The Ultimate Cliffhanger: Unraveling the Fate of Your Favorite ‘Sweet Magnolias’ Characters in Season 3

Brooke Elliott, Heather Headley, Joanna Garcia Swisher. Richard Ducree/Netflix

Warning: This story contains spoilers for season 3 of Sweet Magnolias.

This interview was completed before the SAG-AFTRA strike. 

In Sweet Magnolias season 3, there were breakups, weddings, and goodbyes. However, it was the unexpected conflict between Maddie, Helen, and Dana Sue that unsettled fans the most.

Heather Headley, who plays Helen on the Netflix series, shared her experience of having to fight with costars Brooke Elliott and JoAnna Garcia Swisher on screen. She admitted that it was one of her least favorite moments during the show's margarita night scenes. The filming day was particularly difficult, with everyone retreating to their own spaces and the atmosphere lacking enjoyment. When Heather read the script, she reached out to showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson, expressing her reluctance to say the lines and act out the scene.

Headley, Elliott, and Garcia Swisher play the roles of Helen, Dana Sue, and Maddie, respectively, on the family drama. The three characters are lifelong childhood best friends who support each other through the challenges of relationships, family, and careers in their small town of Serenity, South Carolina. Their strong bond and chemistry are crucial to the series. However, when Headley had to engage in a heated argument with her beloved co-stars during a margarita night, it was not an enjoyable experience. Fighting with people she genuinely likes was difficult for her. The tension had to be maintained for four hours, which left her feeling drained. She couldn't easily switch between talking to them as friends and yelling at them during filming. Once the scene was finished, she had to go home and wash off the negative emotions, reminding herself that it was a one-time occurrence.

In season 3 of Sweet Magnolias, Helen experienced a period of estrangement from Dana Sue and Maddie for multiple episodes. The season premiered on July 20th. However, the trio eventually reconciled and found their way back to each other. Although the Magnolias' conflict created a challenging storyline for the show, their renewed friendship served as a reminder to viewers of the unifying force of hope. Read on for a breakdown of the finale's depiction of each character's path in season 3.

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Maddie Townsend (JoAnna Garcia Swisher) 

Dana Sue Sullivan (Brooke Elliott)

After successfully addressing Cal's anger management problems and encountering his former spouse, Vicky, Maddie and her significant other reach the finale of season 3 with a heightened sense of happiness in their relationship. Additionally, Maddie bids a temporary farewell to her mother, Caroline Lagerfelt, as she hurriedly embarks on a coastal retreat to foster a blossoming romance.

After working on their relationship and discovering each other's love languages, Dana Sue and Ronnie (Brandon Quinn) find their happily ever after by renewing their vows. They also reconcile with Ronnie's sister, who had previously taken money from Ronnie in exchange for leaving town. Finally, she apologizes for the pain she has caused their family. In addition, Dana Sue decides to establish a donation fund for Serenity with the Magnolias.

Helen Decatur (Heather Headley)

After finally ending her relationship with Ryan (Michael Shenefelt) and officially calling off their engagement, Helen finds solace in her community and reconnects with her beloved Magnolias and with EriK. Despite a period of estrangement, the two manage to reconcile and start rebuilding their friendship (along with the potential for reigniting their romance). Additionally, Helen takes it upon herself to persuade Peggy (Brittany L. Smith) to embark on a political career, offering her unwavering support throughout her campaign.

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Kyle Townsend (Logan Allen)

Kyle loses Nellie (Simone Lockhart) but gains a girlfriend in Lily (Artemis). He also plays a major part in rallying the town toward helping fix up a rundown park. 

Bill Townsend (Chris Klein)

Bill appears to have finally acknowledged the harm he inflicted upon Maddie, Noreen, and his own children. He expresses his commitment to personal growth and pledges to address his own issues. In an unexpected turn of events, Bill discloses his plan to embark on a journey with Ronnie's sister, signifying a new chapter in his life.

Ty Townsend (Carson Rowland)

Opting for a gap year before embarking on his college journey, Ty is determined to nurture his hands-on skills and expand his knowledge. Amidst the aftermath of his breakup with CeCe (Harlan Drum), a fleeting moment sparks between Ty and Annie, leaving a subtle suggestion that their deep-rooted friendship may potentially evolve into something more meaningful.

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Annie Sullivan (Anneliese Judge) 

Annie terminates her relationship with Jackson (Sam Ashby) upon realizing her aversion to concealing their love affair from her loved ones. Moreover, she acknowledges his lack of dedication towards their relationship. Seeking solace, she turns to her best friend, Ty, and they discreetly interlace their fingers, hinting at a potential romantic future. Additionally, Annie forms profound bonds of female companionship with Lily and her former rival, CeCe, suggesting that the trio could be the upcoming generation of Magnolias.

Cal Maddox (Justin Bruening) 

Cal overcomes his past problems with his ex-girlfriend Vicky and focuses on establishing a strong bond, both romantically and platonically, with Maddie. As the season 3 finale approaches, their relationship reaches a level of stability and trust that exceeds any previous point.

EriK Whitley (Dion Johnstone)

Noreen Fitzgibbons (Jamie Lynn Spears)

After leaving his job at Sullivan's, ending his relationship with Helen, getting into a heated argument with Dana Sue, and contemplating a job offer from Ronnie's sister, EriK finally decides to patch things up with his friends in Serenity and rejoin Sullivan's as a talented sous chef. Moreover, he finds it in his heart to forgive Helen for leaving him to be with Ryan, and during Dana Sue and Ronnie's vow renewal ceremony, the two of them exchange a meaningful glance, signifying a newfound understanding and acceptance in their relationship.

Noreen discovers a new love interest in Jeremy, who happens to be Dana Sue’s ex-boyfriend. Despite not receiving any assistance from Bill, she successfully raises her daughter. Towards the end of the season, she alludes to significant changes in her life when she confides in Isaac. However, Isaac surprises her with his own news. You can watch all three seasons of Sweet Magnolias on Netflix.