Here’s The Scoop About Maggie Lawson’s Engineer Jen On ‘The Ranch’ (Who Is Not Alicia Silverstone)

Fans in the midst of binge-watching Part 4 of Netflix’s The Ranch are flocking to Google to learn more about Clueless star Alicia Silverstone’s surprise appearance as Engineer Jen on the popular multi-cam sitcom. One tiny problem, though. The actress who portrays Engineer Jen isn’t Alicia Silverstone; it’s long-time Psych star Maggie Lawson. Whoops!

If you were one of the many fans confused by the casting, you’re not alone. As any rudimentary Google search will yield (or just look at the photo below), the two actresses do bear a striking resemblance to one another. But it’s Lawson and not Silverstone who portrays the breakout character of Engineer Jen.

So who exactly is the actress behind Garrison, Colorado’s newest resident? You’re about to find out. Here’s everything you need to know about Maggie Lawson.

*** Minor spoilers for The Ranch Season 2 Part 2 ahead ***

CATCH ME UP ON SEASON 1 OF THE RANCH?

We already did! Here’s a quick recap of the first 20 episodes before you stream the latest season.

WHO DOES MAGGIE LAWSON PORTRAY ON THE RANCH?

Lawson plays Jen Parnell, an engineer with Rocky Mountain Natural Gas who wants to build a pipeline underneath the Bennett Farm. Appearing throughout Part 4, Jen is initially in a relationship, but is eventually dumped by her boyfriend for an “ice girl who works for the Colorado Avalanche.”

Classic, Ranch.

Eventually, Jen and the recently dumped Rooster begin an on-again/off-again romance. As you can imagine, it wasn’t exactly love at first sight.

“I have a boyfriend. He’s like you only he’s smart, good looking, and doesn’t live in the woods like a Keebler Elf.”

Lawson’s character repeatedly goes toe to toe with the Bennett boys, even impressing the infamously irritable Beau with her gift for banter and affinity for insulting Colt and Rooster.

WHERE HAVE I SEEN MAGGIE LAWSON BEFORE?

Lots of different places! Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Lawson’s first professional TV appearance was on the WB sitcom Unhappily Ever After. The actress is best known, however, for portraying detective Juliet O’Hara on Psych, but you may also recognize her from a slew of sitcoms like The Great Indoors, Two and a Half Men, and Back in the Game.

Maggie also made memorable appearances in films like Still Waiting, Gamer, Cleaner, and Pleasantville.

WHEN DOES LAWSON’S JEN PARNELL SHOW UP?

Lawson first appears in Episode 3, “Rodeo and Juliet,” which is kinda funny considering the actress portrays the character of Juliet O’Hara on Psych.

She also pops up during Episode 5 as well as Episodes 7 through 10.

Stream The Ranch on Netflix