8 shows like 'Sweet Magnolias' to watch for a feel-good escape

Sweet Magnolias is an interweaving tale of family, romance, friendship, and looking at life through classic lenses. It follows the lives of three friends living in a small town in South Carolina and their journey through self-growth. The characters are played by Maddie Townsend, Helen Decatur, and Dana Sue Sullivan, who exactly fit their roles as a divorced mother, a successful lawyer, and a chef cum restaurant owner.

Through the seasons of Sweet Magnolias, viewers will witness the characters tackle and attempt to balance personal and professional life in an interchanging manner. It's a good show for those who want a feel-good watch because the concepts of love, family, and community are woven throughout the series in a small-town style.

For fans of the series Sweet Magnolias who want the same rollercoaster of a human experience of highs and lows, here is a selection of similar series.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here solely belong to the author of the article.

Virgin River, Everwood, and other shows for those who liked Sweet Magnolias

1) Virgin River - Netflix

Virgin River is popular because of its drama and romance that focus on personal growth. Set in a small and scenic town of Northern California, this series is about a nurse, Melinda "Mel" Monroe, who is also a midwife. She moves to a small town to start a new and simple life after a personal tragedy.

For audiences who like Sweet Magnolias, this show is about her journey of healing from emotional and physical wounds. With its heartfelt storytelling, the series is about community bonds and support.

2) Chesapeake Shores - Amazon Prime Video

Chesapeake Shores (Image via YouTube/Hallmark Channel)

Chesapeake Shores offers a feel-good escape for the fans. Set in a small and charming town in Maryland, the show throws light on family dynamics. The main character is Abby O'Brien, a successful career woman and single mother.

This family-centric romantic show takes viewers into a happy storyline. She comes to her hometown to reconnect with her estranged family and navigate her complex past. For the fans of Sweet Magnolias, this show is warm and focuses on love.

3) Hart of Dixie - Amazon Prime Video

The show Hart of Dixie is a hit series that combines romance and laughter, telling a feel-good story with vibrant community dynamics. It is a bio-medical drama centered on the story of the protagonist, Dr. Zoe Hart, a New York City doctor who dreams of being a surgeon.

For Sweet Magnolias fans, this is a show about friendships, love, and personal development. The series effectively captures the struggles that abound in urban versus rural living.

4) Gilmore Girls - Netflix

Gilmore Girls is a comedy-drama set in a small and quirky town in Connecticut. It revolves around the life of an independent single mother, Lorelai Gilmore, and her ambitious teenage daughter, Rory Gilmore.

The show storyline takes fans into how they navigate relationships, education, and personal growth. For fans who like Sweet Magnolias, it is themed around generational differences and the pursuit of dreams.

5) Cedar Cove - Amazon Prime Video

Cedar Cove (Image via YouTube/Hallmark Channel)

Cedar Cove is a TV romantic drama revolving around love and friendship. Set in the coastal town of Cedar Cove, the central figure in the show is Olivia Lockhart, a kind city magistrate.

For fans who enjoyed Sweet Magnolias, this program centers on the career and private life of this judge. The story is about how she manages relationships and community issues.

6) Everwood - Amazon Prime Video

Everwood is popular for its emotional depth and exploration of complex family issues. It explores the father-son relationship between Andrew and Ephram. Andrew is a neurosurgeon who follows his teenage son to Everwood.

The series will resonate with the viewers of Sweet Magnolias as Andrew moves to Everwood following his wife's passing in hopes of reforming his family's life yet coming to terms with the lifestyle in a small town.

7) Parenthood - Netflix

a still from Parenthood (Image via Universal Pictures)

Parenthood is a family drama praised for its realistic portrayal of family life. The show follows the lives of the Braverman family, Zeek and Camille, and their four children: Adam, Sarah, Crosby, and Julia.

The series portrays how they navigate the daily challenges of parenting, marriage, and personal growth. For fans who like Sweet Magnolias, this show will appeal to them because of its relatable family equations and emotional storytelling.

8) Jane the Virgin - Amazon Prime Video

Jane the Virgin is popular for its storytelling, blending comedy and drama. It's about Jane, a young woman who becomes accidentally inseminated, setting off a series of comic and dramatic events.

For the fans who resonate with Sweet Magnolias, this show explores Jane's relationship with her family and unexpected motherhood.

These shows share themes of love, community, and personal growth, offering the same feel-good charm as Sweet Magnolias.