The ‘Reba’ star wasn’t the first choice for ‘Sweet Magnolias’

Former Reba Star JoAnna García Swisher is one of the main stars of sweet magnoliasbut the show almost went in a very different direction from the beginning.

Who was originally chosen? sweet magnolias?

netflix announced for the first time sweet magnolias in September 2018.

Based on a beloved book series by Sherryl Woods, the show originally cast Monica Potter in the starring role of Maddie Townsend, with Brooke Elliott playing Dana Sue Sullivan and Heather Headley playing Helen Decatur.

The story follows the trio of lifelong friends as they navigate their relationships, families, and careers in the fictional small town of Serenity, South Carolina.

READ MORE: sweet magnolias Season 5: Here’s everything we know

In August 2019, a Netflix spokesperson confirmed to Wrap that Potter would no longer headline the show, and Swisher, best known to country fans for her role as Cheyenne on Reba From 2001 to 2007, she stepped in to take on the role of Maddie.

The network did not clarify why Potter did not pursue the role, but the chemistry between Swisher, Elliott and Headley has been electric over time. sweet magnolias‘ first four seasons, which helped make the show a huge success.

Will there be a sweet magnolias Season 5?

Yeah.

Deadline reported that Netflix had renewed sweet magnolias for season 5 on April 23, 2025.

The announcement did not clarify whether the fifth season could be the show’s last.

READ MORE: Fans rejoice after Netflix renewal sweet magnolias for season 5

What will happen in season 5 of sweet magnolias?

In season 5, Maddie accepts the offer of her dream job. It requires her to move to New York City, which marks a big change in the arc of the show.

As Netflix Tudum According to reports, the narrative theme of the new season is “chasing your dreams.”

A new trailer for sweet magnolias Season 5 finds Maddie succeeding in her new career move to New York City.

She also misses her home and family until her two lifelong best friends come to see her and they embark on a new adventure.

Meanwhile, Helen prepares to finally marry Erik, while Dana Sue faces new marital challenges with Ronnie and also tries to start her teaching kitchen.

Swisher revealed some more information about sweet magnolias Season 5 during an interview with Us weekly in early August 2025, saying the new season will have “more romance” than any season so far.

“That’s across the board. It’s a rollercoaster as it always is, but I think this is the first season in a long time where fans will get those butterflies again,” he said.

“There are some new faces joining our cast in really unique and fun ways. The Magnolias are seeing new possibilities on the horizon that will only expand our world.”

He added that “no one dies” in season 5, after season 4 featured the shocking death of Maddie’s ex-husband Bill (Chris Klein).

Netflix offers a full preview of sweet magnolias Season 5.

Which cast members are coming back for? sweet magnolias Season 5?

In addition to Swisher, Elliott and Headley, most of the main cast members are expected to return to sweet magnolias for season 5, including Logan Allen, Anneliese Judge, Justin Bruening, Jamie Lynn Spears and more.

However, People reports that Carson Rowland, who played Tyler Townsend in sweet magnolias from season 1 to season 4 – has left the show before the season 5 premiereand his character will not participate in the new season.

Why isn’t Carson Rowland showing up? sweet magnolias Season 5?

The 28-year-old actor has not addressed his departure via social media, and some fans are upset that Tyler’s character and his childhood friend Annie (Anneliese Judge) finally acknowledged their romantic feelings for each other in Season 4.

However, they also had big obstacles ahead of them, as she was heading to college in California, while he planned to tour with his band in Europe.

sweet magnolias Showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson has confirmed Us weekly that Rowland made the “decision” to sit out the season, adding that her character will still have a well-developed story in her absence.

“By leaving, we wanted to make the best of the situation and see what happens when people leave the people they love to pursue a dream,” Anderson says. Us.

It is unclear if Rowland will return to sweet magnolias in a possible season 6 if Netflix decides to renew the show again.

IMDb has a full cast and crew list sweet magnolias.

Who joins the cast of sweet magnolias Season 5?

According TudumJamie-Lynn Sigler will play Nell Winters, a New York writer, while Janice Wesley will play Miss Eustice, a matron in Serenity.

Courtney Grace will play the role of Courtney Sinclair, Ronnie’s new business partner, and John Gabriel Rodriguez will play Clark Bellson, a businessman on Serenity who presents a challenge to the three friends.

Aidan Merwarth will play Noah Wharton, the Whartons’ grandson, and Austin Woods is confirmed for the role of Blake Monaghan. Iman Benson will play Jessica Whitley, Erik’s niece.