Nashville has had a bit of a bumpy ride since its original network ABC cancelled it in 2016 and it then found a new home at CMT. Although a sixth season has been in the works even after that Season 5 shocker, CMT has now confirmed that the upcoming season will be the show’s last, Cosmopolitan reports. Time to break out the tissues!
“All of us on Nashville are so incredibly grateful to the show’s fans, who convinced CMT to give us a chance to keep telling the story of these remarkable characters,” said series executive producer Marshall Herskovitz in a statement. “And we want to return the favor with a final season that celebrates all the joys and passions, twists and turns—and amazing music!—that made Nashville such an exciting journey for the last six years.”
Clare Bowen, who plays songwriter Scarlett on the show, recognized the announcement on Twitter by sharing a photo of her character and writing, “Here’s to our final season of Nashville.”
Here’s to our final season of @NashvilleCMT… https://t.co/KAdhl2ASFB #NashvilleCMT pic.twitter.com/dU4rNcMJKR
— Clare Bowen (@clarembee) November 17, 2017
Charles Esten, aka Rayna’s beloved partner Deacon, revealed more of his thoughts on the news, posting a heartfelt message about how much Nashville means to him. “This role, this show and this city have changed everything for me and mine,” the actor said on Twitter.
Hard to express the amount of gratitude in my heart. This role, this show, and this city have changed everything for me and mine. I’ll have plenty of time to give my thanks to so many, but for now: To our incredibly loyal #Nashies all over the world: THANK YOU #NoYouNoUs https://t.co/Rwtc6ysSgU
— Charles Esten (@CharlesEsten) November 17, 2017
Also responding to the cancellation notice was Jonathan Jackson, who has played Avery for the show’s entire run thus far. Promising a powerful series ending, he wrote, “We’re going to finish Season 6 strong!”
Season 6 will be the final for @NashvilleCMT. I want to thank the fans for their incredible support. We’re going to finish Season 6 strong! I look forward to seeing you all at a concert in the coming year. pic.twitter.com/18dRgIuyyF
— Jonathan Jackson (@JonathanJackson) November 17, 2017
The show’s OG leads, Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere, have yet to publicly comment on the news, but I bet their responses will be what really makes the ending of Nashville sink in.
The show’s final season premieres on Jan. 4, 2018, and is expected to air its series finale in Summer 2018.