Dave Paulson on ABC Nashville’s legacy and future
Dave Paulson on ABC Nashville’s legacy and future
Dave Paulson/The Tennessean
- The musical drama “Nashville” ran for six seasons on ABC from 2012 to 2018.
- The series, starring Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere, was filmed at iconic locations throughout the city.
- The show boosted tourism and spending in Nashville, with one in five visitors citing it as a motivation to visit.
- “Nashville” had a lasting impact on the city, increasing the popularity of music venues and leading to cast reunion tours.
Nashville is known as Music City, but its melodies have occasionally taken the town from the stage to the screen. The latest example is ABC’s “9-1-1: Nashville,” premiering on Oct. 9.
The most prominent television show filmed in Nashville remains the aptly named musical drama “Nashville,” which aired for six years during the 2010s on ABC and CMT.
Created by Callie Khouri, the series starred Connie Britton as longtime country singer Rayna Jaymes and Hayden Panettiere as country newcomer Juliette Barnes. Charles Esten, Clare Bowen, Jonathan Jackson and Eric Close also appeared on the show.
The TV series follows the fictional in-and-outs of the Nashville music business, diving into the stories of performers from small-time singer-songwriters to country legends.
Here’s what to know about the show’s legacy.
When did ABC’s ‘Nashville’ premiere?
The television show premiered on Oct. 10, 2012 and ran for six seasons, concluding on July 26, 2018.
Where did ‘Nashville’ film?
The show filmed all around the city.
Rayna James’ house was located in Belle Meade, many scenes take place at the Bluebird Cafe, and other filming locations include Percy Warner Park, the Ryman Auditorium, Tootsies Orchid Lounge, The 5 Spot, The Parthenon at Centennial Park, The Grand Ole Opry, Biscuit Love, and more.
How did Music City react to ‘Nashville’ show?
Many people in Nashville felt positively about the show filming in the city because it boosted tourism, spotlighted Nashville’s bustling music scene, and established Nashville as a film-friendly city.
“The ‘Nashville’ show has had a tremendous impact for this city on many levels,” said Butch Spyridon, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, in 2015, Forbes reported.
“It has been huge as a marketing asset, it has put an important spotlight on our songwriter community and the cast members have been incredible advocates for us as well.”
A 2014 tourism study found that 1 in 5 visitors who had watched the show said that it motivated them to visit the city. Those viewers stayed in town longer and spent 23% more money, Forbes said.
Nashville even touted “Nashville”-themed tours and activities.
Some of the city’s established country acts of the time, like Florida Georgia Line, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and many more, made cameos on the show.
The lasting legacy of ABC’s show ‘Nashville’
After 124 episodes of “Nashville,” its impact is still felt on the city.
Some of the cast remains in the music industry to this day, including country singer and actor Charles Esten and pop singer Lennon Stella.
The show gave local independent musicians exposure on its soundtrack, increased the popularity of venues like The Bluebird Cafe, inspired cast tours and years later, sparked reunion tours.
One reunion show came to town in 2024, which featured Clare Bowen, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson, and Sam Palladio.
Another is slated for Jan. 25, 2026 at the Ryman.
How to stream ABC’s ‘Nashville’
‘Nashville’ is available to stream on Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV and Philo.
Audrey Gibbs is a music journalist at The Tennessean. You can reach her at [email protected].
