Sweet Magnolias is coming back for Season 2 in a few weeks. This means that, if you haven’t given Season 1 a chance, there’s no better time like the present to head to Serenity. But if you’re wondering what differentiates Sweet Magnolias from other contemporary romances like Virgin River, or even historical ones like Bridgerton, we’re here to not only tell you that all three are worth it, for different reasons, but to make the argument for Sweet Magnolias, in particular.
Without further ado, here are five reasons why Sweet Magnolias is a definite must-watch:
THE FRIENDSHIP AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL
The first thing you have to know about Sweet Magnolias it’s that the show is the story of three women. And yes, it’s the story of their lives and their families, their ups and their downs, but it’s all framed by their loving friendship. We learn to love Dana Sue, Helen and Maddie because of the love they have for each other, and the way they have made a big family unit out of their own respective families.
And that, of course, doesn’t mean they always agree on everything, or that there aren’t ups and downs to their friendship, just like there are ups and downs to life. But it means that, through it all, the number one relationship this show is trying to get right is the one between these three women. That’s a hell of a gamble, and one that turns out to be truly special to watch.
THE IDEA THAT IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO FIND THAT SPECIAL LOVE
Sweet Magnolias starts with Maddie getting a divorce, Helen single and Dana Sue separated from her husband, and still sets up romances for all three of them. More importantly, the show does it organically, because the focus is mainly on their friendship and family. These women don’t need love to be complete, but more love — particularly the good kind, is always a good thing.
And though the show never explicitly says so, the three of them represent the idea that it’s never too late to find that once-in-a-lifetime-love. It doesn’t matter if you’ve tried and failed before. The right person can still be out there, waiting for you. You don’t ever have to settle.
SERENITY
The town of Serenity is almost another character on this show, and the relationships the three main characters have with the town, and the people in it, make everything feel more authentic. Sweet Magnolias is a contemporary romance, yes, and it focuses on three women and their families above all, but there are plenty of secondary characters that add character and magic to the town of Serenity, and without them the show wouldn’t be as successful as it is.
From Miss Frances to Isaac, without forgetting Trotter, Howie and Pastor June, the town feels alive because the people in it feel real, and so do the interactions. It’s hard to watch this show without thinking a week or two at Serenity would do us all well.
THE SLOWEST FRIENDS-TO-LOVERS SLOWBURN OF THEM ALL
We’re suckers for friends-to-lovers romances, and we’re absolutely in for Ty and Annie. We’re not the only ones either. And though the setup for their relationship was clear in season 1, it feels like this might be one of those ships we have to wait a bit for, with the adult relationships taking center stage for the time being. But that’s okay, we’re willing to wait to see this relationship done right.
Willing to wait to see these two grow from good intentions and obvious affection to the kind of clear eyed decisions that only come when you understand not just your feelings, but what you want in life. Because Ty and Annie are meant for each other, that much is clear. The rest is just about them getting to the point where they can both admit that to each other and choose to see where that takes them.
ROMANCES TO ROOT FOR – AND NOT ROOT FOR
Sometimes we have to kiss a few frogs to find our prince — we’re talking about you, Ryan Wingate, you stay away from Helen. And that’s what Sweet Magnolias does, for every romance we feel like rooting for (Annie and Ty, Cal and Maddie) there’s one we don’t like (we said goodbye, Ryan) and one we’re still on the fence about (you’ve got a lot more groveling to do, Ronnie).
But that’s okay. It’s a journey. And hopefully this show gets to take not just us, but it’s characters, to a good place in Season 2 — and beyond.
Are you excited for season 2 of Sweet Magnolias? Share with us in the comments below!
Sweet Magnolias season 2 will be available to stream on Netflix February 4th.
