Break out the margaritas — Netflix has officially greenlit Sweet Magnolias Season 5, and the cast is already raising their glasses (and beach hats) in celebration! After months of fan speculation and cliffhangers that left Serenity reeling, the “comfort drama” returns with 10 new episodes that promise to take our favorite trio far beyond their Southern roots — all the way to Manhattan.
According to Netflix’s official announcement on April 23, 2025, the next chapter will see Maddie (JoAnna Garcia Swisher), Dana Sue (Brooke Elliott), and Helen (Heather Headley) confronting life-changing decisions, particularly Maddie’s big move to New York for a dream job in publishing. As showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson teased in an interview with Tudum, “It’s priceless to have [friends] supporting you when you leap out of your comfort zone.”
But it’s not just the plot that has fans buzzing — the cast’s social media is ablaze with heartfelt reactions.
Sweet Magnolias cast celebrations reflect Serenity bonds IRL
JoAnna Garcia Swisher (Maddie Townsend) took to Instagram to post radiant behind-the-scenes snaps, including one of her in bridal attire and another from the makeup chair. “I love these people,” she wrote. “Wherever we go, the Magnolias will find the magic, mirth, and margaritas!” Her excitement mirrored Maddie’s journey in Season 4, where she married Cal (Justin Bruening) and was offered a life-altering career opportunity in New York.
Brooke Elliott (Dana Sue Sullivan), whose Season 4 arc revolved around reconnection with Robbie (Brandon Quinn) and the budding romance between her daughter Annie and Maddie’s son Ty, kept things sweet and simple: “Sweet Magnolias is coming back for a Season 5!! I’m beyond excited and I can’t wait to see what’s next in Serenity…”
Jamie Lynn Spears (Noreen Fitzgibbons) shared an adorable post, revealing “SEASON 5 of SWEET MAGNOLIAS is happening!!!” with a beachside photo of herself in a wide-brimmed hat, pointing at the words “Season 5” scribbled in the sand. Her daughter was seen smiling beside her — a fitting image for Noreen’s evolving storyline as a co-parent and her place within the Serenity circle.
Despite ratings dip, fans bring the Magnolias back
While Season 4 spent just two weeks in Netflix’s global Top 10 and peaked at #4, per Deadline, it seems the loyal fanbase — and perhaps some lingering margarita magic — helped tip the scales toward renewal. Sheryl J. Anderson told Deadline, “Can anything end the Magnolias?! Our ladies have seen each other through bigger challenges than physical distance.”
And with Netflix announcing on World Book Day, there’s no denying the show’s literary roots and continued impact. Based on the bestselling novels by Sherryl Woods, the series has helped boost book sales significantly, just as adaptations like Bridgerton and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder have done, as noted by Variety.
Production remains under Daniel L. Paulson Productions with familiar names returning: Anderson as showrunner, Dan Paulson and Matt Drake as executive producers, and Norman Buckley as co-executive producer.
MORE: Sweet Magnolias Season 4, Episode 10 Review
