Fans of the hit television series Sweet Magnolias are set to reunite with best friends Maddie, Dana Sue, and Helen on June 11. However, the show’s fifth season will be missing a familiar face: actor Carson Rowland, who plays Ty Townsend.

Carson Rowland’s absence was confirmed after viewers noticed his exclusion from the latest trailer. The departure of the 28-year-old actor after four seasons marks a significant change for the series, particularly as the “slow burn” romance between Ty and Annie Sullivan (played by Anneliese Judge) had become a major draw for the audience.

Regarding the reason for Rowland’s departure, showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson explained that the production team aimed to weave his exit into the narrative: “In his leaving, we wanted to make the best of the situation and look at what happens when people leave the people they love to chase a dream”.

On the subject of her co-star’s departure, actress Anneliese Judge expressed her support: “He had some other opportunities that I’m really excited for him about”. She further shared her personal sentiments, adding: “He’s a really, really good friend of mine, and so that’s something that’s really exciting for him and for all of us. We’re all still so supportive of him”. Judge also teased that Ty’s exit will provide an opportunity for her character to “redefine herself outside” of her romantic relationship with Ty: “He’s so great, and so of course it’s sad, but it’s also really exciting”.

In season five, audiences will witness a fresh shift as the setting moves from the town of Serenity to the bustling city of Manhattan, where Maddie takes on a new job. Showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson expressed her enthusiasm for this turn of events: “We are thrilled to let the Magnolias take Manhattan”. She emphasized the significance of this new journey: “Not only is this adventure huge fun, it’s also an opportunity to explore the facets of their relationships in a new context. While it’s crucial to have true friends in day-to-day life, it’s priceless to have them supporting you when you leap out of your comfort zone”.

While the content of season five promises new surprises regarding character relationships, fans continue to closely follow the series following the mixed critical and audience reception of season four.