‘Nashville’ Star Connie Britton Teases ‘Best Season We’ve Ever Had,’ Ignores Rumors About Her Exit

Connie Britton says “Nashville” fans are in for a treat. ABC canceled the show in the spring, but CMT picked it up for Season 5. With its new home comes different showrunners and some changes to the drama. However, Britton assured audiences that the modifications are only making the show better.

“We have amazing new writers that I’m so excited about, Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick, and it’s going to be the best writing that we’ve ever seen on ‘Nashville,’” Britton told TVLine. “And it’s going to be the best — probably the best season we’ve ever had.”

Herskovitz and Zwick, who previously worked on “thirtysomething,” have already started making changes. They’re adding diversity to the ensemble. They’ve already cast transgender actress Jen Richards and biracial Grammy Award winner Rhiannon Giddens. They’re also searching for an African American actor to play Clay, an up and coming musician.

The new characters will help bring the show back to its roots. “Nashville” will be trying to focus on music again in Season 5.

The “People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” alum has already returned to the studio. She re-recorded a Season 1 song, “Already Gone,” and used Instagram to thank the professionals who help with the musical side of the show. “We are all so grateful to the incredible songwriters and musicians here who invite us in, prop us up, and inspire us to make this show. Thanks y’all,” she wrote.

In her interview at the Emmy Awards, Britton did not address the reports that she is only signed on for about half the season. When recent rumors were mentioned, Britton only had this to say: “I don’t know where that stuff came from. Like, it’s kind of crazy, the things that come out.”

As previously reported, the actress is only committed to doing about 10 episodes of the 22-episode season ordered by CMT. With Rayna connected to so many characters on the show, it’s hard to see how her absence could be explained besides death. However, Britton’s enthusiasm might lead her to signing a longer contract.

“Nashville” Season 5 premieres Thursday, Jan. 5, at 9 p.m. EDT on CMT.