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 am a faithful Nashville fan. The last show, I was in tears. Please don’t take it off the air. I can’t wait to see what happens to the other actors. You can at least do another season.
I have loved Nashville since the beginning and will continue to watch, but it is hard to imagine Deacon with anyone else but Rayna. I do feel that CMT needs to have more of the music. I have read a great deal of information on Connie Britton leaving & when I saw her on Kelly, I could tell she did not want to talk about it as much, as she teared up. Connie is a single mother & she said that before she adopted her son workload was never an issue. This is just my opinion, but it sounds like… Read more »
I agree! I still think there was plenty for her character to evolve! Maybe she really just wanted some time to be w/ her Son. I just feel bummed because sRayna & Decon FINALLY got married, FINALLY got through, (what has seemed like un-ending trauma! & Now this!) I REALLY wanted to see them HAPPY for a change w/ out all the heart-ache! I wanted to see their love story flourish! I wanted to see Rayna evolve as a kick-ass record label executive, mentoring new talent (especially her daughter Mattie) I wanted so much just to see their family happy… Read more »
I agree with both of you. My first reaction to Connie’s leaving was , “Well, there goes another show I won’t be watching.” But then, I realized how many really talented people are on there, and this is an opportunity for them to have their roles expanded. I do wish she could have stayed longer and been given a storyline that might have allowed her to return. I’m hopeful that CMT will give this show with such powerful characters and wonderful music another year.
no i want she was a big part of show
omg, i cant believe rayna is gone, i love her, but i also love the show, so i most likely will keep watching!
I will continue watching
No Rayna, No Soul! She held it ALL together like Mother Earth. Without her the “orbiting” characters and their personal side plots have no central source of the beautiful heart and soul that was Rayna James with total credit to her incredible persona by Connie Britton. Without her the talented cast has no one to keep them from “spinning out into space” in their own mini-plots with no cohesive character that Connie alone kept together with her warmth and genuine country comfort that was THE Rayna James Connie masterfully portrayed. I will miss her and “Nashville” and truly enjoyed its… Read more »
I lived in Nashville & love the show. Each time I watch it is like a trip back. I will miss “Rayna”, but I will give the show a chance without her. I wish Connie all the best & hope she is back somewhere soon.
I lived in Nashville & I love the show. Since I moved away, it is like a trip back each time I watch the show. I will continue to watch as long as Rayna’s ex-husband isn’t a part of the show. His part was so poorly cast & his character is so disgusting that his return would be the end for me. I wish Connie all the best & I will miss Rayna.
I didn’t have an issue with teddy and to be honest he wasn’t that big of a character on the show that it would effect anyone from watching or not to be honest he was the only one i recognized when i started watching. I use to watch cold case and he was one of my favourites so i actually liked him i just didn’t like how they wrote him that is on the writers not the actor
It is Conne that wants to leave. She is leaving all the actors maybe jobless. I call that very selfish. I absolutely love this show. And will continue to watch it. I will not watch anything Connie does for now on!!!!!
That is just stupid all actors get bored of shows after awhile and creatively want to move on what you never quite a jobs or think about staying just for your co workers of course not you moved on to another job that pays you better or you like better or some added benefit actors are no different
I really think that is a very childish way to react! You have no idea what is going on in Connie’s life! Maybe she feels she really needs some time off to spend some quality time w/ her Son. Since she adopted him, she has been working continuously, sometimes a Mother’s heart-strings, & need to be more present in her child’s life, needs to be her #1 priority! To now boycott her work is a serious over-reacted, coming from a very selfish place! I’m not happy she’s gone either, but I think her Son SHOULD mean more to her than… Read more »
I loved loved this show but won’t watch it anymore very disappointed!!
I think i will see the end of the season and how it goes and decided if i will continue next season or not
It was a total unexpected shock when Rayna died. I love the show, but have found that there is very little, if any singing and more drama. It has become more of a soap opera than when it first aired. I hope the characters can grow up and figure out what they want in their lives and bring back more singing.
Rayna was a big part of the show but she wasn’t the only part. The other characters are absolutely wonderful and just as important. I think it’s ridiculous to boycott a show because one character/actress/actor leaves.
I will continue to watch the show. Many opportunities for the cast of other characters to grow.
Yes….love the show and will be curious to see what unfolds. Sad to see Conne Britton leave but she has to do what is right for her.
I loved the show and the actors but Rayna was my favorite. I think she held the whole show together . I will continue watching as I love the singing. Hope it will still be wonderful.
No i will no longer watch