Southern Hospitality Season 3 Episode 1 Recap: New hookups, fights, and rumors

The New Year kicked off with a bang for lovers of Southern Hospitality, as the show returned with Season 3 on January 2, 2025. The new season of the reality TV show promises a rollercoaster ride, as the OGs return with a bunch of newbies at Republic Garden & Lounge.

Southern Hospitality is a series that follows the lives of employees at Republic Garden & Lounge, a restaurant and nightclub in Charleston, South Carolina. As they navigate their personal and professional relationships with the cast, the show delivers drama, glamour, and tension.

The drama kicks off almost instantaneously in Episode 1, titled Bottles, Balloons, and Betrayal. TJ and Joe return with a lot of baggage from the previous season, with their friendship falling apart. Meanwhile, Emmy is still trying to work on her relationship with Will, who has joined a law school.

The synopsis of the episode says,

"Maddi finds unexpected romance in an old pal; Charleston is once again filled with rumors as Will gets real about his feelings for Emmy; as everyone hits the pool to celebrate Michols' birthday, Joe confronts TJ over betraying his trust."

Let's take a look at what happened when the vibrant cast returned on Bravo for Season 3.

What happens on Southern Hospitality Season 3 Episode 1?

Season 3 of Southern Hospitality began with some change in cast members. Will and Grace Lilly from previous seasons decided to take a leave and the show welcomes Austin, Lake, and Michols in the new season.

The episode hits the screen with a rewind of Emmy and Will's romantic journey. Tension seeps in with the accusation that Will has cheated on Emmy at the law school. With new members Austin and Lake confirming the story, Maddi exposes that Will was also living with the girl he cheated on Emmy with.

The New AGM at Republic

Emmy was promoted to the new Assistant General Manager (AGM) in the previous season that ended with new members entering the club. Michols Peña, a new member of Southern Hospitality, takes over Emmy's position as AGM.

TJ and the newbie reveal they shared a kiss months ago. As the two are now besties, TJ brings a grande latte that confuses Michols.

Joe and TJ's Feud continues

Ever since TJ revealed Joe's make-out session with Luann in the Season 2 reunion of Southern Hospitality, the two haven't spoken to each other. Even though Joe confesses that he did cheat on Danielle with Luann, he still blames TJ for revealing his truth and destroying the relationship.

With Gracy Lilly breaking the news about Joe and Maddi officially dating, the former has kept his guard up because he is afraid that TJ will mess up his relationship, given the vibes they presently share on Southern Hospitality.

Michols' 22nd birthday party

Southern Hospitality's new member Michols throws a birthday party as he turns 22, and it surely stirs up drama between the new couple in the house. As Joe and Maddi reach the party venue and take out all the gifts and balloons for the birthday boy, Joe mistakenly lets the balloons fly away. This upsets Maddi, as she calls the balloons their "first child."

Later Joe tries to confront TJ about their issues after he has reached out to Maddi to warn her about him. TJ, however, decides not to get involved in the conversation.