Loved Sweet Magnolias? Here Are 5 Relatable Shows You Can Watch

Sweet Magnolias, a beloved Netflix series following the lives of three close friends in the charming town of Serenity, has captured the hearts of viewers. With its renewal for a fourth season in October 2023, fans eagerly await any news on the upcoming release.

While we wait for the next season, if you're craving a feel-good show filled with heartwarming moments and plenty of drama, there are other series out there that offer a similar blend of warmth and excitement.

Shows Like Sweet Magnolias

Virgin River

This romantic drama from my dream town in Northern California, Virgin River, appeals greatly to the audience as it is fueled with wholesome stories and connections. For me, what makes it more relatable is the portrayal of friendships in the show which are often talked about less.

From Mel and Lizzie to Hope and Muriel, these are friendships beyond age and gender barriers and that's inspiring. Even the equations between Connie and Paige, and Mel and Hope, are some examples of comradeship we often skip to notice. From a dream male bestie to getting old with our best friend, friendships in this show set an example of how people should treat each other to make this world a better place to live in for all of us. 

Watching Virgin River with your BFFs will take you on an intense roller coaster and just like Sweet Magnolias, this is another town with a close-knit community of women that stand with each other through thick and thin. 

Outlander

This historical drama is a complex multilayered show with something to offer to all of us as it has a love story, historical drama, family ties, and fantasy, all rolled into one. What makes this show stand out from others is the strong portrayal of female characters and how, in different ways, the makers did a splendid job of portraying the beauty of female friendships.

From Claire and Jenny to Brianna and Lizzie, there are different depictions of female friendships showcasing how women from vastly different backgrounds still have mutual understanding and they help each other find their way in the world.

The Marked Heart

This well-made suspense crime thriller will keep you hooked from beginning to end. How a show about organ trafficking, love and revenge could be similar to a show as wholesome as Sweet Magnolias? Well, The Marked Heart is a well-written portrayal of family values and strong resilient female characters portraying a medley of female friendships.

From a mother-daughter friendship to being friends with your best friend's mom, everything is relatable to someone. What got me was the sister-brother bond as I have always shared a strong friendship with both my brothers. This show has something stored for all with its strong portrayal of women standing up for each other through it all.

Ginny & Georgia

Ginny & Georgia, a Netflix hit series, revolves around the life of Georgia, a single mother with a dark past, and her teenage daughter, Ginny, as they navigate life after moving to New England. The show blends humour and drama to explore the unconventional dynamics between the duo, as Georgia's criminal history and extreme actions for her children create ongoing tensions. 

While Georgia tries to balance her romantic life and protect her children, Ginny struggles with the revelation that her mother killed her husband. The series delves into complex mother-daughter issues, including Ginny's insecurities about having a "better-looking" mother, feeling disconnected, and the emotional strain of Georgia's questionable decisions, challenging traditional notions of motherhood.

Never Have I Ever

This coming-of-age teenage romantic drama is a name that might have popped up in our minds to binge with our BFFs, but if you have to convince your friends like I had to about why this show stands out more than any other romedy teenage drama, well, hi-five! This show is not just a testament to female friendships and strong women characters, it is an insightful self-journey of not just Devi but all the characters in the story that makes Never Have I Ever a show that resonates with viewers across all ages.

As you dive deeper into the show, it portrays how female friendships are not easy, nor are they perfect, but they are everything that can help us get by in life. Not just the trio of Devi-Eleanor-Fabiola standing through each other's, I also loved the bond between Devi and her cousin Kamala, who always has her sister's back. The mother-daughter bond of friendship between Devi and Nalini is heartwarming and how! If you're looking for a show to binge-watch with your friends this friendship day, this is the one.