Sweet Magnolias season 3: episode guide, trailer, cast, plot and everything we know about the drama

JoAnna Garcia Swisher as Maddie Townsend, Brooke Elliott as Dana Sue Sullivan, Heather Headley as Helen Decatur drinking margaritas in Sweet Magnolias season 3
JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Brooke Elliot and Dana Sue Sullivan in Sweet Magnolias (Image credit: Netflix)

While the American South has become famous for its sweet tea, the ladies front and center in Sweet Magnolias season 3 continue to make a strong case that southern discussions about town news, family problems and romance woes can also take place over an ice-cold pitcher of margaritas. 

For a few seasons now, everyone’s favorite group of besties from Serenity, South Carolina, have gathered around a pitcher of margaritas to catch each other up on the ups and downs of their lives, while recalling some of the most memorable moments of their past. Considering how season 2 ended with some major cliffhangers, fans of Sweet Magnolias should anticipate seeing more meetings between the ladies. On that note, who is the mystery woman that has a bone to pick with Dana Sue (Brooke Elliot)? 

Here’s everything we know about Sweet Magnolias season 3.  

Sweet Magnolias season 3 release date

The new 10-episode season of Sweet Magnolias premieres on Thursday, July 20 on Netflix

Sweet Magnolias season 3 episode guide

Here is an episode guide for the season:

Season 3, episode 1: "Meaning to Tell You"
"After the incident at the restaurant, an unlikely ally offers to help Cal. Helen shares her painful secret and Maddie grills Ty about a rumor."

Season 3, episode 2: "Meet Me Where I Am"
"Erik opens up to Isaac while Helen ponders her future. Over margaritas, Maddie reveals the deal she made with Cal. Dana Sue and Ronnie plan a party."

Season 3, episode 3: "The Searchers"
"The competition heats up and the friendly trash talk flies as Serenity gathers for the Forager Festival. A vengeful Kathy cooks up a couple of schemes."

Season 3, episode 4: "Be Bold"
"Peggy digs into the mayor's activities after his announcement. Dana Sue learns the reason behind Miss Frances' gift. Helen gives CeCe another option."

Season 3, episode 5: "On This Foundation"
"Mary Vaughn drops a bombshell on Bill and Kyle. Annie has the shindig of her dreams — until a party crasher arrives. Erik meets a Serenity newcomer."

Season 3, episode 6: "And a Star to Steer Her By"
"Friends rally around Harlan after a crisis. Maddie and Dana Sue hire an esthetician. While at odds with the Magnolias, Helen receives heartbreaking news."

Season 3, episode 7: "Somebody I'm Longing to See"
"A devastated Helen finds comfort in her family away from Serenity. Bill hopes to be more involved in Rebecca's life. Dana Sue walks into a total mess."

Season 3, episode 8: "Beat Me at My Own Game"
"Ronnie gives Kathy what she wants, but it comes at a steep price. Erik meets Jeremy and comes to a realization. The kids rally to restore a playground."

Season 3, episode 9: "A Game of Telephone"
"An ex brings tensions and more to the table during a dinner with Maddie and Cal. Kyle deals with a secret admirer. Dana Sue has a change of party plans."

Season 3, episode 10: "Save My Place"
"Erik makes a decision about his future. Miss Paula announces her new plan. The town turns out to celebrate a happy couple, but an unwanted guest appears."

Sweet Magnolias season 3 trailer

The fan-favorite trio look to be in rare form this season and are certianly tackling on their fair share of drama. It looks like some new faces are in Serenity. Take a look at the season 3 trailer. 

Sweet Magnolias season 3 plot

Sweet Magnolias continues to be based on the book series of the same name written by Sherryl Woods. It follows a group of best friends in a small southern town as they support each other while they navigate the hurdles of family, business and romance. 

In terms of season 3, here is the synopsis as provided by the Netflix site Tudum: 

“Following the fight at Sullivan’s, Maddie wrestles with the best way to help Cal and works to clear her own emotional path. Helen faces difficult decisions about the men in her life. And Dana Sue searches for a way to use an unexpected check to help the community without upending her family.” 

Fans of the show can also again expect to see the true identity revealed of the mystery woman who had a bone to pick with Dana Sue. Plus, now that it’s been shared that Isaac (Chris Medlin) is the long-lost son of Bill (Chris Klein), we imagined the surprising family tie will continue to reverberate around town. 

Sweet Magnolias season 3 cast

Heather Headley, JoAnna Garcia Swisher and Brooke Elliot as Helen Maddie and Dana Sue toasting in Sweet Magnolias

Heather Headley, JoAnna Garcia Swisher and Brooke Elliot in Sweet Magnolias (Image credit: Richard Ducree/Netflix)

At the heart of the series are best friends Maddie (JoAnna Garcia Swisher), Dana Sue (Brooke Elliot) and Helen (Heather Headley). Swisher is best known for her role in the hit show Reba and most recently hosted The Ultimatum: Queer Love season 1, Elliot is most recognized for her work in Drop Dead Diva and Headley is a Grammy-award and Tony-award winner who has in recent years been spotted in Respect and Chicago Med

Helping to round out the rest of the cast are: 

  • Justin Bruening (Grey’s Anatomy) as Cal    
  • Carson Rowland (Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin) as Tyler 'Ty' 
  • Chris Klein (American Pie) as Bill Townsend   
  • Logan Allen (Stranger Things) as Kyle   
  • Jamie Lynn Spears (Special Forces: World's Toughest Test season 1) as Noreen    
  • Anneliese Judge (Where’s Rose) as Annie    
  • Dion Johnstone (The Core) as Erik     
  • Chris Medlin (The Vampire Diaries) as Isaac    
  • Bianca Berry Tarantino (Swamp Thing) as Katie 

How to watch Sweet Magnolias season 3 

Sweet Magnolias is Netflix original series. For those interested in watching new episodes, you’ll need a subscription to Netflix. Currently, the streaming service offers a few different subscription options to choose from for would-be subscribers. 

Terrell Smith

Terrell Smith has a diverse writing background having penned material for a wide array of clients including the federal government and Bravo television personalities.  When he’s not writing as Terrell, he’s writing under his pseudonym Tavion Scott, creating scripts for his audio drama podcasts. Terrell is a huge fan of great storytelling when it comes to television and film. Some of his favorite shows include The CrownWandaVision, Abbot Elementary and Godfather of HarlemAnd a fun fact is he's completely dialed into the TLC 90 Day Fiancé universe.