Premiering on Netflix in the spring of 2020, “Sweet Magnolias” quickly captured audiences’ attention with the stories of Maddie Townsend (JoAnna Garcia Swisher), Helen Decatur (Heather Headley), and Dana Sue Sullivan (Brooke Elliot), three Southern women and longtime best friends who navigate the struggles of everyday life. But whether it’s a messy divorce, fresh relationship chaos, or even just trouble at work, the three women always have each other’s back through it all. Based on a series of books from Sherryl Woods, “Sweet Magnolias” entered its fourth season in 2025. Though filmed in Georgia, “Magnolias” is set in the fictional town of Serenity, South Carolina, and it’s that small-town feel that’s at the heart of the show’s appeal. Loved by fans for its fresh humor, heartwarming wit, themes of friendship—and moments that tug at the heartstrings—”Sweet Magnolias” is also one of the better shows in its genre to be released in recent memory. That doesn’t mean it’s the only one worth watching, however. We’ve picked out a baker’s dozen of similar shows sure to appeal to lovers of a good romantic drama. So without further ado, let’s break down 13 of the best series for fans of “Sweet Magnolias” to check out next.
Virgin River: No lineup of romantic dramas would be complete without an ode to “Virgin River.” The Netflix original series has been running strong for more than six seasons now, and is one of the easiest choices for fans of “Sweet Magnolias” looking for something to watch next. Half serialized medical drama and half love story, “Virgin River” is—like “Magnolias”—centered around an unassuming little town and the secret drama hiding beneath the surface that nobody sees. Throw in a protagonist who’d fit right in sipping margaritas with the “Sweet Magnolias” crew, and it’s easy to see why “Virgin River” makes the list. Set far away from the Golden State’s most iconic, sun-kissed beaches and boardwalks, “Virgin River” instead takes place in the picturesque region of Northern California. “American Horror Story” and “Walking Dead” alum Alexandra Breckenridge stars as Melinda Monroe, a healthcare worker and recent Los Angeles transplant to the fictional community of Virgin River who finds herself in the rural setting in an effort to escape her complicated past. But it’s never that simple, with everything from wildfires to shootings making her new life just as crazy as the one she left behind.
Firefly Lane: Making its debut on Netflix in early 2021, and adapted from a novel by bestselling author Kristin Hannah, “Firefly Lane” follows the characters of Tully Hart (Katherine Heigl) and Kate Mularkey (Sarah Chalke). Inseparable best friends ever since they went to middle school together, the series follows their journey over the next 30 years, along with the countless hurdles that life throws their way. Packed with flashbacks of their lives, the series charts their transformation into two women who wind up in very different places after making the difficult choice of whether to prioritize their career or their family. Like “Sweet Magnolias,” “Firefly Lane” explores themes of friendship via its two main characters as they travel through life from the schoolyard to middle age. But with a TV-MA rating, the series is distinct for how it approaches its drama, never afraid to tackle some of life’s heavier topics head-on. Despite its departure from the more feel-good vibe that made “Sweet Magnolias” and related series so popular, “Firefly Lane” delivers a different type of storytelling, as star Katherine Heigl credits the show’s success to its imperfect view of friendship.
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