ABC may have cancelled "Nashville" after season 4, but fans could still watch fresh episodes from the series after all.
The country musical series was unexpectedly cancelled by its original network after its fourth season finale. But fans intervened and launched a petition to ask any network to bring back the show for season 5.
After reaching more than 170,000 signatures, U.S. channel CMT decided to consider the petition and revived the show with a 22-episode order for season 5.
"CMT heard the fans. The wave of love and appreciation they have unleashed for 'Nashville' has been overwhelming," CMT President Brian Philips said in a statement posted by Variety. "'Nashville' is a perfect addition to our evolving line-up of big music specials, documentaries, and original series. We see our fans and ourselves in this show and we will treasure it like no other network. 'Nashville' belongs on CMT."
The show will also be released again on the following day of its original broadcast on streaming service provider Hulu. According to the company's SVP and Head of Content Craig Erwich, "Nashville" has always been one of their most popular shows.
"We look forward to bringing even more episodes of this acclaimed series to its passionate and devoted audience," Erwich said.
Lionsgate Television Group chairman Kevin Beggs also expressed his excitement over the fifth season renewal of "Nashville." He thanked the fans for their unwavering support for the show, as well as to the City of Nashville and the entire Tennessee state for their warm hospitality.
"They have been a key ingredient to the continued success of this show and we're thrilled to extend our partnership for a fifth season," Beggs stated.
The series will return with new showrunners, Ed Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz, when it returns for season 5.
CMT is expected to reveal more details about "Nashville" season 5 in the coming days.
