Before the Season 4 finale of the American musical drama TV series “Nashville” aired on May 25, ABC has come to a decision to cancel the show for Season 5.
For some reasons, however, the producers of the TV series, Lionsgate Television, still decided to end the 21st and final episode of Season 4 of “Nashville” with a bold cliffhanger, much to the surprise of the fans.
In a recent statement, Lionsgate Television said that it is standing by its decision to end the fourth season of the musical country drama with a cliffhanger, describing it as a little short-term pain but ultimately long-term gain, notes the Vine Report.
Kevin Beggs, Lionsgate Television boss, revealed that they are in substantive and serious conversations with multiple buyers about continuing the TV series on another platform, hinting that another network or streaming service might pick up “Nashville” for Season 5.
Beggs said that if they did not feel that something positive is up in the horizon for “Nashville,” they would not end the fourth season with a bold cliffhanger like that.
Accordingly, there are about four to five interested buyers who are willing to pick up “Nashville” and move forward with the TV series.
He said that they are not looking to write themselves into a corner and actually wrap up stories in a somewhat saccharine way because it is the worst box that they can put themselves into.
A good business move
According to industry analysts, the cancellation and the show’s decision to leave it open for a continuation is actually a good business move.
More platforms will be willing to continue the show knowing that the cliffhanger has had viewers hooked and are seriously looking forward to its possible return and provide answers to the hanging questions.
The Lionsgate Television boss is also open to a relatively brand new concept for “Nashville” on its new home depending on how negotiations would come about.
Streaming service Hulu already has the rights to the last four seasons of “Nashville” and it may seem to be the likely choice for Season 5 but that does not mean that it will stay there going to Season 6 and onward.
Dead or alive?
The Season 4 finale of “Nashville,” entitled “Maybe You’ll Appreciate Me Someday” has put the fate of Juliette, played by Hayden Panettiere, in limbo as her plane has gone missing. It is not clear if she is already dead or still alive.
It also showed Avery, played by Jonathan Jackson, and baby Cadence still waiting at the airport for her. They were also told that the plane carrying the country singer lost contact with air traffic controllers.
Following the Season 4 finale, showrunner Callie Khouri said that the story of “Nashville” went exactly as planned. She said that they are extremely grateful for the loyal following of the TV series.
Khouri also said that they still have stories left to tell and songs left to sing.
“Nashville” or its return with the hashtag #BringBackNashville has even become a trending topic on social media just days after its Season 4 finale.
Fans have also initiated a petition at change.org calling for ABC to reconsider its decision to cancel the TV series for Season 5 and the campaign now has a little under 150,000 fan signatures, reports Movie News Guide.
Given the position of the producer of the show regarding its Season 4 finale, fans should not be worried at all because there is a good chance that Season 5 will be realized in another network or streaming service sometime soon, if not sooner.
Hulu has picked up a previously canceled show last year in “The Mindy Project” while Netflix also did the same with “Gilmore Girls.”
What is clear at this point is that Season 5 of “Nashville” will not be happening on ABC.