The Sweet Magnolias is a 2020 romantic drama series centered on three women and it shows how they navigate life, family, relationships and work while supporting one another. It is based on a novel series by Sherryl Woods and has two binge-worthy seasons on Netflix. It stars JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Brooke Elliott, Heather Headley, and Jamie Lynn.
The Plot
Maddie, Dana Sue, and Helen are not just best friends and notable women of Serenity, they also have one thing in common - they all have man problems. The show begins with Maddie going through the most-talked-about divorce in the small town of Serenity. Her ex-husband cheated and got his colleague, Noreen, pregnant and it's hard not just for Maddie, but also for their kids to move on from the messy family situation.
Dana Sue who runs a restaurant is usually her sweet self except when she's stressed at work and everyone fears to step on her toes. Her daughter Annie also gets her share of Dana Sue's irritability and it affects their mother-daughter dynamics. She's split from her husband Ronnie and yet to get a divorce.
Helen is Serenity's successful lawyer that knows the town like the back of her hands. She's smart, confident, and witty. She's never been married before or had kids and as the show progresses, we get a look at her love life and discover what she really wants is more than a partner.
All three women hold one another dear to heart and their lives are so intertwined that they eventually set up a business together. They're also involved in town politics and stand up to be community leaders when the need arises. Their kids are not left out as we get some teenage drama and romance in the midst of all this.
Serenity might be a small town, but it's filled with a lot of unsuspecting drama and the sweet magnolias are not left out of it.
My Thoughts
This is one show I'd never have thought I'd like but when I gave it a try for the first time, the theme song got me hooked. It's a very catchy tune like that of F.R.I.E.N.D.S tv show. It got my attention and I ended up watching the first episode without realizing how long it was because it was just so enjoyable.
You don't owe me
One more minute of your wasted time 🎼
I love the three main characters because their friendship is so believable and these women are powerful and strong in their unique ways. There's also a softness to each one of them that makes me wish everyone has someone like them in their corner.
My favourite character has got to be Helen because of how direct she is when it comes to romantic relationships and everything else. I love it when a woman is self-aware and she gives all of that vibe throughout the show. I also like that she's a mentor to Cece who happens to be one of my favourites among the teenagers, she's as tough as Helen.
The story is very community-oriented and shows the importance of friendships and community while giving sweet romance. The small-town drama makes me want to move to a small town and have my nose in everyone's business because why not?! 😄
I like how the story isn't intense but it's good enough to get you invested in it. There's little suspense here and there that makes you binge-watch but it's not enough to mess with your head. It's a show you can relax with especially if you're looking for something different but calm.
Would I watch a third season? Yes! Would I read the books? No! I think the books would be too slow-paced and boring, I might be wrong though.
Have you seen this show? What do you think?
I'd rate The Sweet Magnolias an 8/10 and would recommend if you like harmless gossip.
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