‘Nashville’ canceled by ABC; no season 5 (for now)

Maybe we spent too much time speculating on the future of “Castle,” “Supergirl,” and some other bubble shows, many of us missed this possibility right in front of our eyes: “Nashville” could be a goner over at ABC.

Now, it definitely appears to be so. The network has opted to move on from the country-music drama, which has a devoted following but has drawn increasingly smaller ratings over the past few years. It’s also a pricey show in some regards, and it is one that ABC does not own fully. Rave reviews can only keep a show above water apparently for so long. It’s interesting given that there were already new showrunners hired, so at one point, there probably was a plan to bring the show back or at least discussions. This is a complicated business, though, and things can often change in the blink of an eye.

Is it possible that the show will find another home elsewhere? We suppose so, but it’s a little bit early to start to prognosticate on that at the moment given that we’re still reeling from the news at present. There could be venues who want it, but affording it is an entirely different issue.

For the record, this move may mean that the network is leaning more towards keeping “Castle” around for a ninth season on the air, given that they fully own the show, it is in syndication, and they already have deals in place with some of the cast. Update: “Castle” is also over.