The deal did not come together in time for Wednesday’s CMT Music Awards, but it did come together. “Nashville” will receive a fifth season on the country-themed cable network.
CMT confirmed the renewal in a Friday morning press release.
“CMT heard the fans. The wave of love and appreciation they have unleashed for ‘Nashville’ has been overwhelming,” said CMT president Brian Phillips. “‘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.”
Hulu will retain streaming rights to the show; episodes will continue to air on the digital service teh day after making their CMT premiere.
“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 Lionsgate Television chair Kevin Beggs. “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.”
CMT’s press release did not confirm the episode count or season premiere date.
ABC, which aired the first four seasons of “Nashville,” passed on a fifth season renewal this spring.