The cast of Sweet Magnolias gave Us a sneak peek into their characters' journeys in season 3 as they return to Serenity. Justin Bruening, who portrays Cal Maddox on the Netflix series, emphasized that they aim to depict authentic real-life experiences where people undergo personal growth and transformation, with some changing for the better, some for the worse, and some in between.
Based on Sherryl Woods' popular books, Sweet Magnolias quickly gained popularity after its debut in May 2020. This romantic drama revolves around the lifelong friendship of Maddie Townsend, Helen Decatur, and Dana Sue Sullivan as they navigate parenthood, romance, and adulthood in their small South Carolina town.
Season 2 satisfied fans by addressing burning questions and delivering unexpected surprises. Season 3, premiering on Thursday, July 20th, will pick up where season 2 left off, delving into the intense cliffhangers. Maddie will focus on supporting Cal after his altercation at Dana Sue's restaurant, while also helping her eldest son, Ty, find his own path. Helen faces a significant decision regarding her love life, and Dana Sue works on rebuilding her relationships with her estranged husband, Ronnie, and their daughter, Annie.
The Magnolias and the actresses who portray them prioritize their friendship and margarita nights, despite any obstacles they may face. According to Garcia Swisher, these scenes are their favorite and hold special significance, as the first margarita night in season 1 demonstrated the potential for a truly unique and exceptional show.
Keep scrolling for a sneak peek at what to expect from Sweet Magnolias season 3:
Courtesy Of Netflix
JoAnna Garcia Swisher (Maddie Townsend)
According to Garcia Swisher, her character will experience an explosive beginning in season 3 as she, along with the other Magnolias, strive to mend the aftermath of Cal's confrontation with Stu in the season 2 finale.
Heather Headley (Helen Decatur)
Shrouded in uncertainty yet filled with a relentless determination, this season unveils a remarkable journey for her. With every relationship, be it the Magnolias or any other, Maddie embarks on a profound quest to unravel life's intricacies. As she navigates through a cascade of self-discovery and an avalanche of unanswered questions, this season promises an abundance of introspection and lingering doubts. Nevertheless, amidst the tumultuous ride, Maddie's story gracefully concludes in a place brimming with hope and renewed optimism.In season 2, Ryan proposes to Helen, but in season 3, Headley's character will be exploring what happens next. Helen is faced with important decisions and this season focuses on her journey and the impact her choices have on her personal life and the lives of the girls.
In season 3, Headley revealed that Helen's journey will lead her towards exploring her relationship with her mother, portrayed by the renowned Janet Hubert, and delve into her family background. This will provide viewers with a deeper understanding of Helen's origins. The season will conclude with Helen's renewed focus on loving and recommitting to the Serenity community. As for what lies beyond, Headley tantalizingly hinted that it remains uncertain. Helen's path begins with uncertainty and concludes with definite resolution.
Brooke Elliot (Dana Sue Sullivan)
In the upcoming season, Elliot, aged 48, suggests that viewers will witness various aspects of Dana Sue’s personality as she continues to navigate her relationship with Ronnie. The relationship between the husband-wife duo has garnered a strong fan following, which Elliot credits to their collaborative efforts with Quinn, aged 45, as well as the serendipitous nature of their onscreen pairing.
“Then there are challenges that arise during the season, testing the strength of Ronnie and Dana Sue's relationship. It's an exciting journey,” she expressed, praising Quinn as a remarkable collaborator. “They face difficult situations from their past resurfacing in the present. But what I'm truly excited about this season is that we get to see different facets of Dana Sue. She becomes more vibrant, playful, and flirty. It's a thrilling experience for the audience to witness Dana Sue in all her colors and truly understand who she is and where she is headed.”
Courtesy of Netflix
Justin Bruening (Cal Maddox)
Cal's confrontation with Stu at Sullivan's in Season 2 of Sweet Magnolias has left him in a difficult situation, as Bruening mentioned that the character will face numerous challenges moving forward.
Expect some intriguing developments from Cal in the upcoming season. He's undergoing a profound transformation and is on a journey of self-discovery. His inner struggles, which have plagued him for a considerable time, have finally been unleashed. Previously, I believed Cal came to Serenity for unknown reasons, but it seems he was running away and evading some personal issues. Unfortunately, those very demons he sought to escape from have caught up with him and are now confronting him head-on. Bruening further revealed that Cal will be forced to confront his past and confront all the things he tried to flee from, which is an immense burden for him to carry simultaneously.
He continued: “He unquestionably released something that had been pent up, confined. And it terrifies him. And there are additional reasons that he’s frightened of it as well, which we will discover in this upcoming season. The first two seasons we somewhat unpacked Maddie’s emotional baggage, her suitcases, and now we have the opportunity to unload Cal’s — because he’s been harboring a whole duffle bag of emotions that he’s kept hidden away.”
Courtesy of Netflix
Carson Rowland (Ty Townsend)
According to Rowland, who is 25 years old, Ty's narrative in the upcoming season of the show primarily centers around "growth." He revealed that this particular theme resonated deeply with him during filming, becoming quite personal. Rowland expresses his desire for the audience to connect with Ty's coming-of-age story line.
Ty's narrative this season, and even the previous one, revolves around his personal development. As a young individual transitioning into adulthood, he is discovering his path in life," he expressed. "It is fascinating to witness this young man's self-discovery and his journey of finding stability in the world, especially after losing his passion for baseball and adapting to college life. This exploration of his interests and passions forms a significant storyline throughout the season."
Although Ty's romantic future remains uncertain, Rowland has an insight into why viewers are particularly fond of his character's ambiguous friendship, and at times, romantic connection with Annie (played by Judge).
"It's like the classic tale of star-crossed lovers, you know? Annie and Ty have been childhood friends, but Annie has always had feelings for Ty while he remains unaware," he explained. "But then, in season 2, something changes. And as for what will happen in season 3, well, we'll just have to watch and see. It's this beautiful evolution from friendship to something more, knowing each other so intimately as friends."
Sweet Magnolias season 3 will be available for streaming on Netflix starting Thursday, July 20th.