10 Comforting Shows Just Like Sweet Magnolias (Without Hate-Watching, Though)

Based on the novel series by Sherryl Woods, Netflix's Sweet Magnolias is a charming story about three friends in an idyllic South Carolina town romantically named Serenity. The trio, who call themselves 'Sweet Magnolias,' support each other through their joys and sorrows, learn life lessons together, and guide the younger generations on the path to adulthood.

But behind Sweet Magnolias' feel-good vibes, there's no small amount of cringe, as the quality of writing and acting have annoyed viewers from Season 1 through 3. And while there's still hope that the future installments might fix these problems, it may be a good idea to check out other similar shows that have the same comforting atmosphere but don't make you hate-watch through the episodes.

10. Virgin River (2019, 4 seasons)

IMDb rating: 7.4/10

Virgin River is a quiet provincial town somewhat similar to Serenity but located in Northern California. Protagonist Mel, grieving the loss of her husband, decides to make a fresh start by moving to the small town and takes a job as a nurse there.

And as viewers and Mel soon find out, in this idyllic picturesque place amidst mountains and forests, there is plenty of room for love and friendship, but also drama and betrayal.

9. Hart of Dixie (2011, 4 seasons)

IMDb rating: 7.7/10

Dr. Zoe Hart is a successful doctor spoiled by the privileges of the big city, who happens to move to the small town of Bluebell, Alabama, where she has inherited a practice. Over the course of the series, Zoe will have to temper her big city arrogance, adjust to new realities, make friends, and find love.

8. Superstore (2015, 6 seasons)

IMDb rating: 7.9/10

But it's not just romantic dramas that can provide comfort and lift your spirits — sitcoms can do the trick too! Created by Justin Spitzer, one of the producers and writers for The Office, Superstore is another workplace comedy following the chaotic work life of employees of a fictional big-box store in Missouri.

7. Gilmore Girls (2000, 7 seasons)

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Gilmore Girls is probably the most famous on the list, as it was one of the earliest examples of comforting comedy-drama shows. The plot follows Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, a mother and daughter, who live in a small New England town and have high hopes for their future.

6. Abbott Elementary (2021, 2 seasons)

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Quinta Brunson's upbeat, mockumentary-style sitcom follows the daily lives of primary school teachers who maintain a tight-knit community in a predominantly Black Philadelphia public school. Just two seasons long, Abbott Elementary is an incredibly warm show about finding hope and fulfillment in challenging situations and everyday struggles.

5. Parenthood (2010, 6 seasons)

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Parenthood follows the Braverman family in Berkeley, California, who are proud of their long lineage. With a perfect balance of drama and comedy, the series portrays the family bond of three generations of Bravermans as they practice the art of being good parents and children to each other.

4. Ghosts (2019, 4 seasons)

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Imagine if the ghosts and house owners in American Horror Story Season 1 weren't fighting over the mansion, but became friends instead — that's the story of the British sitcom Ghosts, about a young couple who inherit an old house filled with supernatural inhabitants. The show is incredibly funny and life-affirming, and it has an equally successful American adaptation that debuted in 2021.

3. Heartland (2007, 16 seasons)

IMDb rating: 8.5/10

No, we're not tired of drawing pop culture parallels! This time, imagine if Yellowstone focused more on family dynamics, showing the Duttons peacefully navigating their farm life instead of killing people and trying to dominate state politics. That's roughly what Heartland is about — the story of two sisters living with their grandfather, father, and a hired hand on a ranch in the Canadian countryside.

2. Schitt's Creek (2015, 6 seasons)

IMDb rating: 8.5/10

Once upon a time, the Rose family basked in gold and mocked the hapless poor. But one day, they find themselves stripped of all their possessions and stranded in a backwater motel in the comically named town of Schitt's Creek. While trying to make money and meeting new people, the family members reflect on their privilege and find a different meaning to life.

1. Friday Night Lights (2006, 5 seasons)

IMDb rating: 8.7/10

Our number-one pick is, surprisingly, a sports drama. While the plot revolves around a high school football team, the primary focus of Friday Night Lights is on the close-knit community in rural West Texas. The series tackles tough social issues like poverty, family values, and institutionalized racism, but the warm dynamics between the characters make it a satisfying watch.