'Reba' Star Was Not the First Choice for 'Sweet Magnolias'

Former Reba star JoAnna Garcia Swisher is one of the leading lights of Sweet Magnolias, but the show almost went in a very different direction from the start.

Who Was Originally Cast in Sweet Magnolias?

Netflix first announced Sweet Magnolias in September of 2018.

Based on a beloved series of books by Sherryl Woods, the show originally announced 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 relationships, families and careers in the fictional small town of Serenity, S.C.

In August of 2019, a Netflix spokesman confirmed to the Wrap that Potter would no longer headline the show, and Swisher — who's best known to country fans for her role as Cheyenne on Reba from 2001-2007 — was stepping in to take over the role of Maddie.

The network did not clarify why Potter did not move forward in the role, but the chemistry between Swisher, Elliott and Headley has been electric over the course of Sweet Magnolias' first four seasons, helping to make the show into a major hit.

Will There Be a Sweet Magnolias Season 5?

Yes.

Deadline 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.

What Will Happen in Season 5 of Sweet Magnolias?

In Season 5, Maddie is accepting the offer of her dream job. It requires her to move to New York City, marking a huge change in the arc of the show.

As Netflix Tudum reports, the narrative theme of the new season is "chasing your dreams."

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

She's also missing her home and family until her two lifelong best friends come and see her, launching a new adventure.

Meanwhile, Helen is preparing to finally marry Erik, while Dana Sue is facing new marital challenges with Ronnie and also trying to launch her teaching kitchen.

Swisher spilled a few more facts about Sweet Magnolias Season 5 during an interview with Us Weekly in early August 2025, saying the new season will have the "most romance" of any season so far.

"That is across the board. It's a roller coaster as it always is but I think this is the first season in a really long time that fans are gonna get those butterflies again," she said.

"There are some fresh faces that are joining our cast in really unique and fun ways. The Magnolias are seeing new possibilities on the horizon that are going to only expand our world."

She added that "no one dies" in Season 5, after Season 4 featured the surprising death of Maddie's ex-husband, Bill (Chris Klein).

Netflix offers a full preview of Sweet Magnolias Season 5.

Which Cast Members Are Returning 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 on Sweet Magnolias from Season 1 through Season 4 — has exited the show ahead of its Season 5 premiere, and his character will not take part in the new season.

Why Is Carson Rowland Not in Sweet Magnolias Season 5?

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

However, they also had major obstacles in front of them, as she was headed to college in California, while he was planning to tour with his band in Europe.

Sweet Magnolias showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson has confirmed to Us 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.

“In his leaving, 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," Anderson tells Us.

It's not clear if Rowland will return to Sweet Magnolias in a potential Season 6 if Netflix decides to renew the show again.

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

Who Is Joining the Cast of Sweet Magnolias Season 5?

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

Courtney Grace is cast in the role of Courtney Sinclair, Ronnie’s new business partner, and John Gabriel Rodriquez will play Clark Bellson, a business owner in 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.