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.
Really desapointed that ABC did not renew NASHVILLE, I am Canadian and I am or was a big fan of that show, but will not add another network to watch my favorite show, I am very sad
Soooooo happy that CMT picked up Nashville!!!! Thank you!
I am super psyched Nashville is back!!! Thank you CMT!!! It was nuts ABC CANCELLED the show. The music was amazing on here!!!
I didn’t know the show was cancelled! Most everyone I know watches. Bad news for ABC. GREAT NEWS FOR CMT
So happy that CMT picked up Nashville it was one of my favorite shows I hope that they do more than one season. All of the actors I have watched on other show’s I love Avery with Julia.
I am thrilled that Nashville is continuing another year. It is a great show. I’m suprised ABC felt it needed to be cancelled, especially after seeing the shows they kept. Wow.
I loved watching Nashville but I don’t have cable and my internet capabilities are limited. How can I watch? This was clean entertainment which is very needed on TV today. Help!
Absolutely I will watch I only hope I get CMT on my direct tv which many channels have to be purchased separately, but this is worth a purchase, I will watch for sure
Nashville is by far the best show on television. I’m so glad loyal viewers still have the power to save a show.
This should be a message to the creative powers that we like family values, love, amazing music, extraordinary talent and definitely appreciate the lack of extensive cursing ang senceless murder.
I am so glad for Nashville to be coming back when does it start for 2016.
So excited, really enjoy this show
So glad Nashville will be coming back. When can I expect to be watching Season 5.
I am not a country fan but i L O V E this show: the great music, the story lines, the characters. I like the multi ages and stages of the characters’ musical careers. Plus NO vampire or zombie ilk nonsense. Please improve the writing, sometimes the dialogue is weak. Please continue the diversity of the music styles and the ways that the music-making-process path evolves, which really make the show so special.
Love it. Can’t wait for the new season.
Love this show, the only drama I watch, got all my friends hooked. Thank you CMT