
There’s something undeniably cozy about small-town TV series. Something that wraps around you like a warm blanket on a chilly evening. We love them because of the feelings they evoke, the sense of belonging and familiarity they give us. Not to mention the charming settings and the picturesque landscapes that transport viewers to a world where troubles feel a little lighter and the heart grows a little warmer.
From the endearing quirks of the townsfolk to the heartfelt relationships that blossom amidst the backdrop of everyday life, we’ve chosen 7 small-town TV series that are perfect to cozy up with. You can find most of them on Netflix.
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Sweet Magnolias (2020-present)
“Sweet Magnolias” revolves around three lifelong friends, Maddie Townsend, Dana Sue Sullivan, and Helen Decatur. We watch them navigate the ups and downs of life in the small town of Serenity, South Carolina. After enduring various personal and professional challenges, including divorce, career setbacks, and family struggles, the three friends lean on each other for support and guidance.
As the series unfolds, Maddie deals with the aftermath of her divorce while raising her three children and exploring new romantic possibilities. Dana Sue juggles her roles as a single mother and the owner of a successful restaurant. Meanwhile, Helen, a talented attorney, confronts her feelings for a former flame while navigating family dynamics and career aspirations.
At the end of the day, though, they have each other. Friendship and intimacy is what we and the characters experience in “Sweet Magnolias”. This show is the perfect blend of small-town coziness and drama.
Hart of Dixie (2011-2015)
“Hart of Dixie” invites viewers into the charming town of Bluebell, Alabama, where big-city doctor Zoe Hart finds herself unexpectedly practicing medicine. As she navigates life in the close-knit community, Zoe encounters a colorful cast of characters, from eccentric locals to quirky patients. Along the way, she grapples with matters of the heart, forging new friendships and discovering the true meaning of home.
In real smal-town fashion, the show delves into traditions such as:
- The Founder’s Day Parade: Bluebell celebrates its founding with an annual parade, complete with floats, marching bands, and community spirit.
- The Sweetie Pie Dance: A charming tradition where residents gather to enjoy pie and dance the night away, fostering camaraderie and fun.
- The Rammer Jammer: The local bar and grill, owned by Wade Kinsella, serves as a gathering place for the townsfolk, hosting events like karaoke nights and live music performances.
- Bluebell Belles: A group of local women who serve as ambassadors for the town, participating in events and spreading goodwill throughout the community.
- The Bluebell Baking Contest: An annual competition where residents showcase their culinary skills by baking pies, cakes, and other treats, with bragging rights on the line.
- The Mayoral Race: A hotly contested event that occurs periodically, highlighting the town’s political dynamics and providing a backdrop for humorous and dramatic moments.
Filled with Southern charm, humor, and heartwarming moments, “Hart of Dixie” is a delightful journey of self-discovery, love, and the joy of small-town life.
Virgin River (2019-present)
In “Virgin River”, nurse practitioner Melinda “Mel” Monroe seeks a fresh start in the small, tight-knit community of Virgin River, a picturesque town nestled in the majestic mountains of Northern California.
We follow Mel as she settles into her new job and adjusts to life in a small town. The more time she spends in Virgin River, the more she becomes entangled in the lives of its residents. Though not without facing her share of challenges (like convincing the town’s doctor to trust her), Melinda gets attached to the cozy town and the people she meets.
Besides the small-town charm, the series also delves into relationships, the main one being between Mel and Jack Sheridan, the owner of the local bar and restaurant, Jack’s Bar. Their relationship develops gradually, starting with a tentative friendship as they both navigate their past traumas. Over time, their bond deepens as they provide support and comfort to each other. Eventually, their relationship blossoms into a romantic connection filled with trust and understanding.
Ghost Whisperer (2005-2010)
“Ghost Whisperer” follows the life of Melinda Gordon, who possesses the ability to communicate with spirits. As she navigates her role as a medium, she helps earthbound spirits resolve unfinished business and find peace. Alongside her husband and friends, Melinda encounters a variety of supernatural phenomena while striving to balance her gift with her everyday life.
The series combines elements of drama, mystery, and the paranormal, captivating audiences with its heartfelt storytelling and exploration of the afterlife.
While “Ghost Whisperer” doesn’t explicitly define Grandview as a small town, it still has the small-town charm of some other series. Grandview maintains a sense of community and familiarity among its residents. In fact, Grandview is depicted as a suburban community with a bustling downtown area, some residential neighborhoods, and various amenities like shops, restaurants, and schools.
Also part of the smal-town coziness is Melinda’s antique shop called “Same As It Never Was Antiques.” The shop served as a significant setting in the series, where Melinda often interacted with both living people and ghosts.
Chesapeake Shores (2016-2022)
“Chesapeake Shores” (2016-2022) transports viewers to the idyllic town of Chesapeake Shores, Maryland, where the O’Brien family reunites to confront their past and forge a brighter future.
In this TV series, we witness each family member navigate personal and professional challenges, such as rivalries or differences in values. They also discover the healing power of love, forgiveness, and second chances. Romance is actually the central theme in the series, so you can expect to see the characters facing challenges in their romantic relationships.
In terms of small-town characteristics, while “Chesapeake Shores” does feature a small-town setting, it also includes elements of a coastal community, due to its waterfront location. This gives it a unique charm, the kind that makes us love escaping into Chesapeake Shores.
Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)
“Gilmore Girls” (2000-2007) follows the lives of single mother Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter, Rory, as they navigate love, friendship, and family in the charming small town of Stars Hollow. The TV show captured the audience’s attention with its quirky characters, fast-paced dialogue, heartfelt relationships, and small-town charm.
This means that viewers get to see not only how the characters get along and evolve, but also several small-town traditions which add to the cozy atmosphere of Stars Hollow. Some of these traditions are:
- The Stars Hollow Annual Picnic: This event brings the entire town together for a day of food, games, and community bonding. It’s a cherished tradition that highlights the town’s unity and camaraderie.
- The Winter Carnival: An annual event filled with festive decorations, games, and competitions, the Winter Carnival is a beloved tradition that adds sparkle to the town during the holiday season.
- The Founder’s Day Firelight Festival: This celebration commemorates the founding of Stars Hollow and features a parade, music, and the lighting of the town’s iconic gazebo. It’s a nostalgic event that brings residents together to honor their town’s history.
- The Dance Marathon: A quirky tradition where couples dance continuously for hours to raise money for charity. It’s a testament to the town’s spirit of fun and community involvement.
- The Festival of Living Art: This unique event sees residents reenacting famous works of art, turning the town into a living art gallery. It’s a creative and whimsical tradition that showcases the town’s creativity and passion for the arts.
Good Witch (2015-2021)
“Good Witch” is the epitome of cozy small-town TV series. It’s safe, it’s warm, it’s light, happy, and always positive. The show takes viewers into the enchanting town of Middleton, where the benevolent witch Cassie Nightingale resides.
As the owner of the Bell, Book & Candle shop, Cassie brings a touch of magic to the lives of her neighbors, offering guidance, wisdom, and a sprinkle of enchantment. Alongside her daughter Grace and the eclectic residents of Middleton, Cassie navigates life’s challenges with grace and compassion, using her mystical gifts to foster love, healing, and harmony in the community. Filled with warmth, whimsy, and heartwarming moments, “Good Witch” is a delightful journey of friendship, family, and the power of kindness.
If you are looking to binge-watch a show where you can rest assured everything is going to be okay, then “Good Witch” is the answer.
These are the 7 small-town TV series we’ve chosen for you. Which one of them are you going to cozy up with and binge-watch? And if you need more TV or book inspiration, check out more of our posts!
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