Avid fans of the former ABC series "Nashville" will both be happy and sad over the latest news. The premiere date for "Nashville" Season 5 has been revealed, however, cast member Connie Britton's full participation in the series is still under negotiations.
ABC may have bid farewell to "Nashville" with a fourth season run that ended in late May, but it is set to continue its fifth season under a new network. CMT has recently announced the new season's premiere date which has been slated for release in January 2017. However, viewers may see less of a key character given speculations that cast member Britton may soon exit the show, according to a report posted on Entertainment Weekly.
Britton, who portrays one of the show's female leads, may soon say goodbye to her character Rayna. The actress is said to appear in only a few episodes of the upcoming "Nashville" Season 5. The new season will feature a 22 episode chapter but the "Friday Night Lights" alum has reportedly only signed up for around 10 episodes.
At this time, it is still unclear if the actress will indeed have less screen time in the show's upcoming fifth season. Negotiations are reportedly ongoing to have Britton appear in more episodes. Although CMT remains optimistic on the Hollywood star's more active participation in Season 5, as indicated in the same report. On the other hand, Britton's co-star Hayden Panettiere who portrays Juliette has already signed a 22 episode contract for "Nashville" Season 5.
In other news, the new season will continue to feature the personal and professional challenges of both Britton and Panettiere's characters. Season 5 spoilers posted on CMT's website has indicated viewers will see the ups and downs of Rayna and Juliette's careers, as well as a few complications in their respective relationships.
Viewers can also expect to see some familiar faces including several new characters in Season 5. The upcoming season will feature the stories of aspiring songwriters and new singers who are determined to make it big in the show's cutthroat music scene. Fans even look forward to a special Season 5 premiere with its two-hour episode run, as stated in the same report.
"Nashville" Season 5 will air on CMT on Jan. 5, 2017.
Watch the final scenes of the Season 4 finale episode below: