Southern Hospitality Season 3 Concludes With Relationship Developments
The much-anticipated season finale of Southern Hospitality aired on Thursday, March 6, 2025. This Bravo series, which provides a detailed look into the lives of the staff at Republic Garden & Lounge in Charleston, South Carolina, has captivated audiences with significant updates in the relationship between cast members Joe Bradley and Maddi Reese.
Joe and Maddi: A Reality TV Romance
Having begun their romantic journey in April 2024, Joe and Maddi have openly discussed the unique challenges associated with being a couple in the spotlight of reality television.
“It is a little daunting being a reality TV couple,” Joe remarked during an interview with Us Weekly on the finale date.
He elaborated on the common struggles faced by reality couples under public scrutiny but expressed optimism about his and Maddi’s strong connection. Unlike many others in similar situations, their relationship was built on a foundation of friendship prior to the onset of their romance. Joe accentuated that Maddi’s happiness remains his utmost priority, taking precedence even over their burgeoning television careers.
A Unique Connection Before Fame
Joe and Maddi’s relationship extends back to their collaboration before the show debuted in 2022. While many reality couples can falter under public expectation, Joe believes their prior friendship has awarded them distinct advantages in navigating their new fame.
“I think we’re a special case because we were best friends before the show, and I think it wasn’t forced,” he shared with Us Weekly.
While acknowledging that the pressures of reality television can complicate personal relationships, Joe revealed he and Maddi have dealt with these concerns head-on. He recounted a moment where he assured her that, should complications arise, “I choose you over a TV 1,000 times out of 1,000.”
Though publicly defining their relationship brings its own set of challenges, Joe conveyed unwavering confidence in their future. He did, however, admit that his earlier aspirations for their timeline—such as moving in together soon—were perhaps a bit ambitious, given the circumstances.
“I think I kind of got a little ahead of myself with a one-year plan, because it’s hard for me and Maddi to even have a one-week plan,” he noted.
Navigating Career and Commitment
Maddi’s demanding career as a DJ, which often requires her to travel unexpectedly, complicates long-term plans. Throughout Season 3 of Southern Hospitality, Joe and Maddi portrayed a mock wedding in Las Vegas, a experience that ultimately prompted a serious discourse about their future together. Joe broached the topic of cohabitation, which made Maddi understandably hesitant. Yet, as the season progressed, they appeared to align their perspectives once again.
“If you were to tell me a year ago or a year and a half ago [that] I would be in love and together with Maddi, I would call you crazy,” Joe reflected.
Season 3 Highlights and Tensions
The intricacies of Joe and Maddi’s relationship were prominent throughout Season 3, marked by moments of both joy and tension. Initially, Joe described their dynamic as “amazing” ; however, viewers witnessed the underlying stressors during flashbacks and conversations with friends.
Joe confessed to frequently spending nights at Maddi’s residence on Daniel Island, which left him feeling fatigued due to long commutes and the cost of Uber rides. Meanwhile, Maddi was less inclined to stay over at his downtown Charleston apartment. During a golf outing, he voiced his frustrations to friends Bradley Carter and Will Kulp, who pointed out the apparent imbalance of their relationship.
Bradley did not shy away from voicing his thoughts, playfully suggesting that Joe was overly accommodating to Maddi’s wishes:
“If Maddi says jump, Joe says, hi, hi, mommy,” he quipped.
In episode 9, Maddi confided her feelings of being overwhelmed by Joe’s desires for cohabitation. Their disputes culminated in a public confrontation at Republic, where Joe’s behavior around his Atlanta friends sparked Maddi’s frustration, leading to an eye-roll from her. This ongoing friction prompted TJ Dinch to conclude:
“I guess the honeymoon’s over.”
For those who missed the action, all episodes of Southern Hospitality are now available for streaming on Bravo.