‘Nashville’ Updates: Lionsgate TV Boss Defends Cliffhanger Finale, Reveals Confidence Series Will Find New Home

The series finale of the ABC show “Nashville” that ended on a cliffhanger has gained mixed reactions from loyal viewers of the series. However, the Lionsgate TV boss has revealed in an interview that the show ended as initially planned.

Episode 21 of “Nashville” season 4 titled “Maybe You'll Appreciate Me Someday" that aired on May 25 has marked the end of the series following the show’s cancellation. The said episode was able to wrap up stories for some of its characters. However, the plot for the series’ main character Juliette (Hayden Panettiere) has ended in a cliffhanger. Loyal viewers of the show would know that the plane carrying Juliette has lost radio contact and presumed to have gone missing.

Lionsgate TV chairman Kevin Beggs has shared in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that the cliffhanger finale was an ending that showrunners have “always envisioned” for the series’ season 4. Beggs even stated that they created the show’s cliffhanger ending “over weeks and months.”

Although an alternate happy ending has also been filmed for the “Nashville” series finale. However, they still decided to proceed with the original ending. “In our estimation, to go with a quickly assembled too-easy wrap-up is more of a disservice to the fans who have invested four years in this great cast and these great stories. And there's more stories to tell,” Beggs explained on why they did not use the alternate ending.

The Lionsgate TV executive also teased of “serious conversations” that they had with “multiple buyers” interested to pick up “Nashville” for another season. Beggs also appears confident that the former ABC series will eventually find a new home in a different platform. He even described the show’s absence from the small screens as a “little short-term pain” that will yield “ultimately long-term gain” for the series.

Meanwhile, the country music drama series has been pitched to various networks and streaming services, according to Deadline. Some of these networks include CMT, Lifetime, Hulu and potentially the Bravo/E! channel. Other platforms and networks such as Pop and EPIX may also be likely networks where “Nashville” may have been offered. Lionsgate is said to be a co-owner of both networks.

At this time, it is still unsure if “Nashville” will have a season 5 run in a new network. Loyal fans of the show would have to watch out for future news to learn more.