Netflix's Sweet Magnolias is based on a romance novel series by Sherryl Woods. While the show may differ from the book series, still romance is at the forefront. Many of the romances center on the three best friends (Maddie, Helen, and Dana Sue), who are known as the sweet magnolias. However, potential romances also exist in the show for other characters.
How do all of the romances and potential romances rank so far?
Annie and Kyle
Annie (Dana Sue's daughter) is the romantic interest for Kyle (Maddie's middle child). Kyle seeks out advice from Noreen, his father's fiancee, about how to approach Annie. Finally, he decides to tell Annie about his feelings. However, his love is one-sided as Annie sees Kyle as only a friend.
At the end of the first season, it does look like Kyle has another romantic interest, someone who is attracted to him. Hopefully, he is healthy and able to pursue this interest since he was in the wreck.
Bill and Noreen
At the start of the series, Bill and Maddie are in the middle of finalizing their divorce. The reason for their divorce is Bill's infidelity as he had an affair with the much-younger Noreen, impregnating her. Bill decides to marry her, and these two are presented as a couple. Noreen is the "homewrecker" that people want to hate, but she's really a sweet person.
However, her relationship with Bill is fraught with problems. Bill doesn't seem to really know or care to know her. He also doesn't seem to like her family. When Noreen leaves him, it makes sense, and it seems unlikely that this couple will have much of a future.
Maddie and Bill
The season ends with Bill asking Maddie to take him back. Maddie and Bill had been high school sweethearts, and they have a family of three lovely children. However, Bill cheated on Maddie for a much younger woman. During the divorce proceedings, he was initially harsh with Maddie, asking to take the house where she was with the three children. When she begins to date again, he's jealous although he's with someone else.
In the past, these two must have been quite the duo, but in the present, they are better as co-parents, not romantic partners.
Dana Sue and Micah
It was suggested that Dana Sue and Micah once had wild times together, possibly ending in an unplanned pregnancy (to be answered in the next season). Regardless of that possibility, Dana Sue and Micah have stayed close and both own the restaurant. Clearly, they are no longer romantic though they once were.
Although a romance that ends in a close friendship, is a good sign that their romance and connection was incredibly strong.
Annie and Ty
While Annie doesn't have feelings for Kyle, she does have feeling for Ty (Kyle's big brother). This, of course, could complicate the tight relationship between the brothers. Initially, Kyle doesn't know that Annie likes him. When he finds her silly-drunk at a party, he looks after her, makes sure that no one hurts or takes advantage of her, and then gets her home safely. Annie initiates an innocent kiss, which surprises Ty.
Later, she confesses her feelings to him in a voice mail. While Ty didn't have those type of feelings for Annie, he starts to develop them. To save face, she quickly takes back her words. It's young love at this point, but it's in the beginning stages of a great romance.
Dana Sue and Jeremy
Dana Sue met Jeremy, the farmer, and sparks flew immediately. Ryan had brought Dana Sue to meet Jeremy in order to help convince her to use his produce. Dana Sue was ready to collaborate with Jeremy as soon as she saw him. Not only did Jeremy have delicious strawberries, but he had the air of adventure that Dana Sue missed from her own life.
The two were interested in each other for the start, and it could develop into something fun--that is, if Ronnie isn't there.
Dana Sue and Ronnie
The audience doesn't really know much of what happened between Dana Sue and Ronnie, but based on Dana Sue's reactions, it couldn't have been good. It's unclear as to how long they have been separated, but Ronnie only has screen time at the end of the season. Still, in the little screen time he has, viewers learn a lot.
Viewers learn that Ronnie is a dedicated father and has a good relationship with Annie, his daughter. Also, Ronnie followed Dana Sue's guidelines and stayed away, but now he's back. He wants a second chance, and based on the chemistry between the two--Dana Sue might give him that chance.
Helen and Ryan
Helen and Ryan have been sweethearts for a long time. Unfortunately, Ryan's family tried to stand in their way when they were younger, having difficulty with their relationship since it was interracial. However, Ryan never let his family hold him back, and he pursued Helen. These two love each other, and they have an epic and special love.
Through no fault of their own, these two don't work out. They love each other, but they want different things. Helen wants to have kids, and Ryan doesn't. No amount of their romance can erase that key distinction, and when they are over towards the end of Season 1, they recognize that they are really over this time. Both of them are in pain, feeling the loss of their relationship.
Helen and Erik
That said, Helen has a sweet guy who is very interested in her--Erik. He comes over to her house with homemade brownies and cinnamon ice cream. Erik tells her that he recognizes that she's been the strong one for others lately, and it must be hard since she is going through her own pain. He adds that he brought her these treats because, "I wanted to lift you up a bit."
Helen lets down her walls, crying for what she's lost. And Erik, a great guy, holds her and lets her cry. Later, they talk, and while they aren't a romantic couple yet--their interactions have all the makings of a great romance.
Maddie and Cal
While all of the three sweet magnolias (Dana Sue, Helen, and Maddie) are leads in this show, it's really Maddie's turmoil and romance that are front and center for this season. If the show follows the books, the next season will focus more on the romance of another magnolia. Maddie is at her lowest at the beginning of the series. Her husband cheated on her, and she's divorced. She's unsure of her next step, her next job.
She also finds herself attracted to and pursued by Cal, Ty's coach. Their connection is real, and Cal understands that Maddie is a catch. This doesn't mean that their relationship won't be without its hiccups, but the two are able to communicate and work through them.