Yesterday I had the opportunity to chat with Melissa Peterman about the second season on Bet On Your Baby of which she is the host.  While I had her on the phone we also talked about her role as Barbra Jean (Reba) and Bonnie (Baby Daddy).

Melissa Peterman

I loved chatting with Melissa, she was super sweet and so down to earth (she even referred to me by name and followed me back on Twitter), I wish we could have met in person. Maybe one day…

Here’s what Melissa Peterman had to say about Bet On Your Baby, Reba, Baby Daddy and more…

Tell us about the upcoming second season of Bet On Your Baby

We’re back for season 2 and we took all the things you love about season one and kind of expanded on it. We have more kid time which I enjoy because they are the stars of the show and more time to get to know the families as well and we changed up the end game which I really like. I think it is more fun and a little bit more nail biting and just a lot more fun, great families and we get to give away a ton of money for college. So, all good stuff.

Why should families tune into the show?

Because I really think there’s something for everyone. Kids love to see kids on TV…I love kids being able to see someone they identify with on TV…and the adults love it as well because who doesn’t want to watch a cute kid and see a family pull together, have fun and win money.

I used to remember that Saturday night was a big family night and TV night. Nowadays people are out or they are not there…ever since I had a kid I am home on Saturdays. So, I like the idea of sort of bringing a family show back to Saturday night TV. I do think it is a great family show…its a feel good show.

Why do you enjoy hosting Bet On Your Baby?

You can’t be grumpy on a set where there is 20 kids around, no one can have a bad day

What are your favorite parts of taping Bet On Your Baby?

I love the moments where we have baby talk…where we sort of roll camera with me and one of the kids from the show. That’s always spectacular because when your 3 or 4 there’s no editor, they all just say whatever they want and its usually hilarious. We have some fun moments with improv.

I also love watching the parents…seeing how they decide who’s going to play with the kids and play the game and who’s going to make the bet. That’s always an interesting dynamic. You get a little glimpse as to how they work as a family. I love it when they win big.

What’s the most challenging thing for you while taping?

I’m not in charge of it but I think cleaning up the baby green room. I think our green room is the most trashed Green Room in Hollywood. Forget being back stage at a rock concert, our green room is toys and snacks.

I’d have to say making sure that the parents walk away feeling like they’ve had a great time. That this is just about fun and the icing on the cake is the money. nobody walks away empty-handed.

Out of all of the acting roles you have had, which has been your favorite?

Each job you take something away different from it.

On her role as Barbra Jean on Reba

Barbra Jean was the first serious regular job I had on Reba. I had six seasons on that show and that cast is still my family and my friends, so for me as the first job experience on a sitcom and to have Reba be the leader of it all was the greatest gift I got. I had 6 years of working with one of the most gracious ladies in Hollywood and I learned a lot from her

I love Barbra Jean and I love it when people still call me Barbra Jean. When people ask me if I get mad at that I’m like “No”, I hope someone calls me that in the nursing home.

On her role as Bonnie on Baby Daddy

I’m loving Bonnie right now. She’s very different but we have some of the same qualities.

You know you’re happy when you love the role that you’re in right now. If I didn’t enjoy something that means I’m not in the right place. So, I’ve been super lucky many times.

You’re an Actress, comedienne & host – which do you enjoy doing the most and why?

That’s hard. I like them all for different reasons and I think they each make me better at the other job.

When you do stand up, you’re sort of on your own and you have to be quick on your feet and writing which helps me as a host. Being in the moment and not trying to plan ahead and writing what’s going to happen.

I think acting is a first love for me. I went to school and have my theater degree. I just so love playing a character. When you’re a host you are your self and when you’re doing stand-up you are a version of yourself so what I like about acting is that its not me and you get a little more freedom…acting makes me a better host because of just being in front of an audience.

Stand up, frankly, is the one that scares me the most…it terrifies me but I still love it and I love to do it…it is far more frightening than anything else.

How do you balance a thriving career and being a mom?

I’m very lucky that I have my husband that stays at home…I can have a schedule that is really busy for a little while and then I have a ton of time off. Since it is so sparatic we wanted somebody to stay home. No matter how busy I am there is someone her….Then when I have a chunk of time off, we are both here. So, that makes it a lot easier. I am blessed to have that.

Be sure to watch Melissa Peterman on Bet On Your Baby Saturdays at 8|7c