'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.

'Nashville' Returns on June 7 for Final Run

Nashville, the groundbreaking music drama, returns to the stage for a triumphant swan song beginning Thursday, June 7 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CMT.

In the final eight episodes, Juliette (Hayden Panettiere) returns in full force and ready to take on cult leader Darius. Deacon (Charles Esten) is forced to face his past when an unwelcomed visitor arrives. Daphne (Maisy Stella) takes center stage under the guidance of Deacon's biggest foe, while Maddie (Lennon Stella) questions her relationship with Jonah. Scarlett (Clare Bowen) forces Sean out of his comfort zone, while Avery (Jonathan Jackson) and Gunnar (Sam Palladio) struggle to move forward with their band without Will (Chris Carmack).

'Nashville' Will End After Season 6

Season 6 of CMT primtime serial Nashville kicks off on January 4, 2018. On Friday, CMT announced Friday that the upcoming sixth season will be the country music drama's last.

"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," executive producer Marshall Herskovitz said via 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."

CMT picked up Nashville after the series was canceled by ABC following Season 4.

"After more than 120 episodes of unforgettable television, we believe that creatively it is time for the series to come to its triumphant close at the end of the upcoming season," Kevin Beggs, chairman of Lionsgate Television Group, said in a statement. "We’re very proud of our incredibly talented cast and crew, the creative brilliance of our showrunners, and the loyal support of our great partners at CMT, Hulu and ABC Studios. Most importantly, we owe a special debt of thanks to the Nashville fans who propelled the series to an incredible run. We owe it to them to make the sixth season the most exciting and memorable of all."

Check out the latest sneak peek from Season 6 below.

'Nashville' Season 6 Casting Additions & Sneak Peek Videos

Nashville will return for its sixth season in January on CMT. The primetime musical soap opera has added actors Josh Stamberg, Jake Etheridge, Rainee Lyleson, Nic Luken and Dylan Arnold in recurring roles.

Stamberg (The Affair) will play Darius, an extremely charismatic founder of a self-actualization movement that has transformed many lives.

Musician and acting newcomer Etheridge will recur as Sean, a recent military veteran who suffers from severe PTSD and has yet to embrace his talent and passion for music.

Lyleson (Love Is Now) is Alannah, a singer-songwriter who is a newcomer to the Nashville music scene and starts out as a backup singer but soon will be discovered for the star that she actually is meant to be.

Luken (Ride) will play Jonah Ford, a pop star who is very handsome, extremely confident and charming and exudes all the qualities of a superstar.

Arnold (When We Rise) is Twig, a childhood friend of Jonah and a member of his entourage who navigates this lifestyle by guarding his anxiety and pain with a caustic, brilliant sense of humor.

Check out a couple of sneak peek videos below.

Rachel Bilson & Kaitlin Doubleday Join 'Nashville' + Sneak Peek of Upcoming Episodes

Rachel Bilson (The O.C., Hart of Dixie) and Kaitlin Doubleday (Empire) are joining the cast of CMT's Nashville. The news was revealed directly to the fans on social media by CMT, Bilson and Doubleday in recognition of the Nashies' unwavering support of the series, which just aired its midseason finale.

"We welcome Rachel and Kaitlin into our incredibly talented ensemble," said Marshall Herskovitz, executive producer and showrunner. "We fondly anticipate the second half of the season filled with surprising twists and turns that make Nashville so beloved by the fans."

The news comes on the heels of record ratings. Last week's emotional episode entitled "I'll Fly Away," hit new season highs on CMT with A18-49 (1.02), W18-49 (1.39), M18-49 (.64), Total Viewers (2.2M), A25-54 (1.27) and W25-54 (1.75). The show broke records as the highest rated Original Series telecast in CMT History with A18-49, W18-49, A25-54 and W25-54 and was the most watched among P2+. Overall on CMT, original premieres are pacing up 46% among A 18-49 and 73% among W 18-49 versus year ago. Total day ratings are up 27% with A 18-49 and 31% with W 18-49.

Rachel Bilson was most recently seen as Dr. Zoe Hart in The CW's series Hart of Dixie, a fish-out-of-water story about a New York City doctor adjusting to life in a small Southern town after she inherits a local medical practice. Her film credits include The To Do List, Waiting for Forever, Jumper, L!fe Happens The Last Kiss, and New York, I Love You. She also appeared twice as a guest star on the television series How I Met Your Mother, as well as Josh Schwartz's Chuck. Bilson also became an integral part of pop culture due to her series regular role on the very popular television show The O.C. for four seasons.

Kaitlin Doubleday gained worldwide recognition portraying Rhonda Lyon on the megahit Empire. At age 17, she made her film debut opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in Steven Spielberg's Catch Me If You Can. Other notable screen credits include the cult classic Waiting, opposite Ryan Reynolds and Anna Farris; The TV Set, a satire about the entertainment business starring David Duchovny; and Accepted, opposite Jonah Hill and Justin Long.

Additionally, CMT released a first look teaser for forthcoming episodes. Check it out below.

'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.

'Guiding Light' Alum Murray Bartlett Joins 'Nashville' as Jakob Fine

Murray Bartlett

Guiding Light alum Murray Bartlett (ex-Cyrus Foley) has been cast as recurring on the upcoming fifth season of country music drama Nashville on CMT. According to Deadline, Bartlett will play Jakob Fine, a very handsome, charismatic and successful men’s fashion designer.

The actor, who most recently played Dom Basaluzzo in Looking, joins fellow recent new Nashville recurring additions Rhiannon Giddens and Jen Richards.

Produced by Lionsgate, ABC Studios and Opry Entertainment, Nashville makes its Season 5 debut January 5 on CMT with Thirtysomething creators Ed Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz as new showrunners. Nashville is executive produced by Herskovitz, Zwick, Steve Buchanan and Callie Khouri.

Nashville episodes will be available on Hulu the day after their premiere on CMT.

Jen Richards Joins 'Nashville' Cast

Jen Richards

Emmy-nominated writer, actress and producer Jen Richards (Her Story, Doubt) is joining the cast of Nashville in the recurring role of Allyson Del Lago, a tough but understanding physical therapist who helps a series regular through one of their most difficult challenges. This marks CMT's first transgender character and the first out transgender actor on the network. Nashville makes its triumphant season five debut on CMT with special two-hour premiere on Thursday, January 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. 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.

Richards is an accomplished writer and actress, as well as a consultant and advocate who works with national organizations and media projects. She is the co-writer/star/producer of the Emmy-nominated series Her Story; co-producer of the upcoming docu-series More Than T and writer of its accompanying Trans 102 series; a 2016 Outfest Screenwriting Fellow for her feature script Any Given Week; and will be appearing in several upcoming projects, including CBS's Doubt. Her television credits include: series regular on E!'s I Am Cait, Logo's Beautiful As I Want To Be and AOL's True Trans with Laura Jane Grace. She has appeared in several videos for BuzzFeed, OWN, and After Ellen. She has published essays on multiple platforms, and wrote the 2015 Sep/Oct cover story "What Trans Movement?" for The Advocate.

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."

Will Chase & Aubrey Peeples Leaving 'Nashville'

Will Chase (Luke Wheeler) and Aubrey Peeples (Layla Grant) will not be continuing with Nashville when it moves over to CMT for its fifth season, according to TVLine.

As for CMT, the network has big plans for the country music soap. In an interview with Deadline, CMT’s head of development, Jayson Dinsmore, addressed a host of topics, including casting.

“It’s really early,” he noted of announcing who would be returning. “We’ve seen some really great press. Connie [Britton, Rayna] was in Texas last week and said some very nice things about the show. When we announced that we picked it up we had several of the cast members onstage with us at CMA’s Fest last week. We had Chip [Esten, Deacon] and Clare [Bowen, Scarlett], so our expectation and our hope is that everyone will participate in this next cycle. Again, we’re just having those conversations now with the producers.”

'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.

'Nashville' Stars Going on Concert Tour in USA and a First-Ever International Tour

Due to the overwhelming success of sold-out tours in 2014 and 2015, the stars of ABC's Nashville will take the show on the road again this spring with a concert tour across the U.S. The tour will feature cast members Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack and Charles Esten performing original music as well as songs from the hit television series. Will Chase, Jonathan Jackson and Aubrey Peeples join the tour in select cities. "Nashville" returns with all original episodes beginning Wednesday, March 16 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC.

Last week it was announced that the "Nashville in Concert" tour will also stage its first-ever international run in the United Kingdom with Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack, Charles Esten and Sam Palladio performing.

"It is truly extraordinary how demand has grown over these past three years," said Steve Buchanan, president, Opry Entertainment. "We have added several new major markets this year so that we can reach as many of our dedicated Nashville fans as possible all across America. Audiences have been consistently blown away by the performing and songwriting talent of our cast."

'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.

ABC Announces Midseason Premiere Dates

How to Get Away with Murder returns from its winter hiatus on February 11.
Photo Credit: ABC/Bob D’Amico

ABC has announced midseason premiere dates for new series Of Kings & Prophets,My Diet Is Better Than Yours,The Catch,The Family and The Real O'Neals. Season premiere dates were also announced for returning favorites The Bachelor,Beyond The Tank,Galavant and Marvel's Agent Carter. They will join the schedule with acclaimed series American Crime,previously announced to make its second-season premiere Wednesday, January 6.

Tuesday comedies The Muppets and Fresh Off the Boat will return with all-new episodes beginning Tuesday, February 2. The TGIT lineup of Grey's Anatomy,Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder returns with all-new episodes Thursday, February 11. Once Upon a Time and Quantico return with all-new episodes Sunday, March 6. Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D returns with all-new episodes Tuesday, March 8. Nashville returns with all new episodes Wednesday, March 16.

Below are ABC's midseason premiere dates (all times ET):

Sunday, January 3
8:00-9:00 p.m. Galavant (Season 2 Premiere)

Monday, January 4
8:00-10:00 p.m. The Bachelor (Season 20 Premiere)

Tuesday, January 5
9:00-11:00 p.m. Marvel's Agent Carter (Season 2 Premiere, 2 hours, regular time period 9-10 p.m.)

Wednesday, January 6
10:00 p.m. American Crime (Season 2 Premiere)

'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.