Monica Potter, Brooke Elliott and Heather Headley have been cast as the leads on Netflix’s upcoming romantic drama series “Sweet Magnolias.”
Set in the charming small town of Serenity, South Carolina, the 10-episode show is based on a Sherryl Woods book series published by Harlequin’s MIRA Books, about three women who have been best friends since childhood.
“Parenthood” alum Potter will play Maddie Townsend, “a low-key but resolute, warm and loving woman with a vocabulary like Southern poetry. She finds herself at a crossroads in her life and her best friends are trying desperately to convince her that now is the time for reinvention.”
“Drop Dead Diva” star Elliott has been cast as Dana Sue Sullivan. Per Netflix, “Everyone knows Dana Sue Sullivan as the strong-willed owner and head chef of Sullivan’s Restaurant, a cherished spot in the town of Serenity. A former wild child, she works constantly but is always willing to drop everything for her friends.”
And “Chicago Med’s” Headley will play Helen Decatur, “a lawyer who has made it her goal to create an opportunity for the people of Serenity, her hometown. Whether professionally or as a friend, Helen is an ally- particularly to Maddie. Helen is selfless, and she has to be – her career means that she spends a lot of time focusing on other people’s problems.”
Sheryl J. Anderson will serve as showrunner and executive producer along with Dan Paulson. Norman Buckley will serve as co-executive producer and direct six episodes of the series. Woods will executive produce.
“Sweet Magnolias” was ordered to series by Netflix last September, along with an adaptation of “Virgin River,” the Harlequin book series penned by author Robyn Carr.
Deadline first reported the casting news.