5 Shows To Watch Now That 'Sweet Magnolias' Is Canceled
Netflix canceling Sweet Magnolias (2020) is shocking, but at the same time, the series was headed in a direction that not every fan was happy with. Part of the show's appeal was its means of giving us generational relationships on top of exceptional female friendships. However, when Carson Rowland exited as Ty, it left Ty and Annie shippers pretty upset with the turn of events in Sweet Magnolias Season 5.
More importantly, some of the relationships with the parents seemed to be dragging on as well, as opposed to giving us an organic turn of events. Still, it's unfortunate that the show wasn't at least given one more season to wrap things up, or even a movie. A lot of times, people watch these types of shows for escapism. So, if you're looking for something that fits the vibes, here are a few easy shows I constantly have on rotation in the background when I want something light-hearted.
Fans of Sweet Magnolias can also look forward to Sheryl J. Anderson's upcoming show, Ladies of the House. We don't have much information on it right now, but Deadline has confirmed that's essentially what's coming after Sweet Magnolias' cancellation.
Virgin River is one of the most well-loved shows on Netflix, and it's entirely because of the romance. The show gets so dramatic at times that it's impossible not to roll your eyes and want to stop watching, but still, we show up because Alexandra Breckenridge's Mel and Martin Henderson's Jack are precious together. Executives tend to believe that people don't want to see what comes after the happily ever after, or when a couple gets together, but a show like Virgin River proves that's exactly what people will show up for.
The titular small town isn't as charming in this one, but the show itself is still lovely because of the filming locations. Ultimately, it's the characters we continue showing up for because rooting for them remains more effortless than questioning all the drama. It's the pleasant, wholesome vibes that indicate everything's going to be okay even when there's one awful thing after another happening.
When Calls the Heart is one of the longest-running shows on Hallmark, and it's perfect for period drama fans who want romance, friendships, and a charming town where everything just feels right. Hope Valley is the kind of place that's so easy to stay in, and the characters are all so endearing that no matter how dark the show gets, there's always hope attached to the narrative.
But I often feel I need to warn people not to get too attached to Elizabeth's first love, Jack (Daniel Lissing). The show isn't without its heavier moments, including death and heartache, but it's simultaneously an exploration of second chances and how humans come out of heartbreak. More than anything, if you love the friendships in Sweet Magnolias, then you'll be pleased to know that When Calls the Heart delivers in spades. It features some of my favorite friendships we've ever had on TV.
In the fall season, there's no show quite as dreamy for fans of small-town romances as Gilmore Girls is. Quintessentially charming, upbeat, and now a classic for multiple reasons, everything about Gilmore Girls delivers the perfect escape. It's one of the shows on this list that's now over, so if you're concerned about cancellations, that's certainly not the case here.
In fact, we've also got a short spin-off that came later, A Year in the Life (2016). When I think about small towns, Stars Hollow is the first that comes to mind. It's the one that I'm still convinced should always be number one for most people. So, if you've loved spending time in Serenity but never got around to Gilmore Girls, the women-led series is perfect. It also features generational relationships that are not only stunning and well-written but achingly profound. Every time you watch, you notice something new.
One of the most underrated gems when it comes to small-town shows that feature romance, friendships, and plenty of quirky beats to hang onto is Hart of Dixie. It's captivating, hilarious, and of all the shows on the list, nothing tops the opposites-attract relationship that we get between Rachel Bilson's Zoe and Wilson Bethel's Wade.
If the relationships on Sweet Magnolias left you wanting just a bit more, look no further than something that'll satisfy on all fronts. I'm talking neighbors, second chances, slow burn, and yearning on an indescribable level. Few things top Hart of Dixie in how easy it is to rewatch. The short, four-season arc makes it so much fun to revisit, and I've personally lost count of how many times I have. Hilariously, Tim Matheson, who plays Vernon in Virgin River, also plays a grumpy doctor in Hart of Dixie.
Sterling Point is a bit more serious than most of the shows on this list, but Megan Park's distinctly moving means of exploring small-town secrets, sisterhoods, friendships, and romance isn't to be missed. It's one of the best new shows of 2026, and simultaneously, it's so comforting in how well it takes care of its characters that it makes every beat of it feel like a warm hug.
While it can be hard to trust that newer shows won't get canceled, Sterling Point has thankfully been renewed already, and its immediate popularity is something that we can note Prime Video is aware of. More importantly, it's a perfect example of how to handle teen drama through a lens that takes care of girls as opposed to putting them in godawful situations that a lot of shows from our past used to do. If you loved the friendships and small town in Sweet Magnolias, everything about Sterling Point is a brilliant take.
