Everybody knows it when moving from a spacious house in the suburbs to a smaller city-centered studio that some important things are going to be left behind. The same case goes with music drama "Nashville" Season 5. The music drama TV series is moving from the confines of broadcast network ABC to the cable channel CMT.
After ABC cut the power to "Nashville" Season 5, the production team behind the show searches for a new home - that is why a cliffhanger ending was used in the previous season. They had a pretty good shot at Hulu since ABC had dealings with them on earlier seasons, though it did not materialize. Hulu is part of deal though, on streaming services. They will air every "Nashville" season 5 episode after it is aired in CMT.
While fans are indebted to CMT for making "Nashville" Season 5 happen, they obviously do not have the same funding that ABC has. It is expected that major budget cuts will be done across the board. It is doubtful to see the same number of episodes that broadcast series usually have. It will also mean that fewer characters and possibly minor plotlines for those who stick around.
The first character casualties of the budget cuts are country singers Luke Wheeler (Will Chase) and Layla Grant (Aubrey Peeples). Apparently, Luke and Layla were the most expendable characters according to the "Nashville" Season 5 showrunners. It is found that either Luke's or Layla's presence is not essential to drive the current storylines forward
Meanwhile, there are chatters suggesting that "Nashville" Season 5 will welcome a baby into the series. One of the highlights of this season is the steamy intimate relationship of Deacon Claybourne (Charles Esten) and Rayne James (Connie Britton). Clues and hints points that the two has something big in stored for fans. Could it be cute bouncing baby or a big split up?
"Nashville" Season 5 will air on Thursday, Jan. 05, 2017 at CMT. For more spoilers, news and update, stay tune to Gamenguide.