has her bar, right? And we were butting heads a bit. We both needed our space, which is typical of family. When you work with family, you need a space away. So I think that's been great for her.

Isabella is navigating her twenties, and you're also in that stage of life. Is there any part of her journey that feels relatable to you, whether personally or professionally?

I'd say Isabella and I are pretty different as people, which is fun as an actor, to play a character that's so different from me. I'd say a similarity is her seeking out joy a lot. That's something that I like to do in my life, and trying new things. Those are things that I've been trying to do more of because it's something good to have. It's a quality we all should have. She's very fearless.

What Belissa Escobedo says about working with Reba McEntire

Belissa Escobedo as Isabella, Reba McEntire as Bobbie

Isabella and Bobbie started out as strangers who didn't have that sisterly connection. Has the way their relationship developed surprised you? And what has it been like working with someone as iconic as Reba McEntire?

Working with Reba is great. It's been three seasons, and she's great. I think the way the relationship is playing out is pretty much the trajectory I expected it to go, and the writers talked about it going. But yeah, it's a sweet look into sisterhood, the age difference, and all of that.

Do you feel Isabella has become more confident and ambitious throughout the seasons? Is there anything in Season 3 that the Isabella from Season 1 wouldn't have done?

I think we get to see her interact with Steve a lot more, which is really fun. I love Pablo. But yeah, I think there are no surprises for her coming. She's pretty much there.

Do you ever get a say in Isabella's dialogue, or do you prefer to follow the script? Is there room for improvisation?

I don't really get a say, no. I think sometimes they'll let us improvise with the cast, but I very much let the writers do their thing, and I'll just say it.

The surprising connection between Belissa Escobedo and Isabella's speakeasy

JoAnna Swisher Garcia as Kenzie, Melissa Peterman as Gabby, Belissa Escobedo as Isabella, Reba McEntire as Bobbie

Let's have a little fun. If Isabella had an unlimited budget to transform the speakeasy, what would you add or change?

I think decorate it more, for sure. Get some more decorations in there.

Who from the cast would you trust to run the speakeasy, besides yourself and Reba?

I'd say probably Melissa, because she's actually worked in the service industry.

Have you ever worked in a bar yourself?

Yeah. Just two years ago, I was working in a bar. I've worked a lot.

So you actually know the ins and outs of that environment! Could you see yourself owning a bar or opening a similar business in the future?

I don't know. I don't think so. Not in the food industry. I think I'd probably go more for a nonprofit or a charity or something.

Why 'Happy's Place' feels different from 'Blue Beetle' and 'Hocus Pocus 2'

You've worked on some incredible projects, including Blue Beetle, Hocus Pocus 2, and American Horror Stories. What has sitcom acting allowed you to explore as a performer that those other productions didn't?

I think something that's so special about a sitcom, specifically a multicam, is we have a live audience. Because I grew up doing theater, it's a mix of live theater and film. So that's something that's so awesome, and I've never done anything like it. I really love this specific type of filming.

'Happy's Place' Season 3 spoilers: More comedy and a possible big move

Rex Linn, Tokala Black Elk, Pablo Castelblanco, Reba McEntire, Belissa Escobedo, Melissa Peterman

Without getting into trouble, can you tease what audiences should look forward to in the upcoming season? Is there anything in particular you're excited for fans to see?

I think definitely a lot more shenanigans with the cast, a lot more silliness. Isabella might eventually want to move out. Maybe she doesn't want to live with her sister anymore. I'm really excited for Pablo's character, for Steve. I think there's so much funny stuff coming for you guys to see with him. It's gonna be really good.

Belissa Escobedo's meaningful Día de Muertos plans with the cast

Before I let you go, do you have any plans for Halloween or Día de Muertos? How are you planning to celebrate?

For Día de Muertos, they actually asked me on set to start building an ofrenda for everybody. So you reminded me I have to get to work!

That's beautiful! Who would you include in the ofrenda? Would you keep it family-oriented, honor celebrities who have passed away, or include people who were meaningful to the cast?

I think it would be family, it would be celebrities, and it would be open to all of the cast and crew to put anybody that they lost that they want to remember.

Belissa Escobedo is embracing what comes next

As Happy's Place continues, Escobedo is discovering new opportunities to grow alongside a character whose journey is increasingly centered on independence, family, and personal fulfillment. Isabella may be finding her confidence through the speakeasy and her evolving relationship with Bobbie, but the actress behind her is equally interested in expanding her own horizons.

Her experience across film, television, theater, and even the service industry has given her a distinctive perspective on her career. And while her professional future remains open to new genres and opportunities, her interest in charitable work suggests that her long-term ambitions extend beyond acting.

Belissa Escobedo is embracing what comes next
As Happy's Place continues, Escobedo is discovering new opportunities to grow alongside a character whose journey is increasingly centered on independence, family, and personal fulfillment. — Belissa Escobedo is embracing what comes next As Happy's Place continues, Escobedo is discovering new opportunities to grow alongside a character whose journey is increasingly centered on independence, family, and personal fulfillment.

For now, Escobedo is enjoying the comedy, the cast, and the unpredictable family dynamics that make Happy's Place special. With more scenes alongside Pablo Castelblanco's Steve, the possibility of Isabella moving out, and plenty of silliness ahead, Season 3 promises to give audiences another side of the young woman they've watched find her footing.

And if there's one quality Escobedo seems happy to borrow from Isabella, it's her willingness to seek joy and try something new.