'Sweet Magnolias': Release date, plot, cast, trailer and all you need to know about Netflix's romantic drama
If you've been flipping through shows and wishing there was something new to help you vicariously experience a romance, then look no further. Netflix has been releasing some really interesting romance-fueled content lately that's had us hooked, and is only adding to its vast library of rom-com with its newest offering 'Sweet Magnolias'.
It is based on the popular novel series of the same name by author Sherry Woods.
In a world where the ideal scenario of meeting someone and falling in love usually happens by swiping left, a real heart-warming tale of love and friendship is refreshing to come by. Here is everything you need to know about Netflix's new romantic-drama:
Release date
The first season of 'Sweet Magnolias', comprising 10 episodes, is slated to release on May 19 on Netflix.
Plot
The film is set in the small, charming town of Serenity, South Carolina, and follows the journey of three women who have been best friends since high school. They are each other's rock, guiding and supporting one another through the complexities of life, romance, career, and family.
'Sweet Magnolias' is a collection of books written by Sheryl Woods, and comprises 11 novels released between 2007 and 2014. Every installation draws focus on a character — the first three books focus on Maddie Townsend, Dana Sue Sullivan and Helen Decatur, the three leads from the original series.
Cast
JoAnna Garcia Swisher
Swisher is best known for her roles in 'Kevin (Probably) Save the World', and 'The Astronaut Wives Club'. She also portrayed Ariel in ABC's 'Once Upon A Time'.
Swisher plays Maddie Townsend in 'Sweet Magnolia', who according to Netflix is "a low-key but resolute, warm and loving woman with a vocabulary like Southern poetry. She finds herself at a crossroads in her life and her best friends are trying desperately to convince her that now is the time for reinvention."
Brooke Elliott
Elliot is well known for her portrayal of Jane Bingum on the Lifetime series 'Drop Dead Diva'. She is also a musical theatre actress and has been a part of the US tours for 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Wicked' and has also partaken in Broadway productions of 'Taboo' and 'The Pirate Queen'.
She portrays Dana Sue Sullivan in 'Sweet Magnolias', who is "the strong-willed owner and head chef of Sullivan’s Restaurant, a cherished spot in the town of Serenity. A former wild child, she works constantly but is always willing to drop everything for her friends," according to Netflix.
Heather Headley
Headley is a singer, songwriter and actress. She is the recipient of a Tony Award for her titular role in the musical, 'Aida', as well as a Grammy Award for her Gospel Album. She is known for the recurring role of Gwen Garrett on NBC's medical drama TV series, 'Chicago Med'.
Headley portrays Helen Decatur in 'Sweet Magnolias', who Netflix describes as "a lawyer who has made it her goal to create an opportunity for the people of Serenity, her hometown."
"Whether professionally or as a friend, Helen is an ally — particularly to Maddie. Helen is selfless, and she has to be — her career means that she spends a lot of time focusing on other people's problems."
Chris Klein
Chris Klein is known to have portrayed Chris 'Oz' Oestreicher the comedy teen film series 'American Pie'. He also plays Cicada on 'The Flash'. Klein is Bill Townsend, Maddie's ex-husband on 'Sweet Magnolias'.
Jamie Lynn Spears
Jamie Lynn Spears is the younger sister of pop-star Britney Spears and is known for her titular role in Nickelodeon's 'Zoey 101.' Spears returned to the screen almost 12 years after the end of the teen sitcom as Noreen Fitzgibbons in 'Sweet Magnolias'.
According to Netflix, Spears' character is "a young woman who is determined to build a new life for herself after a series of bad choices."
Justin Bruening
A former fashion model, Justin Bruening began his acting career starring as Jamie Martin in the day time drama 'All My Children'. He has also portrayed Mike Traceur in Knight Rider and the Jeff on 'Switched at Birth'. Bruening plays Cal Maddox in 'Sweet Magnolias'.
Creator / Director
Sherry Woods, author of 'Sweet Magnolias' serves as the executive producer for the series, alongside showrunner, Sheryl J. Anderson and Dan Paulson, of the production company, Daniel L Productions. Norman Buckley is the co-executive producer and director of six of the episodes in the first season.
Trailer
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