Following the smash hit that was Netflix’s Sweet Magnolias, it’s safe to say that most have already binge-watched the entire season in a single viewing.
For those unfamiliar with the popular series, the show follows the lives of best friends Maddie, Dana Sue and Helen, who work together to start a business and reinvent themselves following dramatic relationship and career changes. Wholesome and emotional viewing, the small-town series is the perfect way to pass the time and keep your spirits high, at home.
However, if you’re like us and you’re ready for your next Netflix marathon, look no further. From finding lifelong friendships in Grace and Frankie to small-town drama in Virgin River, there’s no better time to sink your teeth into the next cult-favourite series.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best television shows on Netflix that are sure to keep you occupied while we all not-so patiently wait for season two.
Jane The Virgin
Jane The Virgin is all about the multi generational relationships between mothers and daughters. Much like Sweet Magnolias, the series’ take on the ups-and-downs of family bonds is all-too realistic. The series also happens to be both creative and empowering, and offers each character the chance to follow their dreams.
Watch Jane The Virgin here.
Gilmore Girls
One of the most popular television series’ to come out of the early 2000s, Gilmore Girls is essential viewing for any lover of small town drama. Set in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, the series follows Lorelai Gilmore, a single mother raising her daughter, Rory Gilmore amidst the trials and tribulations of their extended family and quirky townspeople. Warm, yet devilishly witty, it’s the perfect time to sit down and finally watch the cult-favourite series.
Watch Gilmore Girls here.
Anne With An E
Set in the small town of Avonlea, Anne With An E follows orphan Anne Shirley sent to live with her adult siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at their gorgeous farm, Green Gables. Based off the legendary novel, ‘Anne Of Green Gables’, the series shows us how a young, clumsy girl can find a sense of home and community.
Watch Anne With An E here.
Virgin River
Based in a remote town in Northern California, Virgin River follows the life of a nurse practitioner in mourning who is looking to find a new life in the town of Virgin River. Filled to the brim with realistic characters and romantic moments, the series is a must-watch for any Sweet Magnolias fan.
Watch Virgin River here.
Greenleaf
While Sweet Magnolias certainly has its fair share of dramatic moments and romantic scenes, Greenleaf is all of that and more. The series is about a family that runs a megachurch in Memphis, Tennessee whose business and personal lives are tainted with greed, adultery and other sins. If you needed more convincing, you may be able to spot a special guest appearance from Oprah Winfrey herself.
Watch Greenleaf here.
Grace And Frankie
Starting over after their husbands simultaneously ask for a divorce—in order to marry each other—Grace And Frankie follows the intertwining lives and eventual friendship of Grace and Frankie post-divorce. The life changing event catapults the friends to rely on each other and sets them onto new paths, filled with business ventures and new romances.
Watch Grace And Frankie here.
Good Girls
A touch darker than Sweet Mangolias, Good Girls focuses on the friendship between three women: Beth, Ruby and Annie. And most television friendship groups go shopping together or even open a spa together, these three spend their free time robbing grocery stores and getting caught up in a money laundering scheme while doing so.
Watch Good Girls here.
Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings
Full of stories of female companionship and emotional moments, Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings is more on par with Sweet Magnolias than you’d think. An anthology series, each episode is based on one of Parton’s legendary songs. From “Jolene” to “If I Had Wings”, the series includes everything from strong female friendships to heartbreaking family issues. In case you needed more convincing, the series features Sweet Magnolias star Brooke Elliott.
Watch Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings here.
Dead To Me
After her husband tragically dies in a hit-and-run accident, his wife Jennifer is determined to solve the crime. Dead To Me follows her mission to find justice, and her new friendship with Judy, who has recently suffered a tragic loss of her own. Meeting at a support group, the ladies become unlikely friends. Bonding over bottles of wine, Judy attempts to protect Jen from a shocking secret that’s set on detroying their lives.
Watch Dead To Me here.
Tales Of The City
Based in San Francisco, Mary Ann has fled her seemingly perfect life in Connecticut to return to her true home. Mary Ann is welcomed back by her chosen family, queer young residents of 28 Barbary Lane, a boardinghouse-turned-apartment complex. A sequel to the 1993 miniseries, the series includes stars like Laura Linney and Olympia Dukakis, who are reprising their roles from the original television production.
Watch Tales Of The City here.
When Calls The Heart
Set in Canada in 1910, When Calls The Heart is all about women creating supportive networks for each other. While it may seem vastly different from Sweet Magnolias, their premise is more similar than you’d think. The series follows Elizabeth Thatcher, a schoolteacher moving to a small town to teach children whose fathers perished in a mining accident. However, while she is there, Thatcher discovers a remarkable group of women who welcome her with open arms.
Watch When Calls The Heart here.
Heartland
Boasting a hearty 13 seasons, Heartland is more than just another small-town drama. Also based in Canada, this series follows a family who come together after a tragic loss. Through their bonds and their love of horses, the family grow closer than ever.
Watch Heartland here.
