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
(ABC/Mark Levine).
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.
Not surprised that this show was created by a hospitality company and partially funded by the state. A money making scheme that overcrowds Nashville even though people are starting to tire of the show. Thank goodness it will now be stuck in a less visible channel.
Love this show. When will
It start back?
I am very happy that CMT is airing the show Nashville.I am so sorry that ABC felt it necessary to cancel season 5. I am a die hard Nashville fan.Please tell me when the show is to air. I keep checking CMT to see if I find it..I tape it as well as watch it at the same time. Thank you CMT for realizing the need to continue on with the show.
I was devastated when informed that Nashville was cancelled by ABC. I generally do not watch prime time TV due to its unwholesome nature. Nashville is my one and only show that is wonderfully written and the actors are awesome. Thank goodness for CMT a station that supports true talent. Yeah, I will still see Rayna and the gang!
I can’t wait !!! I am soo excited !! Thank you ! When is it going air ?
I’m so happy and I’m very excited I was devastated when I heard it was cancelled.
Absolutely I will follow Nashville wherever it lands. ABC doesn’t always make the best decisions. Thanks to social media got their attention
Very excited that the show will continue on CMT! Never was a very big country music fan but love, love this show. Have bought all the end of season albums on itunes and play them regularly. Thank you CMT
Finally, someone listened, — and a full season. Can’t wait. The music is awesome — hope the new writers/producers can get some better storylines going to keep this show alive for more seasons to come.
So excited to hear that Nashville will be on CMT. I love that show and was so disappointed to hear that it was being canceled. Thank-you CMT for knowing a good show when you see one and for letting us have Nashville for at least one more season.
Yeah, so excited my favorite show is renewed
I was elated to know I get to OK forward to season 5. Thank you so much CMT!
Well done, CMT! Now, can you please save other cancelled TV shows?
Like Rush Hour, CSI: Cyber, Heroes Reborn, The Tomorrow People, Alphas,
Stalker, Second Chance, Rookie Blue, The Carrie Diaries, Under the Dome,
The Mysteries of Laura, Gracepoint, Person of Interest and Star-Crossed.
What about CMT saving other cancelled shows? Such as Dallas, Top Gear and Penny Dreadful.
Oh, and what about CMT saving The Bridge for it’s third season?
So happy CMT will air Nashville!! Love the show
Thrilled !! Great to see that “fans” do have a voice!!