Sweet Magnolias Season 3 Review

Don’t worry, we’ll work things out on our next Margarita night.

Season 3 of Sweet Magnolias was released on Netflix in 2023. Maddie, Dana Sue, and Helen have an argument that sets their friendship apart. As they’re reconfiguring their bond, the rest of the small South Carolina town works out their own issues, finding romance and new pathways.

I loved the first season of Sweet Magnolias and couldn’t wait for more. Season 2 and most recently season 3 don’t match the energy and storylines of the first season, becoming too wholesome and containing unnecessary characters and themes.

JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Brooke Elliott, and Heather Headley are the powerhouse trio of Sweet Magnolias. I love watching their scenes, especially when they get together for Margarita nights.

They have a strong connection and they deliver exceptional performances. Maddie, Dana Sue, and Helen undergo personal transformations that keep their arcs engaging. Helen especially has a dramatic storyline about her mental health. Headley’s vulnerability in the part is commendable. Change is never an easy endeavor but we shouldn’t fear it.

However, a disagreement between the women sets their dear friendship apart. Seeing them not show up for their weekly Margarita night was heartbreaking! Although sad, this was a realistic showing of their friendship that we needed to see. Friends have arguments. Making amends with friends is a powerful lesson to work things out in a mature manner.

Ever since season 2 aired, there’s been one subplot too many. If this series was just about the women, I’d be satisfied. The side characters don’t have juicy stories like in the first season. Noreen (Jamie Lynn Spears) only needed to be included in season 1 instead of stretching out her story.

One shocking (and unnecessary) twist from last season never went anywhere. The most unusual storyline of all was Helen letting a high school student stay with her while the girl’s family moved away. We hardly knew this character and the decision felt so unrealistic.

Sweet Magnolias is aimed at adult audiences, so why does the kids’ high school drama consume it? The adolescent storylines don’t fit with the show’s original tone which is more suited for an adult audience.

One of the pitfalls of season 3 that wasn’t in the first season is its tendency for melodrama. Sheryl J. Anderson managed to balance gratifying moments with genuine heartwarming moments. This season veered off into soap opera territory with over-the-top conflicts and sappy dialogue. The drama was more subtle and realistic in season 1.

While drama is a natural part of any story, it should serve the characters' development rather than overshadow it. Sweet Magnolias should have maintained its drama earlier making it a more subtle approach to storytelling.

The picturesque setting of Serenity, South Carolina, remains a character in itself, providing a stunning backdrop to the unfolding drama. Our hometowns are so essential. They’re where we build our first memories. The cinematography beautifully captures the essence of this charming town, making it an integral part of the series' appeal.

The series contains uplifting themes about friendship, making decisions, and being true to yourself. Relationships are the most important part of Sweet Magnolias. One lesson that should not go unnoticed is deciding if you want to go to college. It’s okay to take a gap year to think about career goals. We can overcome any challenge life throws at us.

Sweet Magnolias is still a good series to watch. If the series returns for a fourth season I am happy to see what the women have for their next Margarita night.