Here’s some sweet tea to sip on: Sweet Magnolias has been renewed for a third season. Based on the book series by Sherryl Woods, the drama follows the lives of three lifelong best friends in the fictional small town of Serenity, South Carolina — and Maddie (JoAnna Garcia Swisher), Dana Sue (Brooke Elliott) and Helen (Heather Headley) will all be back. Throughout the first two seasons, the ladies have experienced their fair share of relationship troubles, unlikely friendships and unexpected tragedies. 

Although the Season 2 finale doesn’t end in another car accident, we were all left too stunned to speak yet again. Just as Helen and Erik (Dion Johnstone) are finally finding some balance in their relationship, their equilibrium is thrown off when Ryan (Michael Shenefelt) shockingly proposes to Helen. Showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson and executive producer Dan Paulson certainly love leaving viewers hanging on by a thread, and hopefully we won’t have to wait too much longer to find out Helen’s answer. 

Another shake-up from Season 2 is the arrival of a mysterious new character who harbors a grudge against Dana Sue. Not everything is about to be under control in Serenity next season, but at least the three ladies will have each other to lean on. “The power of female friendship really does fuel so much in life, but it’s not often highlighted,” Anderson tells Tudum. “Look at how women support one another in happy times and sad times, giving one another strength when it’s needed and support and joy. It really ripples through an entire community.” Can’t wait for Season 3? Reread the book with Netflix Book Club host Uzo Aduba, and revisit past seasons here.