Already binged all of Season 3? We feel you. The third installment of Netflix's Sweet Magnolias (an adaptation of Sherryl Woods' popular novel series) may have just debuted, but the finale left us right where the drama always does: wanting more. Unlike that crazy cliffhanger at the end of Season 2, our trio of Magnolias, Helen Decatur (Heather Headley), Dana Sue Sullivan (Brooke Elliott) and Maddie Townsend (JoAnna Garcia Swisher) has left us on a hopeful note, so it's inevitable to be on the edge of your seat waiting for more episodes.
If you're looking for something to fill the void until Season 4 is announced (which most likely wouldn't hit Netflix until next year at some point) here are nine shows like Sweet Magnolias that need to be added to your watchlist. We've rounded up shows with more charming small towns that have the same close-knit community as Serenity and plenty of juicy romance ranging from star-crossed lovers to angsty teen love. So whip up a tasty batch of one of Dana Sue's signature cocktails, and get ready to dive into one of these feel-good shows.
Dawson's Creek (1998-2003)
WB
Who's in it: James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, and Michelle Williams
Where to stream: Hulu
Seasons: 6
It may be a bit on the older side, but Dawson's Creek still holds up as a quintessential teen drama. Like Sweet Magnolias, it follows the lives of two childhood best friends in the fictional small town of Capeside, Massachusetts, as they navigate the complexities of growing up. If you love a will-they-or-won't-they story, then prepare to be invested in the romantic entanglements of Dawson (Van Der Beek) and Joey (Holmes) for the entirety of the show.
Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)
Warner Bros
Who's in it: Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Melissa McCarthy, Jared Padalecki and Milo Ventimiglia
Where to stream: Netflix
Seasons: 7
If small-town life and the bond between women is your jam, Gilmore Girls should be at the top of your list. The Emmy-winning series follows single mother Lorelai Gilmore (Graham) and her daughter Rory (Bledel) as they navigate the highs and lows of life in Stars Hollow, Connecticut.
Not to be missed is the show's spot-on dialogue and endless pop culture references—which will have you wishing you were a part of the Gilmores' inner circle (Sweet Magnolias, much?) And when you're done, you can see what the gals have been up to in Netflix's Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, a mini-series that takes place a decade after the original ended.
Everwood (2002-2006)
WB
Who's in it: Treat Williams, Gregory Smith, and Emily VanCamp
Where to stream: Freevee
Seasons: 4
A decade before Sweet Magnolias, Everwood was responsible for bringing small-town drama to our screens. The series follows Dr. Andrew Brown (Williams), a neurosurgeon who moves his family from New York City to the idyllic Colorado town of Everwood after his wife suddenly dies. If you too believe that moving to a tranquil locale with a low population will cure all of your problems, you'll love this tear-jerking family drama—and the surprise appearances from big stars like Chris Pratt, Marcia Cross, and Justin Baldoni.
Hart of Dixie (2011-2015)
The CW
Who's in it: Rachel Bilson, Jaime King, and Cress Williams
Where to stream: Freevee
Seasons: 4
If you love the Southern charm of Sweet Magnolias, you'll find plenty to love in Hart of Dixie. The CW comedy-drama stars Bilson as Dr. Zoe Hart, a New York surgeon who moves to Bluebell, Alabama, after she inherits her late father's medical practice. Navigating the transition from city to small-town living isn't easy—and falling for the town's engaged neighbor doesn't make it any easier.
When Calls the Heart (2014-)
Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Dolsen
Who's in it: Erin Krakow, Martin Cummins, and Pascale Hutton
Where to stream: Hallmark Movies Now
Seasons: 9
Fans of series that started off as books will fall in love with Hallmark's When Calls the Heart. The period drama is set in the early 1900s and is based on novels by Janette Oke. What it lacks in Sweet Magnolias' modern-day camaraderie of margarita nights, it more than makes up for in heartfelt storylines, stunning costumes, and gorgeous Canadian scenery.
The trials and tribulations of Elizabeth Thatcher (Krakow), as she leaves the comforts of high society and takes on a new teacher job in the rugged Coal Valley, will keep you hooked from start to finish. Which is important if you're going to watch all nine seasons.
Chesapeake Shores (2016-2022)
David Astorga/Crown Media
Who's in it: Meghan Ory, Barbara Niven, and Laci J Mailey
Where to stream: Peacock
Seasons: 6
Author Sherryl Woods is far from a one-hit-wonder. Chesapeake Shores is the first adaptation of her novel series, and it is everything Sweet Magnolias fans love. The Hallmark drama follows Abby O'Brien-Winters (Ory), a high-powered career woman who returns to her quaint seaside home in Maryland to help repair her sister's failing again.
But waiting for her is more than just a few broken boards and peeling paint. There's the unresolved drama between her family, a reconnection with an old flame, and some secrets everyone would rather stay buried.
This Is Us (2016-2022)
Getty/NBC
Who's in it: Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz, and Justin Hartley
Where to stream: Hulu
Seasons: 6
The heartfelt moments on Sweet Magnolias remind us of the power of family—something that this feel-good NBC drama captures perfectly. This Is Us follows the lives of the Pearson siblings and their parents as they grapple with the ups and downs of adulthood. While the show mostly sticks in the present, the heavy flashbacks and flash-forwards give you a deeper look into what makes this family so special. Just make sure you've got your tissues ready because you'll be in tears by the end of every episode.
Virgin River (2019-)
Netflix
Who's in it: Martin Henderson, Tim Matheson, and Alexandra Breckenridge
Where to stream: Netflix
Seasons: 4
With its focus on romance and the complexities of life in a tight-knit community, Virgin River hits the same wholesome-with-a-side-of-shadiness vibe that Sweet Magnolias does so well. The show follows Melinda Monroe (Breckenridge), a nurse practitioner who moves to a charming California town with hopes of starting over, only to find that her new home has more secrets than she bargained for.
Get binging now to catch up in time for Season 5, which will be released this fall.
Firefly Lane (2021-2023)
DIYAH PERA/NETFLIX
Who's in it: Katherine Heigl, Sarah Chalke, and Ben Lawson
Where to stream: Netflix
Seasons: 2
You won't get any small-town gossip here, as Firefly Lane is mostly set in the big city of Seattle. But it shares the same themes of lifelong friendship and unconditional love we've come to expect from shows like Sweet Magnolias. Plus, it was also adapted from a novel series!
The drama follows Tully Hart (Heigl) and Kate Mularkey (Chalke), who become inseparable best friends over the course of 30 years—experiencing all the triumphs and heartaches that come with growing up. If you're looking for a feel-good series that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure, this is it.
