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.

It was thrilling news that the show was primed to return for yet another season, although with so many major plot points hanging in the balance, that new season can’t come quickly enough. In addition to the Virgin River prequel spin-off show, Netflix is providing Virgin River fans with a brand-new season of another show to hold them over, though. Sweet Magnolias, another Netflix original that focuses on family, friendship, and small town life, is the perfect watch for anyone anxiously awaiting Virgin River season 7.

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

Both Shows Share Similar Themes And Atmospheres

JoAnna Garcia Swisher smiling as Maddie Townsend in Sweet Magnolias Helen from Sweet Magnolias season 3 stands smiling at the camera in a colorful outfit. Helen, Maddie, and Dana Sue drinking champagne in Sweet Magnolias season 4

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.

Sweet Magnolias Has A Bigger Emphasis On Friendships & Its Ensemble Cast Than Virgin River

Unlike Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias Dives Into Many Characters’ Stories In Detail

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.