Sweet Magnolias has returned for a fifth season on Netflix, with another cheerful string of episodes celebrating female friendship in the small southern town of Serenity. The fourth season ended with the question, 'What will the new year bring?' and the show picks up six months later, in the thick of summer. The 10 new episodes have already propelled the show up Netflix's ranking of top TV, as viewers tune in for a reliable comfort watch.
Based on Beloved Novels
Based on the novels of the same name by Sherryl Woods, the show first debuted on Netflix in 2020 and has been releasing seasons ever since. The drama revolves around the margarita-based friendship of Dana Sue (Brooke Elliott), Maddie (JoAnna Garcia Swisher), and Helen (Heather Headley), who have known each other since childhood.
Season 5 Plot Details
This latest season centers on the upcoming nuptials of Helen and Erik and the concurrent marital woes of Dana Sue and Ronnie. Meanwhile, Maddie has left Serenity for New York, where she works in a publishing house. Because the show revolves around their southern enclave, it is assumed she does not stick it out for too long, but it does give Dana Sue and Helen a reason to visit for a drinks tour of the city.
Critical and Fan Reception
Sweet Magnolias currently holds a 78 percent rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, with fans calling the show a 'breath of fresh air' and a 'guilty pleasure,' while many noted the homespun wisdom left them tearful. Sharing their reviews on IMDb, Jolien wrote: 'Yes it's sweet, but sometimes it's exactly what you need. It makes me laugh and cry. But mostly laughing, because I enjoy it so much.'
Another fan, @naobabe, commented: 'This show is so wholesome, it has everything. Great acting, great story, great characters that make you get invested in them. You cry and laugh with them.' @crazyonyou-02466 added: 'It's such a great show. I couldn't stop watching. I felt like it was one of the first shows in a while that I could relate to. It made me cry, laugh, call my best friend, hug my momma, just all the things. I highly recommend it.'
Sweet Magnolias is available to stream on Netflix.
