Following reports earlier this week, Nashville has been rescued from ABC’s cancellation graveyard. CMT has renewed the music drama for a 22-episode Season 5, with a little help from Hulu, the network has confirmed:
“NASHVILLE” FINDS A NEW HOME ON CMT
Long-time SVOD Partner Hulu Continues to Stream All “Nashville” Episodes
Day after Initial AirNashville, TN and Santa Monica, CA – June 10, 2016 — Nashies rejoice! On the heels of tremendous outcry from legions of devoted fans, CMT, Hulu, Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF) and ABC Studios today announced that the critically acclaimed and fan darling series “Nashville” will return with a brand new season on CMT. Long-time SVOD partner Hulu will continue to bring fans their favorite series 24/7 by making all “Nashville” episodes available to stream the day after they air on CMT.
The series is produced by Lionsgate, ABC Studios, and Opry Entertainment. Production will commence in Nashville with Ed Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz (the creators of “Thirtysomething”)at the helm. The deal, negotiated by Lionsgate Television Group President Sandra Stern on behalf of Lionsgate and ABC Studios, Sarah Levy of Viacom Kids and Family Group on behalf of CMT, and Hulu executives, is an orchestrated initiative to ensure that “Nashville” fans will continue to have the same level of access to their favorite show.
“CMT heard the fans. The wave of love and appreciation they have unleashed for ‘Nashville’ has been overwhelming,” said Brian Philips, President of CMT. “‘Nashville’ is a perfect addition to our evolving line-up of big music specials, documentaries, and original series. We see our fans and ourselves in this show and we will treasure it like no other network. Nashville belongs on CMT.”
“‘Nashville’ has long been a fan favorite show on Hulu and we are so proud to continue to make new episodes available for fans to stream the day after they air,” said Craig Erwich, SVP and Head of Content, Hulu. “We look forward to bringing even more episodes of this acclaimed series to its passionate and devoted audience.”
“CMT and Hulu are the perfect combination for our iconic and beloved series ‘Nashville’ and we want to thank the incredible fans for their unwavering support—#Nashies, you helped make this possible,” said Kevin Beggs, Chairman of the Lionsgate Television Group. “We also want to extend our appreciation to the State of Tennessee, City of Nashville, and Ryman Hospitality for their unending support. They have been a key ingredient to the continued success of this show and we’re thrilled to extend our partnership for a fifth season.”
“We always had faith that we would find a way to bring ‘Nashville’ back to its devoted fans, and we’re very proud to be in partnership with CMT and Hulu to extend the life of this series,” said Patrick Moran, Executive Vice President, ABC Studios.
The recently wrapped fourth season of “Nashville” attracted more than 8 million weekly viewers across all platforms and ranks as one of television’s most DVR’d series. The series is particularly strong with women 18-34. Out of more than 180 broadcast dramas since Fall 2012, “Nashville” ranks in the top 20.
The series airs in 82 international markets on six continents. Since its debut, the show has inspired 10 soundtracks, including a Christmas album, which have collectively sold more than one million album units and over 5 million single-track downloads to date. It has also been nominated for multiple Emmy, Golden Globe and Critics Choice awards.
“Nashville” is set against the backdrop of the city’s music scene and follows Rayna Jaymes and Juliette Barnes. Both women face personal and professional challenges as they navigate their paths as artists and individuals. Surrounding them and often complicating their lives are their family, friends and, in some cases, lovers, as well as the up-and-coming performers and songwriters trying to get ahead in the business. Music City can mean so many things to different people. In “Nashville,” musicians and songwriters are at the heart of the storm driven by their own ambitions. Some are fueled by their creativity and passion for fame. Others struggle to cope with the pressures of success and are doing everything in their power to stay on top.
CMT
Elizabeth Capes says
Yes Man Now I’m a Happy Couch Potato
Another Poster says
Many thanks to the CMT network, congratulations to the fans who did their best to bring it back, and for those who love this program, I am so happy to read about the good news for them!
Every year should have at least one program that is brought back after being cancelled, similar to Unforgettable and Futurama.
As long as there are more good stories to tell and it can be done in a way that’s affordable for the network, bring back a cancelled program or two every year.
maryann says
Hooray! Any idea when it will air? Looking forward to it. Thanks CMT!
Patricia Bell says
Thanks to CMT, Hulu and all the others pitching in to bring Nashville back.
Page 48 says
I wonder if CMT has any room left over for “Person of Interest”.
Bill Cord says
Glad to see another good show saved by cable network like Netflix saved Longmire last year.
Nancy says
Thank you CMT!!! Nashville is one of the best shows on TV
suzan ingui says
Thank God CMT has picked up this excellent series. wonder what was on ABC’s mind when they cancelled this popular well received show with good ratings. good bye ABC hello CMT. thank you for bringing back my show.
Sondra says
I don’t fall in the 18 – 34 demographic. I’m 73 and this is my favorite show. I’m sure there are a lot more seniors who also enjoy Nashville. Advertisers seem to forget about us. But, we are still alive and still shop. Thanks to everyone involved who saved this wonderful show, Nashville and it’s oh so talented cast, writers, directors and all the other behind the scenes people who are responsible and the fans. Saving Nashville makes it a little easier to say goodbye to another favorite canceled this year, The Good Wife. See all you folks in Nashville, Season 5. #NASHVILLE
teresa says
I agree with you 100%. I am 56 years old & they always forget anyone over 40. They don’t seem to realize that we are the ones paying the cable bill!! Nashville is also one of my favorite shows ever & wanted to cry when it got cancelled but now happy.
Doris says
I agree with both you ladies I am 50 and they always forget about us
Bob says
Couldn’t be happier one of my favorite shows saved from the axe.
Nancy says
Great news to hear a great show is coming back. Who needs ABC!!! Thanks CMT!!! Now let’s all get together and save another great show PERSON OF INTEEREST.
Cheri says
YEeeeaah! AM elated Nashville is back. The best music and storyline in a long time. Will look forward to Season 5.. Huge THANK YOU to CMT
Florence Arland says
I am also very happy to CMT for picking up Nashville for season 5 hope there will be more seasons as well as Hope you can also pick up Person of Interest from where it got cancelled this is another good show. can you give us a date when Nashville will be aired.
Alliie says
Yay, thought it was gone for good, wish I could bring back others I love.. Thank you CMT and Hulu!!!
Peggy Granbery says
Thank you to the new networks for picking up this very entertaining and relevant program! It’s encouraging to know that there are networks who value not only great story lines and great music, but also have the courage and integrity to address real topics such as homosexuality, teen rebellion and post-partum depression. AND provide a platform for relatively unknown singers to shine! Thank you! Can’t wait !