Is Nashville worth watching without Rayna James? Recently, rumors have circulated that Connie Britton is leaving the CMT series this season. So we want to know: Would you watch Nashville without her? Should the series be renewed for season six if she leaves?
Britton plays Rayna James on the country music drama, which moved to CMT for season five after ABC cancelled the show last spring. The cast also includes Hayden Panettiere, Charles Esten, Clare Bowen, Sam Palladio, Chris Carmack, Jonathan Jackson, Lennon Stella, and Maisy Stella.
[SPOILER ALERT] During a recent episode of Nashville, James was hit by a truck after a terrifying encounter with her stalker, Carl Hockney. Could this be foreshadowing for the character’s exit? In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, co-showrunner Marshall Herskovitz emphasized Britton’s commitment to the series:
“Connie had a lot to do with that. We had a very long and interesting conversation with her before we started and she talked about her feelings about where Rayna would be right now and also [with creator] Callie [Khouri].”
Earlier, Britton also told Ellen DeGeneres that she was “in for the duration” of Nashville.
What do you think? Do you think Britton will leave? If so, will you still watch the series? Should there be a season six of Nashville without her?
I have not decided yet…Rayna and Deacon were the perfect TV couple and gave a feeling of family to the show. I also loved the songs from everyone on the show. But without Rayna where is the family feeling. I love Deacon but where is he without Rayna. I wish they had just left it cancelled. The whole situation just breaks my heart, and I am mad at myself for taking it so personally….
Most definitely! My favorite series. I will miss seeing Rayna, but love all characters!! Keep the show going, please.
Of course I will continue watching. It’s called loyalty and of course Connie was a huge part of the show and a major player in its development! At the point I feel Nashville has its feet firmly on on the ground and the only way is up. The phenomenal cast will continue to bring us “country fans” great entertainment Thursday nights. I was one of those who wrote in to save the show and thanks CMT that you did!
Barbara
Alberta
Rayna will be missed by everyone who loved her but I will still watch the show
I’ll watch but I am not interested in seeing Maddie and Daphne anymore.. Nothing against them but they were a nuisance for Raynas character and shes gone now…so they shouldn’t be a big part of the show anymore
Rayna will be missed
I will still watch , but the show will not be the same without Rayna.
I will still watch, but she would be very missed. 🙁
So much for “for the duration” comment. Will still watch it. Will be interesting to see how the family pulls together after Rayna’s death.
Yes, I might watch it depending on what happens to Deacon’character. Deacon has always been my favorite and would probably stop watching Nashville if he was no longer in it. As for the rest of the characters they are not a big draw for me. I also must make mention of Deacon & Rayna’s song ‘Hurricane’. Just beautiful!!!!!! I’ll be buying it for sure. They are both great singers. All in all, it would be nice to see Rayna’s character continue. It’s nice to see a loving, healthy relationship in a show.
No I won’t watch anymore. Why didn’t they just replace her? Too much of a soapopera for me!
I won’t be watching anymore. Enough grief on TV. I’ve had enough
Finished watching it. Without the key character, it will not have anybody to keep it rooted. I understand Connie Britton may have wanted to leave, but I do not feel the series will survive. I guess it should have ended after ABC dropped it.
She had been singing less and less to the point where she had become a business exec. We really liked her earlier roles on ABC when she and Deacon would perform. Hopefully Nashville will now return to more performances a a bit less of the soapbox aspect. Having more of Juliette and Scarlett should be good but there’s no way that Maddie could take Rayna’s place. I far prefer Maisy as far as that goes. She seems to have a much nice tone. Unfortunately, they seem to be pushing Maddie as the new Juliette ( makes no sense) and Juliette… Read more »
Yes, I will continue to watch the show, even without Connie Britton. Nothing could beat the first 2 years. When Connie stopped singing early on, that hurt. Though the stage and recording scenes have been significantly less, as well, I continue to watch for our beloved characters sing the songs of up and coming songwriters, and all the guest singers. “Juliette” needs to get back on stage – Hayden will be dynamite whichever musical route the show’s direction takes. Lennon has a terrific role, but enough with the teenage drama – let her shine! And get Charlotte and Will back… Read more »
Charlotte ???? Do you mean Scarlett?
Look forward weekly to watch this show. I am 61 and my wife is 63. Both of us love the show.!!!! Would we watch it without Rana in it, Nor sure, Would give it a shot, but she is over 70% of the the show’s drama
If they can bring sleepy hollow back without Abbie, why not this or castle. Oh i know….these two to a more important than Abbie. watch all the people say no we can’t watch it without her but some still want to see Sleepy Hollow. I can understand not wanting to see the show anymore without a character you like it.