What to Know About Nashville Season 5 Before the Premiere

If your heart broke when ABC canceled Nashville, you can rest assured that not only is it back, but it's also returning to its roots. The show was saved by another network, and the original cast is returning — save for a couple of series regulars. Here's the scoop on what we know; read up before Thursday's premiere!

01
The Returning Cast
ABC

The Returning Cast

Stars Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere have been confirmed to return for the fifth season, but of course, Nashville has a giant ensemble cast. Thus, it's great to hear that Charles Esten, Sam Palladio, Jonathan Jackson, Clare Bowen, Lennon Stella, Maisy Stella, and Chris Carmack are all coming back as well!

02
Who Won't Be Back?
ABC

Who Won't Be Back?

Will Chase, who played Luke Wheeler, and Aubrey Peeples, who played Layla Grant, will not return.

03
Where to Watch
ABC

Where to Watch

The show was saved from cancellation by CMT, which will serve as its new home. Don't have CMT? New episodes will be available the next day on Hulu.

04
They Have a Lot of 'Splainin to Do
ABC

They Have a Lot of 'Splainin to Do

Season four of Nashville ends on quite a few cliffhangers. The fact that Panettiere will be back bodes well for Juliette, whose plane may or may not have gone down. Will Scarlett and Gunnar stay back together for good? Will Maddie pause her music career to reconnect with her family? Is Will going to keep fighting for gay rights in the country music scene? We'll actually get to find out!

05
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The Trailer

The new trailer gives fans a sneak peek at Juliette’s plane crash from the season four finale.

06
The New Premiere Date
ABC

The New Premiere Date

CMT aired the first hour of the show’s two-hour premiere on Dec. 15. Fans can catch the premiere in its entirety on Jan. 5, at 9 p.m.!