For those of you who can’t wait until January 5 when the TV Show Nashville returns on CMT—you’re in luck. CMT has released a behind-the-scenes video of the cast and crew talking about the shows return, after cancellation from ABC, and their new network.
“Well, I never had a doubt for a second,” laughs Charles Esten in the behind-the-scenes video. “You can tell when it’s not time and it wasn’t time.”
After ABC cancelled the hit show at the end of Season 4— and fans petitioned to bring it back— Nashville found a new home with the CMT Network and got right to work on preparing for season 5.
“It kind of feels, in some ways, like a new show,” says Jonathan Jackson, who plays Avery Barkley on the show. Lennon Stella, whose character Maddie Conrad is the eldest daughter of Rayna James, welcomes the change. “Honestly, I think it feels better,” she adds.
Our favorite characters will be returning to Nashville for season 5 with the exception of Luke Wheeler, played by Will Chase and Layla Grant, played by Aubrey Peeples. But the show will see some new faces as well, including Rhiannon Giddens —of the Carolina Chocoloate Drops—who plays social worker Hallie Jordan and Jen Richards, who will play physical therapist Allyson Del Lago.
Nashville will air live and stream online on CMT starting Jan. 5. The show will also stream on Hulu, which currently carries the show’s previous seasons. Watch as the cast gives a behind-the-scenes look at Season 5 of CMT’s Nashville.
