For many fans, Sweet Magnolias season 5 wasn’t the same without Carson Rowland — and it appears his TV grandmother feels the same.
“Miss my gorgeous prodigal grandson @carsonrowland!” Caroline Lagerfelt, who portrays Paula Vreeland on the Netflix series, wrote via Instagram on June 14, sharing two pictures with Rowland, 28, who portrayed her grandson, Tyler “Ty” Townsend, from season 1 to 4.
She added, “Thank you for all your love …. And come home!♥️🌸🌸🌸.”
Caroline Lagerfelt and Carson Rowland. Courtesy of Caroline Lagerfelt/Instagram
While the selfie — which appeared to be recent — and the picture of Lagerfelt, 78, with Rowland on set in the past caused a stir, it was Rowland’s comment that has fans thinking a Sweet Magnolias return isn’t out of the question.
“Well, grandma does know best ❤️,” Rowland wrote in the comments section, seemingly hinting that he could be coming “home” to the show during season 6.
Carson Rowland’s absence from Sweet Magnolias has sparked backlash from fans, but the actor has been busy working on a new project — and it’s finally been revealed. Rowland, 28, will have a “recurring role” on NBC’s The Rockford Files, Deadline reported on Thursday, June 11. While Rowland’s character on the reboot has not been shared, […]
Lagerfelt gave Rowland’s remark her stamp of approval, replying, “@carsonrowland 😍♥️🌹.”
Several fans expressed their hope that Rowland will reprise his role next season after his season 5 absence, with one writing in the comments, “I hope this is a sign we will see more Ty soon!!”
Carson Rowland and Caroline Lagerfelt. Courtesy of Caroline Lagerfelt/Instagram
A separate user wrote, “I second this @carsonrowland !!!” appearing to back Lagerfelt’s desire to see Rowland more.
“Come back!!!! We need you and Annie to fix things,” another fan responded, referring to Ty’s onscreen romance with Annie (Anneliese Judge), to whom he confessed his feelings for during season 4 of the hit show.
While Ty’s absence for part of season 4 was explained when he chose to prioritize his music career and go on tour, fans were hopeful he’d be back in a full-time capacity for season 5 when it premiered on June 11.
Unfortunately for those fans, Sweet Magnolias showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson exclusively confirmed to Us Weekly in late May that Rowland made the “decision” to sit out for season 5.
“In his leaving, we wanted to make the best of the situation,” Anderson told Us at the time, confirming that Annie’s love for Ty would remain a topic despite his departure.
The showrunner added that they planned to focus on “what happens when people leave the people they love to chase a dream.”
Ella Grace Helton as Katie, Logan Allen as Kyle, Justin Bruening as Cal, Caroline Lagerfelt as Paula and Carson Rowland as Tyler on ‘Sweet Magnolias.’ Netflix
Throughout season 5, there were nods to Ty, including a “miss you” text he sent Annie out of the blue despite her decision to move on romantically, finding herself in a love triangle with Blake (Austin Woods) and Noah (Aidan Merwarth).
Annie also received a missed FaceTime call from Ty, which some fans think could be a sign that he could return down the road.
“We’ll have to wait and see, won’t we?” Anderson teased to Deadline in June when asked about Rowland’s possible comeback.
After years of near-misses, lingering feelings and one of Sweet Magnolias’ most beloved slowburn romances, Annie Sullivan finally got her happily ever after with Ty Townsend, only for it all to fall apart. But for star Anneliese Judge, that heartbreak may be exactly what her character needed to truly bloom. “I know Ty and Annie’s […]
While Rowland hasn’t publicly shared what his plans are regarding Sweet Magnolias, Deadline reported on June 11 that he already has another TV gig in the works.
The outlet revealed that Rowland has a “recurring role” on NBC’s The Rockford Files, which is a reboot of the 1974 series, which starred James Garner. The new show, which has been picked up for a full season, will star David Boreanaz.
Rowland hinted at his career pivot via Instagram on May 28, writing, “I’m alive. Promise!” alongside a series of pictures, one of which showed him filming something.
“He had some other opportunities that I’m really excited for him about,” Judge exclusively told Us of Rowland, showing her support for her former TV love interest. “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.”
