Netflix’s massive, ever-changing collection of shows and movies isn’t just comprised of big-ticket original releases like the impending return of “Stranger Things”; one of the many reasons it’s still one of the best streaming services on the market it’s also home to a vast library of network shows. And as of today (September 15), the streamer’s just added another show that could be your next binge-watch.
The series in question is “Nashville,” a soapy, musical drama that originally ran for six seasons between 2012 and 2018 on ABC and CMT (ABC canceled it in 2016, but CMT stepped in after outcry from fans).
Created by Callie Khouri (the screenwriter behind “Thelma & Louise”), the series charts the highs and lows of several fictional stars from the world of country music, and it’s perfect for anyone looking for a show stuffed with drama.
If that sounds like your next watch, you can look forward to streaming all 124 episodes of “Nashville” on Netflix now. Otherwise, you can find a little more info about the new arrival (and a round-up of critics’ takes on “Nashville”) below.
What is ‘Nashville’ about?
“Nashville” takes viewers inside the country music scene in Nashville, Tennessee. There, we’re introduced to 40-year-old country superstar Rayna Jaymes (Connie Britton), a musical icon whose star is starting to fade.
Her label decides that the best option to revitalise her image is to pair her up with up-and-coming diva Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) on tour, and the series follows their rivalry while documenting the personal and professional challenges of Juliette, Rayna, and other artists from
In addition to Britton and Panettiere, “Nashville” also stars Charles Esten, Sam Palladio, Chris Carmack, Jonathan Jackson, Clare Bowen, and Aubrey Peeples, among others.
Should you stream ‘Nashville’ on Netflix?
If you’re between Netflix watches, “Nashville” could well be your next binge (especially if you’re into country music), and it comes well-recommended. At the time of writing, the show holds a 91% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, and that score includes two seasons that both hold a perfect 100% score on the review aggregate site.
Since we’re talking about a show that’s been off the air since 2018, let’s stick with season 1, which has a critics’ consensus that reads: “”Nashville” promotes catchy pop-western tunes and plays to non-fans of the genre with its sharp atmosphere and its stellar narratives.”
Reviewing for Vulture back in 2012, critic Matt Zoller Seitz wrote: “It’s a pleasure to watch a show that knows what it wants to be and has the chops to pull it off,” adding “”Nashville” is a nighttime soap, just melodramatic enough to hook you into caring […] and just smart enough to make you think these characters could exist in reality.”
The Hollywood Reporter‘s Tim Goodman summed “Nashville” up as a “a grown-up soap with impeccable casting.” Of the pilot episode, he said: “All in all, it’s an entertaining hour of fine acting, writing and ambition. Even if you’re not a country music fan, the rest of “Nashville” is singing a different, intriguing tune.”
Likewise, Entertainment Weekly critic Ken Tucker praised “Nashville” as the TV season’s “best new show” back in 2012, writing: “It arrived fully formed, with a sure sense of what it wants to accomplish dramatically, and with a masterful command of atmosphere and setting,” adding: “it’s really entertaining, and much more than merely entertaining.”
In short, “Nashville” comes well-recommended and seems a prime candidate for a fall binge-watch, whether you’ve watched it before or not.
However, if you really don’t want to stream “Nashville” on Netflix, and still need more recommendations, we can help: check out our round-up of the best shows on Netflix for tons more top picks perfect for filling up your watchlist.
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