Mel in Virgin River in front of a vibrant red background

The fan-favorite Netflix show Virgin River is confirmed to be returning for season 7, but for those who can’t wait for Virgin River season 7 to drop, the brand-new season of another small town Netflix show, Sweet Magnolias, may ease the wait. Virgin River season 6 dropped in December 2024, and the show ended with a number of major cliffhangers, including what happened to Charmaine, who seems to have met a gruesome fate in the new season. Season 6 also saw some shocking updates to Brie’s relationship with both Mike and Brady.

Sweet Magnolias Season 4 Is Fantastic To Watch After Virgin River Season 6

JoAnna Garcia Swisher smiling as Maddie Townsend in Sweet Magnolias

As mentioned, Virgin River and Sweet Magnolias share many themes and messages, making Sweet Magnolias perfect for audiences who love Virgin River. Virgin River focuses primarily on Mel and Jack, a couple that comes together over the course of many seasons that see them facing various obstacles, big and small, to their budding romance. Initially, major character Maddie in Sweet Magnolias faces a similar uphill battle with her love interest, Cal.

However, both shows end up being about so much more than one singular romance. In Virgin River, heavier themes such as death, medical concerns, grief, and even abusive relationships arise. The show also highlights the importance of family and friendships and has a calming atmosphere (most of the time) because of its small town setting. Sweet Magnolias likewise has a small town setting that is often charming and even soothing for viewers.

Both shows end up being about so much more than one singular romance.

Alexandra Breckenridge as Mel and Martin Henderson as Jack in Virgin River season 6, episode 10

Sweet Magnolias also highlights themes pertaining to family and friendship. In fact, arguably, Sweet Magnolias is even more focused on friendship than Virgin River is, given Maddie, Helen, and Dana Sue comprise so much of the Sweet Magnolias’ cast of characters and have been best friends for decades. Virgin River, by comparison, is much more focused on Mel and Jack, which is a major change from the books. Whereas Sweet Magnolias truly dives into myriad characters’ stories, Virgin River doesn’t focus as much on secondary characters.

Nevertheless, both Virgin River and Sweet Magnolias are the perfect comfort shows, especially because of their shared emphasis on family, friendship, and community. This is also the perfect time for new viewers to begin the show, as Sweet Magnolias season 4 just dropped this week. Although Sweet Magnolias can’t answer the burning questions left unanswered in Virgin River season 6, it can make the wait for season 7 a bit easier.