'Nashville' Series Finale Airs Tonight: Will Rayna Jaymes Make an Appearance?

I grew up in a little town just north of Nashville. My all-time favorite movie is Robert Altman's Nashville. So it probably comes as no surprise that I love the TV series Nashville, that aired on ABC for two seasons before moving to CMT. Tonight, Nashville is wrapping up its six-season run with the series finale at 9 p.m ET/PT, and I will miss these characters and their continuing stories very much.

While always a big fan of the series, part of my sadness is due to the fact that I absolutely love the depth and focus Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick added since becoming showrunners at the start of Season 5.

Since you are reading this blog, you probably already know how fantastic Jonathan Jackson (Lucky Spencer on General Hospital). He has delivered in every scene for six seasons and I'm hoping his character, Avery Barkley, reunites with Juliette Barnes tonight (Hayden Panettiere).

Herskovitz and Zwick's interpretation of the Claybourne-James family has been an absolute joy to watch the past two years. I can't say enough about Lennon and Maisy Stella, sisters who were hired to play Rayna's daughters because of their incredible music talent that developed into great actresses. Maisy Stella may be the next Adele. Mark my words. And Deacon's relationship with Maddie and Daphne is TV magic, just like his chemistry with Rayna.

Speaking of Rayna Jaymes, will fans get one final glimpse in the finale?

Connie Britton starred in the first four and a half seasons of Nashville as Rayna, a country superstar who pursues a comeback while dealing with raising her kids, a complicated romantic life and running her own record label. Fans were sad when Jaymes died last year, but in a new trailer released for the series finale it appears Britton might be returning to the show for one final turn in front of the cameras.

In the clip below, Rayna's widowed husband, Deacon Claybourne (Charles Esten), sees what appears to be his true love, bathed in light as if in a visitation from beyond. "Is this real?" he wonders aloud in the scene.

Television Academy Unveils New Online Portal for 'The Interviews: An Oral History of Television'

The Television Academy Foundation has launched its new website for The Interviews: An Oral History of Television, featuring never-before-seen interviews with many of television’s most beloved stars, show creators and behind-the-scenes innovators.

It is the world’s largest such collection available online.

For more than 20 years, the Foundation has been recording and preserving the first-person stories of television’s creation and its evolution, amassing the largest oral history archive on the medium and, since 2008, making it available online.

That website houses a curated and fully searchable, cross-referenced online archive of over 4,000 hours of uncensored interviews with icons from television's earliest days to current stars and visionaries. It’s an unmatched collection of in-depth conversations with industry professionals from many disciplines and in all genres in television.

'Nashville' Two-Hour Premiere Airs Tonight on CMT

On December 15, CMT aired a one hour sneak peek from the new season of Nashville. Tonight, fans can watch the complete two-hour premiere starting at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CMT.

Season 5 begins with Rayna and Deacon facing a new normal with Maddie now back home and Highway 65 struggling financially. The shocking news about Juliette creates a wave of emotions throughout Nashville and sets Rayna off on a journey of discovery.

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.

Watch the Season 5 trailer below.

'Nashville' Season 5 Trailer Released, Will Now Premiere on December 15!

Nashies, set your DVRs now! As an early holiday gift for the fans, CMT today announced plans to sneak the first hour of the two-hour season premiere of Nashville on Thursday, December 15 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Additionally, CMT just dropped the trailer for the new season. Produced by Lionsgate, ABC Studios and Opry Entertainment, the two-hour season premiere of Nashville will debut on Thursday, January 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

The season begins with Rayna and Deacon facing a new normal with Maddie now back home and Highway 65 struggling financially. The shocking news about Juliette creates a wave of emotions throughout Nashville and sets Rayna off on a journey of discovery.

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.

Watch the newly released trailer below.

CMT Releases 'Nashville' First Look Promo

Guiding Light alum Hayden Panettiere stars as Juliette Barnes.

CMT has released a first look promo at primetime soap opera Nashville, which moves to the network following four seasons on ABC.

Nashville is set against the backdrop of the city's music scene and follows Rayna Jaymes (Connie Britton) and Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere). 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.

Watch the promo below.

CMT Orders 'His Wives & Daughters' Pilot Sets January Premiere Date for 'Nashville'

CMT has revealed the premiere dates for its 2017 scripted series including Nashville, Million Dollar Quartet and Still The King, marking the biggest scripted slate in the network's history. Additionally, CMT has ordered a new soapy scripted pilot, His Wives & Daughters. The three series join an impressive roster of CMT originals that fueled +11% ratings growth year over year among Adults 18-49.

"After a promising start with Still The King, we now have a clear path in attracting new audiences with our scripted programming," said Jayson Dinsmore, CMT's head of development. "Beginning with Nashville in January, each series will help launch the next; creating an overlay to cycle viewers through our originals year round."

Produced by Lionsgate, ABC Studios and Opry Entertainment, Nashville makes its triumphant season five debut on CMT with Ed Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz (the creators of Thirtysomething) at the helm, returning with a special two-hour premiere on Thursday, January 5 at 9pm ET/PT. Long-time SVOD partner Hulu will continue to bring fans new episodes of Nashville by making them available to stream the day after they air on CMT at http://www.hulu.com/nashville. Star Connie Britton (Rayna James) has only signed on for about 10 episodes of the new season so far. The 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. Nashville is executive produced by Marshall Herskovitz, Ed Zwick, Steve Buchanan and Callie Khouri. Jayson Dinsmore and Morgan Selzer executive produce for CMT.

NEWS: James Patrick Stuart, Marie Wilson, Jonathan Jackson, Van Hansis, 'Nashville' Cast Revealed, 'Corrie' 6 Days a Week

James Patrick Stuart

James Patrick Stuart teases General Hospital debut
Stuart is making a daytime comeback, with a GH debut scheduled for July 8. He tells Soap Opera Digest his new role as “so fun, it just seemed like it would be exactly the way that I would want to go back. I wouldn’t want to go back to anything subtle!” He previously played Will Cortlandt on All My Children.

Marie Wilson dishes her upcoming Days of our Lives exit
Wilson reveals to Soap Opera Digest how she found in February out about her upcoming exit. “Albert Alarr [co-executive producer] gave me a call and he told me about the change of direction for the character,” she recounts. Wilson last airs as Summer Townsend later this month.

Nashville Update: Connie Britton, Hayden Panettiere, Plus 7 Others Set to Return for Season 5 on CMT
Connie Britton (Rayna James) and Hayden Panettiere (Juliette Barnes) are both poised to return to the CMT-bound Nashville in Season 5, TVLine is reporting. Also expected back for the 22-episode season are co-stars Charles Esten (Deacon Claybourne), Sam Palladio (Gunnar Scott), Jonathan Jackson (Avery Barkley), Clare Bowen (Scarlett O'Conno), Lennon Stella (Maddie Conrad), Maisy Stella (Daphene Conrad) and Chris Carmack (Will Lexington).

Coronation Street dismisses claims that cast isn't happy about filming six episodes a week instead of five
A report in The Sun suggested that cast members were unhappy with the extra-hectic schedules set to begin in late 2017, and feared that the additional episode per week will adversely affect the quality of writing on the soap’s storylines.

But showrunners have since revealed that cast members are actually behind the move, describing the reaction from cast favorites as overwhelmingly positive." A Corrie spokesperson told Digital Spy: "We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response to the news from cast, writers and crew when it was shared with them and the production team on Wednesday."

As the World Turns alum Van Hansis stunned by murder of 49 people at Orlando gay club
Said Hansis (ATWT's Luke Snyder): "I think it’s really important to stay out there and keep fighting and to not let something like this terrible tragedy stop the celebration and the ownership of how far we’ve all come. It’s very telling that even though gay marriage passed across the country and things have changed so much for the positive, there’s still this underlying homophobia. You’ve got to stay angry, and you’ve got to stay vigilant. You have to ask for more than just moments of silence and prayers at times like this."

'Nashville' Getting Picked Up By CMT?

Nashville made find a new home on CMT.

Last month, ABC announced that it was not renewing primetime soap opera Nashville for a fifth season, and began promoting the Season 4 finale as the "series finale." But producer Lionsgate TV had a different idea, and continued shopping the show to other networks. Based on new reports in local newspaper The Tennessean and entertainment outlets like Variety, it looks like the production company is about to strike a deal with cable network CMT for a new season, and possibly more.

If finalized Wednesday, a deal could be announced during the CMT Music Awards, which broadcast live that night.

Most of the Nashville characters received happy ending during the finale in May. Rayna (Connie Britton) and Deacon (Charles Esten) reunited with their emancipated daughter, Maddie (Lennon Stella). Gunnar (Sam Palladio) and Scarlett (Clare Bowen) shared a passionate reunion kiss on stage. Will (Chris Carmack) was headed toward a possible reunion with Kevin, and had come to terms with being the face of a cause and using his celebrity to make a difference. It looked like Avery (Jonathan Jackson) was also about to reunite with Juliette (Hayden Panettiere) but he learned, in the final scene, that her plane possible went down 90 miles west of Nashville.

Last month on a call with press, Lionsgate’s head of TV, Kevin Beggs, said they have “long-term deals with the cast,” though as the CMT renewal is not yet official, returning cast members have not been announced. Ed Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz are on board as showrunners for Season 5, as the duo was attached before the show was cancelled at ABC.

NEWS: 'EastEnders' Christmas Preview, Connie Britton, Bill And Susan Hayes, Cicely Tyson, 'Love, Sex, and Choices'

EastEnders teases its explosive Christmas storylines
In Albert Square, it will never be a quiet Christmas. But even EastEnders fans will be shocked by the chilling turn of events that are set to transpire over the festive period as teaser shots from the forthcoming episodes drop some huge hints this week.

[SPOILERS] In a spectacular crescendo in the BBC soap, the Christmas Day episode is expected to see the Hubbards and Mitchells come to blows, the birth of Stacey's baby and the Beales and Mitchells sit down for an explosive festive feast.

Connie Britton on Nashville, Friday Night Lights, Ageism in Hollywood, and Her Glorious Hair
"I find a lot of people talking now about this golden age of television for women, which really has happened in the span of my career. And yet, I think back — my inspirations were Mary Tyler Moore and Lucille Ball and Marlo Thomas, all amazing women who were doing it back in the day, and that was amazing television, too. I’ve had a great opportunity to depict women who are striving to empower themselves, but in ways where they still maintain their femininity, their grace, and their vulnerability. I never get preachy about it, never get on a soapbox about it. But I do feel fortunate that I can create characters that maybe sometimes will impact somebody in a profound way."

Bill And Susan Hayes Talk About Their On- And Off-Screen Romance
The Hayes met on the NBC soap opera Days of our Lives back in 1970. Known for their roles as Doug and Julie Williams, they originally had entirely different plots before the show's head writer William Bell saw a connection between the two.

"He wrote a romance for us before we knew we were having a romance," says Susan Hayes. "So NBC said 'let's marry them.'"

A Northeastern Professor Made a Soap Opera About HIV Prevention
Rachel Jones, an associate nursing professor at Northeastern, has focused her research on curtailing HIV and AIDS transmission among urban women, particularly African American women. To move her mission forward, the National Institute of Nursing Research, part of the National Institutes of Health, awarded Jones a $2 million grant to put toward intervention efforts targeted at urban African American women between the ages of 18 and 29.

But for Jones, a classic PSA wasn't enough. Instead, she used the money to create Love, Sex, and Choices (LSC), a 12-part soap opera laced with references to responsible behaviors like safe sex and HIV testing. LSC follows the lives of four women—who, though fictional, are based on real stories—and tackles issues ranging from concerns about cheating to having sex with at-risk partners. Each episode concludes with advice from a “guide,” who points out risky behavior such as having sex with a partner who may not be monogamous.

Vatican City Drama About Female Papal Spokesperson From The Good Wife Creators & Scott Free Set At Amazon
Vatican City tells the story of an American, female, on-screen reporter working at a financial news network in Rome. There she comes to the attention of the liberal pope, Clement, who, knowing he can’t buck tradition and make women priests, decides to shake up the curia by making her the papal spokesperson. Once there, she’s forced to navigate 2000 years of sexism and a boss who 1.2 billion people consider infallible.

Cicely Tyson: A pioneer stretches her acting muscles in a new career chapter
Throughout the 1960s, she continued to appear on television (on the soap opera The Guiding Light, as well as the prime-time dramas I Spy and Gunsmoke) and movies (The Comedians, The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter). While she was doing press for “Sounder,” Tyson encountered white journalists who evinced surprise that black families were just as loving and tightly knit as their own. What those reporters were saying, she realized, was that “we’re not human beings. It was those kinds of experiences that made me sit down and think, ‘You can’t just go out there and be an actress.’ I knew then that there were several issues I wanted to address, and I used my career as a platform.”

George Lucas on his decision to "break up" with Star Wars
"The issue was ultimately, they looked at the stories and they said, 'We want to make something for the fans,'" Lucas said. "People don't actually realize it's actually a soap opera and it's all about family problems - it's not about spaceships. So they decided they didn't want to use those stories, they decided they were going to do their own thing so I decided, 'fine.... I'll go my way and I let them go their way.'"

'Nashville' Sneak Peek: Rayna Needs Deacon as a Partner

"I need you as a partner, and a co-parent," Rayna tells Deacon. "Isn't
that what we fought so hard for?"

Maddie gets an offer Rayna wants to refuse on this week's episode of Nashville, airing Wednesday, November 18 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In "Unguarded Moments," Rayna wants to turn down Sony's contract offer for Maddie to be a solo artist and finds her family life distracting her from her work with Markus. Luke is desperate to regain Colt's trust; Gunnar's girlfriend, Erin, causes issues on tour with Scarlett and Avery scrambles to make money doing insipid jingles.

In the sneak peek below, Rayna (Connie Britton) asks where Deacon (Charles Esten) has been as she wanted his support while dealing with Maddie’s situation. Deacon has no idea how to help Maddie. Rayna feels Maddie is at a crossroads and desperately needs the help of both of her parents. Rayna also admits she needs Deacon as a partner.

'Nashville' Sneak Peek: Rayna and Deacon Fight

Rayna has a problem with Deacon's new bar venture.

Rayna worries about Deacon's new business partnership on this week's episode of Nashville, airing Wednesday, November 11 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In "Can't Get Used to Losing You," Rayna's concerns about Deacon's business venture with an old friend from AA, Frankie (Mark Collie), threaten to drive a wedge between the lovebirds. Luke's personal integrity and his relationship with Colt are on the line in the wake of recent events.

In the sneak peek below, Rayna (Connie Britton) tells Deacon (Charles Esten) she cannot make it to his show at a bar. She feels, as he is a recovering alcoholic, playing in a bar is a bad idea. An argument ensues as Deacon disagrees

'Nashville' Sneak Peek: Juliette Attacks a Fan

Hayden Panettiere stars as Juliette Barnes. Photo Credit: ABC/Mark Levine

Juliette's fistfight with an aggressive fan goes viral on tonight's episode of Nashville, airing at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In "Please Help Me, I'm Fallin'," Juliette gets into a brawl with a fan that goes viral, but Jeff sees damage control as an opening for his own career. Maddie is grounded and misses Colt who is on tour with his dad. Markus butts heads with Rayna over his sound, and the two consider whether they can continue working together.

In the sneak peek below, Juliette (Hayden Panettiere) cannot handle the attention from her fans after learning that Avery is divorcing her. Jeff (Oliver Hudson) and Luke (Will Chase) watch Juliette lose control and attack a fan that tries to take a picture with her

'Nashville' Sneak Peek: Stop the World (And Let Me Off)

Charles Esten and Clare Bowen. Photo Credit: ABC/Mark Levine

Rayna has her hands full, and Maddie joins Colt on Luke's tour on tonight's episode of Nashville, airing at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In "Stop the World (And Let Me Off)," Rayna pushes back on Layla's romantic relationship with Jeff, and Markus pushes back on his producer, Avery - which does not go well. Maddie joins Colt on Luke's tour, giving the teens opportunities for more freedom than Maddie can handle. She turns to Juliette for advice and shocks Luke with the results. Meanwhile, Deacon and Scarlett head to Natchez despite their falling-out, and Gunnar enlists Kevin and Will's help as "wingmen" in an effort to pick up a new woman

In the sneak peek below, Deacon tries to console a very drunk Scarlett as she blames herself for her mother’s downward spiral. Deacon says he understands how she feels and assures her it is not her fault as he left Beverly first. However, Scarlett is not consoled. She angrily tells Deacon he has no idea what she is going through and that he is a selfish person.

'Nashville' Sneak Peek: Juliette's Private Turmoil Continues

Juliette is confronted with news from the tabloids.

Juliette's private turmoil could become tabloid fodder on tonight's episode of Nashville, airing at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In "The Slender Threads That Bind Us Here," rock star Marcus Keen (Riley Smith) makes demands on Rayna as she struggles to tend to those around her. Layla and Jeff get into a lover's quarrel. Jeff arranges for a journalist to shadow Juliette on tour, but after another emotional setback, she leans on pills and alcohol to get through her days, and Zoey (Chaley Rose) returns to see Scarlett.

In the sneak peek below, Juliette is caught off guard during a radio interview by allegations that Avery is cheating on her. Juliette plays it cool in front of the DJ as there is a journalist with her documenting the moment.

'Nashville' Sneak Peek: How Can I Help You Say Goodbye

Scarlett must decide whether to keep her mother on life support.

Scarlett is forced to make a life-changing choice for her mother, while Avery makes a decision that will change his family's life forever on tonight's episode of Nashville, airing at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In "How Can I Help You Say Goodbye," a second aneurysm leaves Beverly brain dead and Deacon consumed with guilt, while Scarlett is forced to decide whether or not to keep Beverly on life support. Meanwhile, Juliette continues a destructive pattern of erratic behavior, pushing Avery to make the heart-wrenching decision to file for divorce.

In the sneak peek below, Deacon and Scarlett learn from Beverly's doctor that it is Scarlett's decision whether or not Beverly stays on life support.

'Nashville' Sneak Peek: Juliette is Off the Rails

Jonathan Jackson and Hayden Panettiere. Photo Credit: ABC/Mark Levine

Rayna is determined to prove Highway 65 is a credible record label while Juliette continues to struggle with postpartum depression on tonight's episode of Nashville, airing at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Kelly Ripa (who played Hayley on All My Children) and Michael Strahan guest star as themselves.

In "'Til the Pain Outwears the Shame," Juliette breaks down during an appearance on Live with Kelly and Michael, prompting more concern from Avery. But when she continues her pattern of irrational and volatile behavior, she leaves Avery with a struggle of his own.

Meanwhile, Rayna is determined to show the world that Highway 65 is not just a vanity project and devises a plan to sign Markus Keen (guest star Riley Smith), one of the biggest rock artists around.

In the sneak peek below, Avery gets a surprise visit from Jeff Fordham (Oliver Hudson, now starring in Scream Queens), who reveals new information about Juliette.

'Nashville' Season 4 Premiere Preview, Steven Tyler Guest Stars

Hayden Panettiere stars as Juliette Barnes. Photo Credit: ABC/Mark Levine

Steven Tyler guest stars as himself on the fourth season premiere of Nasvhille, airing September 23 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Tyler duets with Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) on the Patsy Cline classic "Crazy."

In "Can’t Let Go," with Juliette's starring role in the Patsy Cline bio-pic, she is at an all-time career high, but is hitting a personal low. Meanwhile Avery (Jonathan Jackson), separated from Juliette, tends to baby Cadence at his parents' home.

Elsewhere, Rayna (Connie Britton), along with her family and friends, grapple with the chilling aftermath of Deacon’s (Charles Esten) liver transplant. What happened to Deacon and Beverly (Dana Wheeler-Nicholson)? Will Scarlett (Clare Bowen) stay with Caleb (Nick Jandl) despite her feelings for Gunnar (Sam Palladio).

Finally, Will (Chris Carmack) deals with the aftermath of coming out, frustrating his boyfriend, Kevin (Kyle Dean Massey).

Watch a sneak peek below:

'Friday Night Lights' Marathon Will Air During Pivot TV's "We Love Football" Week

Pivot is celebrating Thanksgiving with a marathon of Friday Night Lights. From football to family, the "We Love Football" marathon features the Dylan Panthers, Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) and his beloved wife Tami (Connie Britton).

Kicking off on Monday, November 24 at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT, each day will have a themed block of episodes including "We Love BBQ" (November 24), “Family First” (November 25), and “Tami Knows Best” (November 26). Finishing out the marathon on Thanksgiving day, Pivot will air some of the best episodes with an 11-hour marathon starting at 10 a.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

"Christmas with Nashville" Digital Release Scheduled for November 4

The drama on ABC’s Nashville may be blazing hot but Big Machine Records is predicting a change in the temperature on November 4 with the digital release of "Christmas with Nashville." No strangers to the recording studio, the all-star cast who sings on the TV show each week, lent their voices to this special collection of their favorite holiday carols and a few original tunes.

Following a cameo on Nashville last season, Jay DeMarcus was tapped as producer for the project, again joining forces with the talented actors. The Rascal Flatts’ bassist, who also produced much of the supergroup's "Rewind" album, told Rolling Stone Country, “it's refreshing to know that [the actors] representing us on the show are authentic.” The outlet also exclusively revealed the track listing.

TRACK LISTING
1. “Santa Baby”
Clare Bowen | Written by Joan Javits, Tony Springer, Phil Springer
2. “Blue Christmas”
Charles Esten featuring Vince Gill | Written by Billy Hayes, Jay Johnson
3. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”
Jonathan Jackson | Written by Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry, Phil Spector

'Nashville' Season 2 Finale Preview: Rayna Finds Herself at an Emotional Crossroads

Photo Credit: ABC/Mark Levine

The sophomore season of Nashville concludes with the season finale ("On The Other Hand") on Wednesday, May 14 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

As Will Lexington's album climbs the chart with the help of Jeff Fordham's deep pockets, Rayna enlists Teddy's help to plan a huge, free concert at LP Field to draw attention to her Highway 65 debut. She will perform with Luke Wheeler and duet with Juliette before thousands of fans. Zoey, Avery and Gunnar rock out at a benefit for Deacon's favorite charity, Sober House, and Avery plans to serenade Juliette with a song he wrote for her. But when he attempts to sing it, he doesn't understand why she is not present. And Scarlett makes a decision about her future in Music City.

Watch a sneak peek video below: