The Juiciest Secrets Revealed: All About Season 3 of Netflix's 'Sweet Magnolias'

Content: Pour it out! Netflix has announced the renewal of Sweet Magnolias for a third season, almost three months after the tense cliffhanger finale of season 2. The series' official Instagram account expressed their excitement in May 2022, stating, "We're heading back to Serenity, y'all! We're absolutely thrilled to announce that Sweet Magnolias will be returning for Season 3. We can't wait to welcome you all home."

Following its premiere in May 2020, Sweet Magnolias quickly became a hit on the streaming platform. The Netflix drama, based on Sherry Woods' book series of the same name, tells the story of three childhood best friends in a small town in South Carolina. As they navigate adulthood, romance, careers, and parenthood, their strong bond serves as a guiding force. JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Brooke Elliott, and Heather Headley portray the besties Maddie Townsend, Dana Sue Sullivan, and Helen Decatur, respectively.

In Season 2, fans eagerly received answers to their burning questions from the previous season and were treated to even more surprising bombshells.

"I was completely hooked on the suspense. I was like, 'Oh my God,'" exclaimed the former star of Drop Dead Diva in an exclusive interview with We in February 2022, leading up to the season 2 premiere. "I was just as invested as everyone else. I really hope others are just as captivated. It's that good."

While Elliott's character, Dana Sue, eventually repaired her relationship with her estranged husband Ronnie (played by Brandon Quinn), the season's major plot twist revealed the true parentage of her employee Isaac (Chris Medlin). Isaac sought the help of lawyer Helen (Headley) in the search for his birth parents, which eventually led them to newspaper editor Peggy (Brittany L. Smith). After a one-night stand at a model UN conference, Peggy made the difficult decision to give Isaac up for adoption when she was a teenager. In the finale, viewers discovered that Maddie's ex-husband, Bill Townsend (Chris Klein), is Isaac's father.

Swisher exclusively revealed that she believes the decision has been made and settled regarding the paternity shocker. She emphasized that there is no turning back this season, which presents an opportunity for Bill to discover and transform himself. Swisher stressed that if there was a possibility of forgiveness, it would hinder personal growth. She also emphasized the importance of Maddie asserting that the situation will no longer continue. Similarly, the cast shares the same excitement as devoted fans in returning to Serenity for more drama, friendship, and margaritas.

Anneliese Judge, the actor who portrays Annie Sullivan in the show, expressed her excitement in a TikTok video from May 2022, stating that "Sweet Magnolias" has been officially renewed for a third season. She thanked her fans for their support and shared her anticipation for what lies ahead. Read on to discover all the latest updates on the upcoming episodes.

Credit: Richard Ducree/Netflix

Everything to Know So Far About Season 3 of Netflix's 'Sweet Magnolias'

Pour it out! Nearly three months after Sweet Magnolias debuted its cliffhanger-laden season 2 finale, Netflix announced its renewal.

"We are excited to announce that Sweet Magnolias will be returning for a Season 3! In May 2022, the official Instagram account of the series shared the news, expressing their anticipation to welcome everyone back to Serenity. Since its premiere in May 2020, Sweet Magnolias has gained immense popularity on the streaming platform. The Netflix drama, based on Sherryl Woods' book series, revolves around the lives of three childhood best friends in a small-town South Carolina. Through the ups and downs of adulthood, romance, career, and parenthood, their unbreakable bond remains the guiding force. Starring JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Brooke Elliott, and Heather Headley as Maddie Townsend, Dana Sue Sullivan, and Helen Decatur respectively, Sweet Magnolias has captivated audiences."

Season 2 of the show revealed answers to numerous burning questions that fans had from the previous season, while also introducing even more shocking and unexpected surprises.

Speaking exclusively to We in February 2022, a former cast member of Drop Dead Diva expressed their excitement for the season 2 premiere. They described feeling captivated by the cliffhangers of the previous season, exclaiming, "Oh, my God!" The individual further expressed their anticipation for the audience's engagement, stating their belief that everyone else will be just as invested in the new season. They went on to praise the quality of the show, describing it as "so good."

Dana Sue, played by Elliott, reconciled with her estranged husband Ronnie, portrayed by Quinn, in the end. However, the season's major mystery revealed that Isaac, Dana Sue's employee, is not who he thought he was. Seeking the help of lawyer Helen, played by Headley, Isaac embarked on a search for his birth parents, leading them to Peggy, a newspaper editor portrayed by Smith. As it turns out, Peggy had given Isaac up for adoption after a one-night stand during a model UN conference when she was a teenager. Towards the end, it is revealed that Maddie's ex-husband, Bill Townsend, played by Klein, is Isaac's actual father.

According to Swisher, who plays Dana Sue, she believes that her character has firmly made her decision and settled the matter of Isaac's paternity. She states that this season, there is no going back, allowing Bill to have the opportunity to explore his own path and make changes in his life. Swisher emphasizes that without the possibility of forgiveness or reconciliation lingering, it creates an environment for personal growth. She also emphasizes the importance for Maddie, portrayed by another actor, to firmly state that this situation will no longer continue.

Content: The cast is just as excited as their devoted fans to return to Serenity for more drama, friendship, and margaritas. In a TikTok video posted in May 2022, Anneliese Judge, who portrays Annie Sullivan on the show, joyfully announced the official renewal of "Sweet Magnolias" for a third season, expressing her gratitude and excitement.

Scroll below for everything we know so far about the new episodes:

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Credit: Eliza Morse/Netflix

When Was It Renewed?

Season 3 was officially greenlit in May 2022, nearly three months after the previous season dropped on the streaming platform.

Credit: Eliza Morse/Netflix

Where Did Season 2 Leave Off?

In addition to rekindling Dana Sue's previous romantic connection with Ronnie and the Townsends coming to terms with the realization that Isaac is part of their family, the second season of Sweet Magnolias also depicted Helen's difficulties following her miscarriage. Simultaneously, Maddie's relationship with Cal took a hit as she discovered his struggles with anger management and past assault charges.

Credit: Richard Ducree/Netflix

Who’s Coming Back?

Although the cast list for season 3 of the show has not been officially confirmed, it is expected that Swisher, Elliott, and Headley will reprise their roles. Additionally, the actors portraying their love interests and children are also likely to return. It is worth noting that Jamie Lynn Spears features prominently in the first two seasons.

Credit: Netflix

What Will Be Focused On?

In February 2022, the Privileged alum revealed to Entertainment Tonight that a flurry of plans and preparations were underway in anticipation of Netflix's renewal announcement. Expressing their addiction to the drama, they eagerly welcomed any challenges that may arise. Their desire was for the intensity and emotions to escalate, hoping for a level of insanity that surpassed their previous experiences, as they yearned for more exhilarating content.

Swisher told the outlet that she thought the new episodes would likely resume “close to where we left off” at the end of season 2.

Credit: Courtesy of Jamie Lynn Spears/Instagram

How Is the Cast Getting Ready?

“Dark hair for the summer can only mean 1 thing..... NOREEEENNNNN‍️,” the Zoey 101 alum captioned a July 2022 Instagram snap, alongside a "season 3" hashtag.

Credit: Courtesy Of Netflix

When Does ‘Sweet Magnolias’ Season 3 Premiere?

All 10 episodes of season 3 drop on Netflix on July 20.

Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

What Does the ‘Sweet Magnolia’ Season 3 Trailer Reveal?

In the July 2023 trailer, viewers catch a glimpse of Maddie, Dana Sue, and Helen's tumultuous love lives. Dana Sue (Elliot) opens up in the footage, admitting that forgiving Ronnie for his mistakes also involves forgiving herself as they navigate their relationship. Shortly after, Maddie (Garcia Swisher) declares that facing new challenges is beneficial for the soul.