As expected, the Nashville TV show has been saved by CMT! The Country Music Television network has picked up the fifth season of Nashville, which was unceremoniously cancelled by ABC, just before the end of the fourth season. UPDATE 12:27 pm: Per Deadline: CMT has ordered a full 22 episode season, which will be a dual play on Hulu. In other words, all Nashville episodes will available to stream the day after they air on CMT.
According to the report, the entire cast is expected to return for the fifth season on CMT. The Nashville TV series cast includes: Connie Britton, Hayden Panettiere, Clare Bowen, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson, Sam Palladio, Lennon Stella, Maisy Stella, and Chris Carmack.
Here is the report from Nate Rau and Cindy Watts, for The Tennessean:
“Nashville” will return for a fifth season that will be broadcast on CMT and streamed on Hulu thanks to a unique deal that was reached on Thursday after weeks of negotiations, according to sources familiar with the talks.
The show was canceled by ABC after a four-season run, but fans of the show banded together and launched a social media campaign to save the country music-focused drama. Lionsgate began pitching the show to other networks and ultimately found a home on the Nashville-based CMT.
Crucial to the deal is the incentive package that will see the state, Metro, the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. and Ryman Hospitality chip in funds to offset the cost of the show’s production. The state put $8 million in its budget and Nashville Mayor Megan Barry has proposed a $1.375 million fund for film incentives, though the final amount for “Nashville” has not been announced.
The state and Metro have justified incentives for “Nashville” by arguing the show brings tourists to the city and pumps millions of dollars into the local economy, in addition to bringing production jobs.
The entire cast is expected to return for the show, which will be under the direction of a new creative team.
“Nashville” was conceived by Ryman Hospitality and developed by Lionsgate. The show’s ratings were inconsistent in its fourth season, but a loyal fan base has remained. And “Nashville” has additional revenue streams than the typical television show because of its music licensing component.
In fact the show’s stars have been on a tour in recent weeks. Some observers have said that no scripted show has licensed more original music than “Nashville.”
The show has also taken local film production to another level, providing steady employment for hundreds of workers behind the scenes. The local payroll was in the neighborhood of $21.2 million for season two, according to the most recent numbers released by the show’s representatives.
‘Nashville’ incentives
Season 1: $14.4 million
Season 2: $13.25 million
Season 3: $8 million
Season 4: $10 million
What do you think, Nashies? Are you relieved CMT has picked up the fifth season of the Nashville TV series? Do you plan to watch? Let us know, below.
yes yes yes when is it on?
Couldn’t be happier–will definitely be watching–this is the best show on TV
Fantastic news! yI was devastated when it was not picked up again by ABC……their loss and definitely a lucrative and wise decision by CMT!! I love this show and am extremely ecstatic!! Thank you CMT!!
Thank you great show and so happy we get it back
This is such great news!!! Love this show.
I have watched since season one, which is shocking since I did not like country music.
All I can say is: THANK YOU CMT!!! You’ve made an excellent decision, and millions of HAPPY FANS!!
Love it, só glad thank you CMT
Very good music.
You made My Days
So very happy my favorite show has been picked up for another season. Just make sure CMT advertises a lot as to when the new season will begin so all Nashville fans will know and watch. This is such a great show. The music is fabulous, love the actors and the story line. ABCs last show was awful. Felt like they rushed to tie up all the loose ends. Thank you CMT.
Love “Nashville” and have watched from the beginning. Music is Awesome!!!
Its a great show, loved it from the beginning!!!
CMT thank you. One of the best shows ever. Seriously don’t understand ABC.
I am so glad it is coming back. I only found it this last season. Great show, great stories and really great music.It is the old country style which is far better than the new stuff by some artists. Thank you CMT
FANTASTIC NEWS!!! I am so excited and will definitely be watching the show on CMT! I do not currently subscribe to that channel but will absolutely be adding it to my current TV package. Thank you CMT!!!
Thrilled!!!! We will definitely be watching!!!
😀
Exactly, Anne. Exactly!