The Cast of 'Sweet Magnolias' Includes Some Familiar Faces (2025)

The Cast of 'Sweet Magnolias' Includes Some Familiar Faces (1)

(Image credit: ELIZA MORSE/NETFLIX)

By The Editors

published

in Features

If you're looking for a fluffy romance drama to ease the strain of, oh, the whole global pandemic thing, do I have the pick for you:Sweet Magnolias, whichdropped on NetflixMay 19. Based on theSweet Magnoliasbook series, thisfluffy small-town dramais created in the vein ofHart of DixieandGilmoreGirls, with ingredients including: a small, tight-knit town; frequent cocktail nights; love triangles; and a sense of earnestness that doesn't generally feel forced or fake.JoAnna Garcia plays Maddie Townsend, the lovable protagonist who's forced to start over when her husband (Chris Klein) runs off with his pregnant mistress (a very apologetic-lookingJamie Lynn Spears). We have bro-y friendships and curious teenagers, Sunday church services and a beloved local restaurant, not to mention plenty of heavy Southern accents (the show is set in Serenity, South Carolina). The inversion of edgy small-town dramaBig Little Lies, this fluffy romance series will do your tired heart some good; it's as soothing as the spa that the three best friends who helm the series found together. Here's your guide to who plays who.

For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for theMarie Clairenewsletter (subscribe here).

Stay In The Know

Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.

The Cast of 'Sweet Magnolias' Includes Some Familiar Faces (2)

(Image credit: Jason Merritt)

Jamie Lynn Spears as Noreen Fitzgibbons

Perhaps the most recognizable face in this series isZoey 101'sJamie Lynn Spears, who has been posting up a storm on Instagram about how excited she is to play Noreen, the pregnant former mistress to Chris Klein's Bill Townsend.

The Cast of 'Sweet Magnolias' Includes Some Familiar Faces (3)

(Image credit: Jim Spellman)

JoAnna Garcia as Maddie Townsend

Garcia, who you'll recognize from a plethora of TV shows and movies likeGossip GirlandAmerican Pie 2, plays the main character of Maddie, whose two best friends have to hold her up when her husband leaves her for Noreen.

The Cast of 'Sweet Magnolias' Includes Some Familiar Faces (4)

(Image credit: Robin Marchant)

Brooke Elliott as Dana Sue Sullivan

Elliot, the former Broadway star you'll recognize fromDrop Dead Diva,plays Dana Sue Sullivan, the head chef at a top restaurant who faces struggles raising her daughter alonebut is always bolstered by her two best friends.

The Cast of 'Sweet Magnolias' Includes Some Familiar Faces (5)

(Image credit: Timothy Hiatt)

Heather Headley as Helen Decatur

Like Elliott, Headley is a musical veteran who broke into acting (Chicago Med). She plays Helen, a warm, socially conscious lawyer who adores her little town of Serenity and her friends.

The Cast of 'Sweet Magnolias' Includes Some Familiar Faces (7)

(Image credit: Tommaso Boddi)

Justin Bruening as Cal Maddox

Bruening, whoGrey's Anatomyfans will remember as jilted-groom Matthew, plays the hot coach to Maddie's (Garcia) son. Spoiler: Sparks fly.

The Cast of 'Sweet Magnolias' Includes Some Familiar Faces (8)

(Image credit: ELIZA MORSE/NETFLIX)

Anneliese Judge as Annie Sullivan

Acting newbie Judge steals the show as Annie Sullivan, rebellious and razor-sharp daughter of Dana Sue (Elliott). She's also part of the "younger" cohort in this series, and is tight with the Townsend brothers.

The Cast of 'Sweet Magnolias' Includes Some Familiar Faces (9)

(Image credit: Charley Gallay)

Carson Rowland as Tyler "Ty" Townsend

Rowland plays Ty, a high schooler caught in the crossfire of his parents' divorce. Formerly a baseball star, Ty's place on the team is thrown in jeopardy when his grades start to slip.

The Cast of 'Sweet Magnolias' Includes Some Familiar Faces (10)

(Image credit: ELIZA MORSE/NETFLIX)

Logan Allen as Kyle Townsend

Former Nickelodeon star Allen plays Kyle, Ty's adorable, hilarious younger brother. Warning: The sweet rapport between the two siblings might make you tear up.

The Cast of 'Sweet Magnolias' Includes Some Familiar Faces (11)

(Image credit: Tommaso Boddi)

Dion Johnstone as Erik Whitley

Johnstone plays pastry-chef-turned-sous-chef Erik, the loyal number two to Dana Sue (Elliott). He's always got her back—and did I mention he happens to be very, very hot?

The Cast of 'Sweet Magnolias' Includes Some Familiar Faces (12)

(Image credit: Jonathan Wenk)

Caroline Lagerfelt as Paula Vreeland

Yes, that's CeCe Rhodes fromGossip Girl! Well, sort of: It's Carolina Lagerfelt, the beloved French-born actress, who plays Maddie's mom Paula.

The Cast of 'Sweet Magnolias' Includes Some Familiar Faces (13)

(Image credit: ELIZA MORSE/NETFLIX)

Michael Shenefelt as Ryan Wingate

Hollywood newbie Shenefelt plays Ryan, the on-off love interest to Helen (Headley).

The Cast of 'Sweet Magnolias' Includes Some Familiar Faces (14)

(Image credit: ELIZA MORSE/NETFLIX)

Bianca Berry Tarantino as Katie Townsend

The adorable Bianca Berry Tarantino plays little Katie, Maddie's youngest.

The Cast of 'Sweet Magnolias' Includes Some Familiar Faces (15)

(Image credit: ELIZA MORSE/NETFLIX)

Tracey Bonner as Pastor June

Bonner plays Pastor June, because every small town has to have a kindly, welcoming, omnipresent pastor.

The Cast of 'Sweet Magnolias' Includes Some Familiar Faces (16)

(Image credit: Chris Medlin)

Chris Medlin as Isaac Downey

Medlin plays Isaac, a sweet young chef in Mary Sue's kitchen who later turns into a major character (I'll stop here because, spoilers!).

The Cast of 'Sweet Magnolias' Includes Some Familiar Faces (17)

(Image credit: William Mark McCullough)

Harlan Drum as CeCe Matney

Newbie Drum plays CeCe, a member of the young 'uns cohort who's romantically interested in Ty (Rowland).

The Editors

Latest
  • The Boat Shoe Trend Has Officially Set SailThey're not just for fraternity brothers anymore.By Hanna LustigPublished 11 September 24
  • Kendall Jenner’s Rich-Girl Blonde Is Inspired by a KennedyIt’s a fall hair trend in the making.By Samantha HolenderPublished 11 September 24
  • Kate Middleton Channeled Princess Diana Energy in Her Video Message About Ending Cancer Treatment, According to Royal Experts"It’s hard not to think of Princess Diana when you look at this video..."By Kayleigh RobertsPublished 11 September 24
You might also like
  • 'The Perfect Couple' Cast: What to Know About Who Plays Who in the Netflix MiniseriesFeaturing the queen of the rich-people murder-mystery, Nicole Kidman.By Quinci LeGardyePublished 11 September 24
  • Is There a 'Selling Sunset' Season 8 Reunion? What We KnowThe cast's statements on social media are beginning to eclipse the Netflix show.By Quinci LeGardyePublished 9 September 24
  • What to Know About 'Selling Sunset' Season 8 Star Alanna GoldHere's what to know about the latest realtor to join the Netflix hit.By Quinci LeGardyeLast updated 10 September 24
  • Netflix's 'Midnight Sun' Series: Everything We Know About the 'Twilight' Animated SeriesHold on tight, spider monkeys.By Quinci LeGardyePublished 5 September 24
  • 'The Perfect Couple' Ending Explained: Who Killed Merritt?Nicole Kidman and Meghann Fahy star in the murder mystery.By Sadie BellLast updated 11 September 24
  • 'Kaos' Season 2: Everything We KnowThe Greek mythology-inspired series sets up a truly epic second installment.By Quinci LeGardyePublished 3 September 24
  • Your Guide to the Cast of Netflix's 'Kaos'The gods are real, and Jeff Goldblum is the king of them all.By Quinci LeGardyeLast updated 3 September 24
  • 'Outer Banks' Season 4: Everything We KnowHere's everything we know about the action-packed teen series' return.By Quinci LeGardyePublished 29 August 24
View More ▸
The Cast of 'Sweet Magnolias' Includes Some Familiar Faces (2025)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Horacio Brakus JD

Last Updated:

Views: 6578

Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Horacio Brakus JD

Birthday: 1999-08-21

Address: Apt. 524 43384 Minnie Prairie, South Edda, MA 62804

Phone: +5931039998219

Job: Sales Strategist

Hobby: Sculling, Kitesurfing, Orienteering, Painting, Computer programming, Creative writing, Scuba diving

Introduction: My name is Horacio Brakus JD, I am a lively, splendid, jolly, vivacious, vast, cheerful, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.