‘Reba’ Star Wasn’t the First Choice for ‘Sweet Magnolias’

Former Reba star JoAnna Garcia Swisher is one of the leading figures of Sweet Magnoliasbut the show went in a completely different direction almost from the start.

Who was originally cast in it? Sweet Magnolias?

Netflix first announced Sweet Magnolias in September 2018.

Based on a beloved series of books by Sherryl Woods, the show originally announced Monica Potter in the lead 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 relationships, families, and careers in the fictional town of Serenity, SC.

READ MORE: Sweet Magnolias Season 5: Here’s everything we know

In August 2019, a Netflix spokesperson said attached to the Wrap that Potter would no longer headline the show, and Swisher – who is best known to country fans for her role as Cheyenne in Reba from 2001-2007 – stepped in to take over the role of Maddie.

The network didn’t clarify why Potter didn’t progress in the role, but the chemistry between Swisher, Elliott and Headley was electric over time. Sweet Magnolias‘ first four seasons, making the show a huge hit.

Will there be one? Sweet Magnolias Season 5?

Yes.

Term reported that Netflix had renewed Sweet Magnolias for season 5 on April 23, 2025.

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

READ MORE: Fans are happy after Netflix is renewed 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 huge change in the show’s arc.

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

A new trailer for Sweet Magnolias Season 5 shows Maddie triumphing in her new career move in New York City.

She also misses her home and family until her two best friends come to visit her and start a new adventure.

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

Swisher spilled a few more facts about it Sweet Magnolias Season 5 during an interview with We weekly beginning August 2025, saying the new season will have the “most romance” of any season yet.

“That’s true across the board. It’s a rollercoaster as always, but I think this is the first season in a very long time that fans are going to get those butterflies again,” she said.

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

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

Netflix offers one full preview of Sweet Magnolias Season 5.

For which cast members are returning Sweet Magnolias Season 5?

Besides Swisher, Elliott and Headley, most of the key players are expected to return Sweet Magnolias for season 5, featuring Logan Allen, Anneliese Judge, Justin Bruening, Jamie Lynn Spears and more.

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

Why isn’t Carson Rowland here? Sweet Magnolias Season 5?

The 28-year-old actor has not announced 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 major obstacles ahead of them, as she was headed to college in California while he planned to tour Europe with his band.

Sweet Magnolias showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson confirmed this We weekly that Rowland made the “decision” to sit out the season, adding that his character will still have a well-developed storyline in his absence.

“When he left, we wanted to make the best of the situation and look at what happens when people leave the people they love to chase a dream,” says Anderson. Us.

It is not clear whether Rowland will return Sweet Magnolias in a possible season 6 if Netflix decides to renew the show again.

IMDb has one complete list of the cast and crew of Sweet Magnolias.

Who joins the cast of Sweet Magnolias Season 5?

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

Courtney Grace stars as Courtney Sinclair, Ronnie’s new business partner, and John Gabriel Rodriquez plays Clark Bellson, a business owner in Serenity who offers the three friends a challenge.

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.