'Nashville' Returns Tonight (March Spoilers)

(ABC/ Mark Levine)

March Episode Preview

Episode #411: “FOREVER AND FOR ALWAYS”

Wednesday, March 16 (10:00-11:00 p.m.)

It’s the wedding viewers have longed for when Deacon and Rayna tie the knot, complete with captivating music performances by series regulars Charles Esten, Clare Bowen, Sam Palladio, Lennon Stella and Maisy Stella as well as cameos by Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts and singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale portraying themselves. When the loving couple are ambushed by paparazzi after their intimate rehearsal dinner, Deacon’s hot-headed reaction casts a pall on the plans and forces a change of venue. Meanwhile, wedding guest Avery is struggling to keep up with the lies Juliette is forcing him to message to press in her absence


Episode #412: “HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE FREE”

 Wednesday, March 23 (10:00-11:00 p.m.)

A familiar face is back on the Nashville music scene when Luke recruits his old friend Riff Bell (played by Tony Award-winning actor, singer, musician Steve Kazee) to join him on tour. While the duo excitedly starts planning Riff’s return to the stage, newcomer Vita arrives at The Beverly, but while she convinces Deacon and Rayna she deserves a shot, Frankie has his doubts. In the end, more questions than answers remain.



Episode #413: “IF I COULD DO IT ALL AGAIN”

Wednesday, March 30 (10:00-11:00 p.m.)

Luke and Riff are excitedly planning their upcoming tour, but Luke soon realizes he may have moved too quickly in the decision to have Riff (played by Tony Award-winning actor, singer, musician Steve Kazee) on the road again. Meanwhile, Deacon and Frankie clash about Vita, with Frankie making a damaging decision that could change everything.

CMT to Honor 'Nashville' Cast with First-Ever "International Impact Award

CMT has announced that it will honor the cast of ABC's groundbreaking series, "Nashville" with the inaugural "International Impact Award" during the "2015 CMT Artists of the Year" special, the definitive year end party, live from Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville on Wednesday, December 2 at 8pm ET/PT. The award will be presented by country sensation Kellie Pickler, currently featured in CMT's hit series, "I Love Kellie Pickler." "Nashville" is produced by Lionsgate, ABC Studios and Opry Entertainment.

Cast members Connie Britton (Rayna), Clare Bowen (Scarlett), Chris Carmack (Will), Will Chase (Luke), Charles Esten (Deacon), Jonathan Jackson (Avery), Sam Palladio (Gunnar), Maisy Stella (Daphne), Lennon Stella (Maddie), and Audrey Peeples (Layla) are slated to accept the award on behalf of the entire cast.

ABC 2015-2015 Schedule Revealed

ABC announced its 2015-16 slate of programming on Tuesday, including the addition of 10 new series. Paul Lee, president, ABC Entertainment Group, unveiled the network’s new lineup to the advertising and media communities this afternoon at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall.

"Our new slate of shows continues the momentum from last year. ABC was the most buzzed about network, and the only major network to hold on to its audience and to grow in the target demo. Our 2015-16 schedule, with new shows and returning favorites that reflect our commitment to world-class storytelling, will solidify ABC’s place as the network that raises the bar for what viewers expect from broadcast television," said Lee.

ABC is the only major network to increase its Adult 18-49 audience during the 2014-15 season.  ABC delivered 7 of the Top 20 entertainment series on broadcast TV this season in Adults 18-49, placing 4 of the Top 10 and claiming 3 of the Top 5 dramas: Modern Family and Scandal tie at No. 4, How to Get Away with Murder – No. 9, Grey’s Anatomy – No. 10, Once Upon a Time – No. 12, while black-ish and The Bachelor tie at No. 18.

New series The Catch, Dr. Ken, The Family, The Muppets, Of Kings and Prophets, OIL, Quantico, The Real O’Neals, Uncle Buck and Wicked City will join the lineup.

'Nashville' Sneak Peek: Jade St. John Steals Juliette's Spotlight

Christina Aguilera plays Jade St. John on Nashville. Photo Credit: ABC/Mark Levine

Christina Aguilera continues her run as Jade St. John in this week's new episode of Nashville, airing Wednesday, April 22 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In the episode, titled "The Storm Has Just Begun, the brightest stars of Nashville have gathered in support of Teddy's music education initiative, "Note By Note," where Juliette plans her return to the spotlight - and Layla finds herself thrust into it - alongside Jade St. John.

At the gala, Rayna, Deacon, Maddie and Daphne get ready to take the stage and perform, but before they can, Deacon receives the call he's been waiting for containing some life-changing news.

In the sneak peek video below, Jade steals Juliette's spotlight at the event's auction when she bids for Layla:

ABC May 2015 Preview (Spoilers)

ABC has announced highlights of upcoming May sweeps programming, featuring season finale dates for series American Crime, America's Funniest Home Videos, black-ish, Castle, Dancing with the Stars, Forever, The Goldbergs, The Middle, Modern Family, Nashville, Revenge, Scandal, Secrets and Lies and Shark Tank. In addition, the 2015 Billboard Music Awards will take place live from Las Vegas.

Other highlights include a special two-hour finale of Once Upon A Time and Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the premieres of Beyond the Tank and 500 Questions, and the return of The Bachelorette, with a special two-night event.

Below is a chronological listing of programming highlights (all times Eastern):

The Chew - The Chew is celebrating spring! On Monday, April 27, Guillermo Diaz (Scandal) guests, and Tuesday, April 28, The Radio City Rockettes swing by and kick-up their heels for a fun, yet informative, spring cleaning segment with Clinton Kelly. On Tuesday, May 5, it's a "Cinco de Mayo Party!" with Mexican chef Pati Jinich. The week of May 11-15 is "Inspiration Week," with co-hosts Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, Clinton Kelly and Daphne Oz celebrating the people in their lives who inspire them most. On Monday, May 18, Empire star Jussie Smollett fills in as guest co-host for the day. The Chew airs Monday - Friday (1:00- 2:00 p.m., ET).

General Hospital - The Daytime Emmy nominated series celebrates the annual Nurses' Ball on Friday, May 1, Monday, May 4 and Tuesday, May 5. See which of your favorite stars will return, along with the GH character fans voted back. Stay tuned for a two-day network daytime television event as General Hospital broadcasts live from Los Angeles on Friday, May 15, and again Monday, May 18.

'Nashville' Sneak Peek: Christina Aguilera Guest Stars as Jade St. John

Christina Aguilera plays Jade St. John on Nashville. Photo Credit: ABC/Mark Levine

Christina Aguilera guest stars in this week's new episode of Nashville, airing Wednesday, April 15 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In the episode, titled "Nobody Knows But Me, with the arrival of his former fiancée in Nashville, Jeff finds himself face-to-face with Jade St. John (Aguilera). A powerhouse pop-star in Nashville on tour, Jeff is forced to revisit his past and work with the woman who once played a large role in both his personal and professional lives.

Meanwhile, Deacon continues to cope with his cancer diagnosis – a secret that weighs heavily on his family — especially Maddie, who struggles with the news herself.

While Juliette is eager to get back to work following the birth of her daughter, she quickly finds balancing motherhood and a music career challenging to say the least, while Avery struggles with his own responsibilities and his Triple Exes bandmates.

In the sneak peek video below, Jade St. John performs "Coming For You":

'Nashville' Adults 18-49 Ratings Spike 64 Percent in Live +3

Based on Live + 3 Day data for Wednesday, ABC’s Nashville was the biggest percentage gainer among all broadcast shows on the night with Adults 18-49, up +64% over its L+SD rating to a 1.8 in L+3 (from a 1.1 in L+SD). The +64% jump tied the show’s 2nd-largest increase so far this season. The ABC drama also grew by another +2.0 million Total Viewers after 3 days of TV playback, increasing its tally to 6.6 million viewers (from 4.6 million in L+SD).

In the 10 o’clock hour, Nashville (+64%) scored higher L+3 playback growth than CBS’ CSI: Cyber (+40%) and NBC’s Chicago PD (+47%).

'Nashville' Sneak Peek: Deacon Needs a Transplant

Clare Bowen, Charles Esten and Dana Wheeler-Nicholson in Nashville.

Deacon comes to terms with his liver cancer on tonight's new episode of Nashville, airing at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In the episode, titled "I've Got Reasons To Hate You," rumors start to fly surrounding Rayna and Luke's breakup but Rayna's determined not to let them bring her down and finds a way to return to the public eye on her own terms. Elsewhere, Juliette's pregnancy is starting to make her stir crazy and she's eager to get her career back on track, but at what cost? Meanwhile, Scarlett plans a surprise for Deacon, but it doesn't pan out as she had hoped.

Later, Gunnar travels to Austin to mend fences with his estranged nephew and Teddy stops by Maddie and Daphne's recording session at school where he unexpectedly runs into Jeff.

In the sneak peek video below, Deacon tells his sister about his cancer in what may be the worst family reunion ever.

'Nashville: On the Record 2' Will Air March 25, Deana Carter Added to Lineup

Deana Carter and Charles Esten

The Nashville: On the Record 2 special will air Wednesday, March 25 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Deana Carter has been added to the star-studded roster, singing a duet she co-wrote with Charles Esten for Nashville entitled, “I Know How to Love You Now.”

Direct from Nashville’s world famous Grand Ole Opry House, cast members of ABC’s acclaimed primetime series Nashville will take the stage to perform songs from the show and provide candid interviews backstage. The featured cast scheduled to appear includes Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack, Will Chase, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson, Sam Palladio, Maisy Stella, Lennon Stella and Aubrey Peeples. Superstar guest Reba will make an appearance at the special taping to perform her first single on Nash Icon Records, “Going Out Like That,” which took the #1 spot on iTunes Country Top Songs in the US and Canada upon release.

Nashville: On The Record 2 at the Grand Ole Opry House will tape on Saturday, January 31.

ABC Digital Media Studio’s On the Record is a documentary web series that follows the life of original songs performed on Nashville written by singer/songwriters in the music scene, from the songs’ inception to on-air premiere. The series offers an intimate look into the songwriting process, from guitar demo to music video and all the steps in between.

Nashville stars Connie Britton as Rayna Jaymes, Hayden Panettiere as Juliette Barnes, Clare Bowen as Scarlett O’Connor, Chris Carmack as Will Lexington, Will Chase as Luke Wheeler, Eric Close as Teddy Conrad, Charles Esten as Deacon Claybourne, Oliver Hudson as Jeff Fordham, Jonathan Jackson as Avery Barkley, Sam Palladio as Gunnar Scott, Maisy Stella as Daphne Conrad and Lennon Stella as Maddie Conrad.

Kyle Dean Massey Joins 'Nashville' as Openly Gay Country Singer

Kyle Dean Massey

Kyle Dean Massey will been cast as an openly gay country singer on ABC's Nashville.

The Broadway star has landed a recurring role in the musical drama series as Kevin Bicks, a successful singer-songwriter who also happens to be gay, according to Deadline.

'Nashville' Sneak Peek: Luke and Rayna Gear Up for Their Big Day

Connie Britton stars in Nashville as Rayna Jaymes.  Photo Credit: ABC

On this week's Nashville winter finale episode ("First To Have A Second Chance"), airing Wednesday, December 10 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, Luke and Rayna gear up for their big day.

When Luke finally returns home after wrapping up his Moon or Shine Tour just days before he and Rayna tie the knot, Rayna starts to feel conflicted about leaving their kids to go out on the road again, especially after she discovers that Luke has been making parenting decisions without her. Meanwhile, Will invites Layla on tour in an effort to keep her close but when he sees her flirting with his boss at a party, he begins to feel like he's losing control of their situation. Then, Teddy uses his Mayoral powers to track down a recent flame and Sadie crosses paths with an unexpected ex. Later, after getting some advice from his mom, Avery makes an unexpected decision.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

'Nashville' Sneak Peek: Deacon is Furious and Ignoring Rayna's Calls

Rayna invites Deacon to join during the filming of her Christmas special.  Photo Credit: ABC

On this week's new Nashville episode ("Two Sides to Every Story"), airing Wednesday, December 3 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, Connie Britton and Will Chase duet on "Baby It's Cold Outside."

Rayna continues to pull out all stops in self-promotion, this time by agreeing to do a televised Christmas special from her home, for charity, with Luke and the children. When Rayna invites Deacon to join the filming, things get awkward fast – her magazine cover story has reverberations for her personal life. Meantime, it's Nashville's Winterfest, and Zoey, Gunnar and Avery have an opportunity to perform. With Scarlett's coaching, Terry (Mykelti Williamson) sings for the crowd and blows them away but cannot handle the limelight. Will and Layla go to Winterfest and each find solace but separately.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

'Nashville' CMA Awards Sneak Peek: And the Winner Is...

Luke and Rayna are both up for Single of the Year on tonight's new Nashville.

On this week's new Nashville episode ("You're Lookin' At Country"), airing Wednesday, November 19 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, not everyone is country music's biggest night of the year at the 48th Annual CMA Awards in Nashville.

Up for a total of 11 awards between them, Rayna and Luke's evening begins with an unfortunate hitch when Rayna stumbles upon Luke's pre-nuptial agreement documents, causing for some friction between them. Later, Avery's parents are in town for the show as Avery is nominated for a CMA Award. What should be a lovely reunion takes a turn when Avery introduces them to Juliette. Meanwhile, Gunnar and Zoey's relationship is tested and Deacon and Scarlett watch the awards from home.

Trisha Yearwood, The Band Perry and Joe Nichols guest star as themselves. Eric Close directs.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

'Nashville' Attracts Its Biggest Audience Since Last December

Rayna performed on Dancing with the Stars on Wednesday's episode Nashville.

Returning to its regular Wednesday lineup after the prior week's CMA Awards preemption, ABC took 2nd in Adults 18-49 (2.1/6) to The Voice-driven NBC with its 8:00-9:00 p.m. special to lead off its night while beating CBS by 5% (2.0/6) and Fox by 75% (1.2/4). Modern Family (3.1/9) and black-ish (2.5/7–tied with The Voice) ranked as the Top 2 TV shows of the night in Adults 18-49. Modern Family was Wednesday's top-rated TV series for its 7th-straight telecast this season.

Nashville delivered a new season high in Total Viewers (5.6 million) with its largest audience since last December – since 12/4/13. Nashville tied CBS’ Stalker in the hour among Adults 18-49 (1.4/5) while beating the CBS drama in Adults 18-34 and across all key Women (W18-34/W18-49/W25-54).

Wednesday (11/12/14) - ABC Total Viewer and Adult 18-49 Projections
The Middle: Live + 3 = 9.7 million/2.3 rating and Live + 7 = 10.3 million/2.4 rating
The Goldbergs: Live + 3 = 10.9 million/2.9 rating and Live + 7 = 11.7 million/3.1 rating
Modern Family: Live + 3 = 14.0 million/4.4 rating and Live + 7 = 15.5 million/4.8 rating
black-ish: Live + 3 = 9.6 million/3.0 rating and Live + 7 = 10.1 million/3.1 rating
Nashville: Live + 3 = 9.1 million/2.3 rating and Live + 7 = 10.1 million/2.5 rating

RELATED:
* ABC Holiday Programming for November and December
* 'Nashville' Ratings Up For Second Week in a Row, Equals Season High
* 21 Years After Debuting as Lucky Spencer, Jonathan Jackson's Star is Still on the Rise

'Nashville' Sneak Peek: Rayna Performs on 'Dancing with the Stars'

Rayna performs on Dancing with the Stars on tonight's new Nashville.

On this week's new Nashville, airing Wednesday, November 12 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, Rayna performs on Dancing with the Stars but her increased media exposure has a cost.

In the episode, titled "I'm Coming Home To You," Rayna's campaign to raise Highway 65's sales and profile finds her performing her latest single on Dancing with the Stars. But when she agrees to be shadowed by a reporter all weekend for the cover of a magazine, just as Luke hopes to rekindle the romance, she realizes she may have pushed her public access too far. Juliette struggles to prepare for motherhood alone, and Will and Layla brace themselves for the premiere of their reality show.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

ABC Holiday Programming for November and December

ABC has announced its Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's special programming for November and December.

Below is a chronological listing of programming highlights (all times Eastern):

Wednesday, November 26
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving - In the 1973 special, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, created by late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, Charlie Brown wants to do something special for the gang. However, the dinner he arranges is a disaster when the caterers, Snoopy and Woodstock, prepare toast and popcorn as the main dish. A special bonus cartoon from Charles M. Schulz, This Is America, Charlie Brown: The Mayflower Voyagers, will air with the PEANUTS classic, in which history comes to animated screen life in a captivating and informative program about the Mayflower voyagers. The special will air with Spanish audio via SAP. (8:00-9:00p) (Rebroadcast. ABC OAD: 11/16/01)

'Nashville' Ratings Up For Second Week in a Row, Equals Season High

Sara Evans and Luke Wheeler perform "Put My Heart Down" on ABC's Nashville

Last night's episode of Nashville on ABC was up for the 2nd week in both Total Viewers (+4% - 5.6 million vs. 5.4 million) and Adults 18-49 (+7% - 1.5/4 vs. 1.4/4) to match season highs and equal its best numbers since last December (since 12/4/13).

Nashville caught CBS' Stalker in the hour for the first time among Adults 18-49.

In addition, the third-year drama grew over its year-ago telecast (5.2 million and 1.4/4) in Total Viewers (+8%) and Adults 18-49 (+7%).

'Nashville' Preview: CMA Award Nominations Are Announced Pitting Rayna Against Luke, Sara Evans Performs

Sara Evans and Luke Wheeler perform "Put My Heart Down" on ABC's Nashville

On this week's new Nashville, Juliette bravely faces her new reality and the CMA Awards nominations are announced pitting Rayna against Luke. Sara Evans, Robin Roberts and Amy Robach guest star as themselves. Nashville airs Wednesday, October 29 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In the episode, titled "Nobody Said It Was Going to be Easy," after a health scare, Juliette decides to ask Avery if he wants to be a part of her life as the baby’s father. Then, Gunnar deals with some recent life changing news and seeks advice from Scarlett. Meanwhile, Rayna sweeps the nominations for the CMA Awards but is up against her fiancé Luke for the most prized "Entertainer of the Year" category. Her glory is abruptly interrupted when she finds out Maddie and Daphne have been misbehaving back at home. While out on tour, Deacon finds his purpose in music thanks to the help of Pam, a backup singer in Luke’s band and country music star Sara Evans performs "Put My Heart Down" with Luke. Later, Scarlett befriends an unlikely new friend.

Watch a sneak peek video of Luke's performance with Sara Evans below:

21 Years After Debuting as Lucky Spencer, Jonathan Jackson's Star is Still on the Rise

Jonathan Jackson first appeared as Lucky Spencer on ABC daytime drama General Hospital on October 27, 1993. Five Emmy Awards and 21 years later, Jackson's career is still on an upward trajectory with a starring role in primetime and a brand new album.

Jackson plays Avery Barkley in Nashville, currently in its third season on ABC. Avery fell in love with feisty country music diva Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) but dumped her after learning she had sex with slimy Edgehill boss Jeff Fordham (Oliver Hudson). Avery hit the bottle and his life fell apart, and now he's dealing with the fact that Juliette is pregnant with his baby. In a recent episode, the troubled character alters the verses to "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World," changing the tune from a happy love song into a bitter breakup ditty, showing off Jackson's range as both an actor and singer. As Avery's downward spiral continues, Jackson is turning in one mesmerizing performance after another.

'Nashville' Up 8% in Total Viewers and Adults 18-49

Avery (Jonathan Jackson) and Glenn (Ed Amatrudo) in ABC's Nashville. Photo Credit: ABC/Mark Levine

In the Live + Same Day fast affiliate ratings, ABC's Nashville was up week to week by 8% in Total Viewers (5.4 million vs. 5.0 million) and by 8% in Adults 18-49 (1.4/4 vs. 1.3/4).

Nashville nearly tied NBC's Chicago P.D. in the hour among Adults 18-49 (1.4/4 vs. 1.5/5).

On average this season in the Live + 7 Day numbers, Nashville' audience is growing by 2.6 million viewers (+49% - 5.3 million to 7.9 million) and by 60% in Adults 18-49 (1.5 rating to 2.4 rating) over its L+SD results.

ABC's Live + 3 Project for Nashville: 8.8 million/2.2 rating and Live + 7 = 9.7 million/2.4 rating