‘Nashville’ Rumors: Fan Campaign May Help Bring Back Canceled TV Show As Other Networks And Online Streaming Services Show Interest


Nashville fans could have some good news on the way, as rumors indicate that the canceled ABC drama may soon be finding new life on another network.

ABC executives announced this week that the show would not be coming back for a fifth season. This led to a massive outcry among fans, many of whom took to social media to mourn the loss of the show and to implore other networks to give it a chance.

Lionsgate TV, which produces Nashville, picked up the torch immediately and tweeted an encouraging message to fans that they would not give up on the show.

The production company told fans it was actively shopping the show around to different providers.

“#Nashies we are working hard to find a new home for your favorite show! Thank you for your support & keep tweeting #BringBackNashville.”

Many fans suggested that Lionsgate pitch the show to one of the streaming services, like Netflix, Amazon, or Hulu. The production company already has a strong existing relationship with Netflix, producing the hit series Orange is the New Black, so many fans see Nashville as a natural fit for the streaming video provider.

Celeb Dirty Laundry added that the rumors regarding Nashville are starting to pick up, with a number of other networks potentially in the mix.

“Amazon has been intent on giving Netflix a run for its money when it comes to original programming. Subscribes to the Prime service used to pay an upfront fee of $100 per year. However, Amazon recently added two pay-by-the-month, $8.99 and $11.99, options in order to compete with other services.

“E! carries the production company’s show ‘The Royals’ which means that network may also be an option for the return of ‘Nashville.’

“Other networks that may have been approached include CMT, AXS, FOX and even Fox. There’s even a possibility the show could move to HBO or Showtime.”

Many fans who followed the ratings closely had some time to prepare for the news that Nashville was canceled. Despite a very active fan base, the show was off to its worst ratings ever this year and finished the fall as ABC’s third lowest-rate show, ahead of only Wicked City and Blood & Oil. In an ominous sign for Nashville, both of those shows were canceled before the end of the fall season.

Reports were growing throughout this television season that Nashville would be canceled, though ABC president Paul Lee tried to quell the rumors during an interview session at the 2016 Television Critics Association press tour. At the time he said that Nashville wasn’t in danger of being canceled, though he wouldn’t say what was in store for its future.

“We don’t have any plans to finish Nashville,” Paul said, according to E! Online.

Fans aren’t the only ones lamenting the loss of Nashville. Star Connie Britton took to Instagram on Friday to write a heartfelt message to the show’s cast, crew, and fans, saying it was “my honor to be a part of this world, to live in it and breathe it in and try to replicate it.”

Britton added that the show’s place in her heart is “deep and permanent” and that she was grateful for all the hard work that so many people put into the show.

There could still be hope for Nashville, however. The rumors of a revival may not be too far-fetched, as streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, and even Yahoo have been increasingly willing to take on the shows cast off by major networks, especially those with a built-in fan following like Nashville has.

[Image via Instagram/ABC]

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