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Season 1 – Sweet Magnolias

Play trailer 1:52 Poster for Season 1 – Sweet Magnolias May 2020 Drama Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
78% Tomatometer 9 Reviews 71% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
Lifelong friends lift each other up as they juggle relationships, family and careers in the small Southern town of Serenity.
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Sweet Magnolias — Season 1

Critics Reviews

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Adrian Horton Guardian 05/19/2020
2/5
I cannot in good faith describe this show as "good" (please see Klein's accent or most of the acting) but I also can't deny that it knows exactly what it's trying to be. Go to Full Review
Jonathon Wilson Ready Steady Cut 06/26/2020
2.5/5
It won't set the world alight, and it's aimed at a very specific audience, but you can't be mad at it for that. The question is whether or not its unashamed enthusiasm for cliche proves too saccharine for most viewers to stomach. Go to Full Review
Lynnette Nicholas Common Sense Media 06/01/2020
4/5
Sweet, endearing friendship drama has mild language. Go to Full Review
Steve Murray ArtsATL 05/29/2020
The show isn't my cuppa, but like its title, it's sweet and harmless enough... Go to Full Review
Jackie K. Cooper jackiekcooper.com 05/26/2020
8/10
A fresh, appealing cast. A story of community , faith and family. What's not to like. Plus Heather Headley is outstanding. Go to Full Review
Natalia Trzenko La Nación (Argentina) 05/26/2020
Despite its tendency to lecture about life and its puritanical look on the adult world, Sweet Magnolias has an undeniable charm and a bingeable quality. [Full Review in Spanish] Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Holly C Mar 25 Very interesting show covering some good topics and family dynamics. I got lost with the references of "going up to Charleston" when it was filmed apparently near Atlanta, GA. As a Charleston native the hurricane scenes with the nearly mountainous areas were quite a stretch. See more John & Tammy H Mar 5 There's so much about this show that could be great, but somehow falls short. First, the acting. Jamie Spears' scenes are so bad. Is it just how she acts or was she given poor direction? Either way, its just not watchable. Chris Klein has been good in other shows, but in this one, his fake southern accent is cringe worthy. Again, is it the actor? Or is it simply poor direction? Or both? Any what's with all the whispering? Especially Dana Sue. She whispers her dialog in every scene, except the ones where she's yelling at her kid. Speaking of kids, they're the saving grace of this show. They do a pretty good job and make the show tolerable. The margarita nights are cute and solid, lasting friendships should be celebrated this way. But the whispering dialog, overacting and "Bless Your Heart" platitudes are just too overdone. It was worth a binge watch, but not one that I'd repeat like Gilmore Girls, Virgin River or Supernatural. Those shows are so good you can watch them over and over again and still enjoy. From reading the other reviews it seems this show is very polarizing. Viewers either love it....or hate it. All in all, Sweet Magnolias is good as a once and done kind of a show. It was ok, but could have been so much better. See more SkyRo P @TheMovieSearch Feb 18 "Sweet Magnolias" is a heartfelt drama series that truly resonates with its audience, delivering an emotionally charged performance from its talented cast. The show presents a remarkable narrative, and while it encounters a few bumps along the way, these do not significantly disrupt the overall storyline. The first season left a lasting impression on me, particularly its conclusion. The plot is captivating, and the direction is superb, portraying the essence of a close-knit family in a small town, navigating their unique challenges within a vibrant community. Joanna Garcia, famously known for her role as Ariel in "Once Upon a Time," shines as the lead character Maddie. She delivers a powerful portrayal of a mother grappling with betrayal, striving for happiness, which she ultimately finds in Cal, played by Justin Breuning, an ex-professional baseball player turned school coach facing his own struggles. The juxtaposition of Maddie's unfaithful husband Bill, portrayed by Chris Klein of "American Pie" fame, adds complexity to the narrative, enriching the character development throughout the series. Logan Allen and Carson Rowland portray Kyle and Ty, two brothers whose growth is intricately woven into the storyline. Their journey is filled with sibling bonds, relationships, and even life-threatening moments, showcasing the depth of their characters. The addition of their younger sister Katie brings another layer to the story, although her character is not as fully developed. Seasons two and three maintain the show's high standard, with season three presenting a slower pace but still capturing the audience's interest. The creators excel at leaving viewers eager for the next installment, reinforcing the strong bonds and evolution of the characters. Annalise Judge plays Annie, a quirky girlfriend whose character fits seamlessly into the narrative, while Jamie Lynn Spears’ portrayal of Nora, arguably affected by her real-life experiences, feels somewhat flat compared to her co-stars. A standout moment in season four is the guest appearance of Jodi Benson, the original voice of Ariel, who shares the screen with Joanna. Their scene together is a magical nod to Disney history. Heather Headley, known for her role as Nala in "The Lion King," and Brooke Elliott, portraying Dena Sue and Helen, respectively, are integral to the best friend trio alongside Joanna's character. They exemplify the essence of unwavering friendship. While the fourth season is notably slower, focusing on themes of loss and mourning, it continues to develop the characters' arcs. I wholeheartedly recommend watching this show; it is a truly rewarding experience. See more Meryl V 09/18/2024 It's just not that interesting. Almost too scared to be interesting and be cancelled. See more peter S 01/28/2023 Acting is very stop and go. The lead actress JoAnn is the weakest link. See more WhySoSerious . @that1chick 10/17/2022 Light and easy to watch. See more Read all reviews
Sweet Magnolias — Season 1

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired May 19, 2020 Pour It Out Surrounded by prying eyes, Maddie tries to move on from Bill's fall from grace; Dana Sue deals with problems in her kitchen; Helen makes a life-changing purchase. Details Episode 2 Aired May 19, 2020 A United Front Maddie talks to Coach Cal about Tyler's struggles on and off the field; Helen strives to put a devastated family back together. Details Episode 3 Aired May 19, 2020 Give Drink to the Thirsty While delays beset the trio's renovation plans, Maddie makes a deal with Bill, Dana Sue stresses out and Kyle opens up to Noreen. Details Episode 4 Aired May 19, 2020 Lay It All Down The townspeople's tongues wag over Maddie's new friend, Dana Sue gets a health scare and Helen reacts to a legal threat. Details Episode 5 Aired May 19, 2020 Dance First, Think Later The spa's big opening is thrown into chaos by Mother Nature, a bungling contractor and Maddie's longtime rival; Tyler helps Annie out of a jam. Details Episode 6 Aired May 19, 2020 All Best Intentions Maddie worries about town gossips while with Cal; a humiliated Annie feels betrayed by Tyler; Bill surprises the kids with a special request. Details Episode 7 Aired May 19, 2020 Hold My Hand Maddie's coziness with Cal causes complications; Helen fights for a student during a mock trial; Noreen receives a visitor; Erik bonds with Isaac. Details Episode 8 Aired May 19, 2020 What Fools These Mortals Be Bill makes a series of bad decisions that impact those around him; Noreen goes to Kyle's play; Maddie takes a big step forward with Cal. Details Episode 9 Aired May 19, 2020 Where You Find Me Kyle's behavior is worrisome on the morning of the mock trial; Dana Sue connects with a handsome farmer. Details Episode 10 Aired May 19, 2020 Storms and Rainbows Maddie reaches a decision about Cal in the lead-up to prom; Dana Sue scrambles to secure her future; Helen calls an emergency margarita session. Details
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Season Info

Executive Producer
Sheryl J. Anderson, Dan Paulson, Sherryl Woods, Norman Buckley, Shelley Meals
Network
Netflix
Rating
TV-14
Genre
Drama, Romance
Original Language
English
Release Date
May 19, 2020
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