ABC/Bob D'AmicoWe've got some great news, y'all!
ABC has officially picked up Nashville, the Country music soap starring Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere, for a third season, the network announced on Friday.
"Congratz and welcome back for Season 3 to @Nashville_ABC@conniebritton@CharlesEsten@CallieKhouri, the whole Nashville team and loyal fans," ABC co-president Ben Sherwood tweeted.
Nashville has averaged 5.3 million viewers and a 1.4 rating in the adults 18-49 demo in its second season, which wraps up on Wednesday, May 14.
The drama joins a slew of other series to be renewed by ABC, including Scandal, Grey's Anatomy, Revenge, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Castle.
Before Nashville's renewal, we chatted with star Eric Close, who was feeling confident about the show's chances for survival, given its bubble-watch status throughout season two.
"I got to tell you, I'd be really shocked if it doesn't go another year," he said. "What I've noticed over the last year is that a lot of fans are really interested in introducing the show to their friends…I think we have a great following that's growing and the shows are interesting."
ABC recently sent several of the show's stars, including Charles Esten, Clare Bowen, Sam Palladio, Chris Carmack and Jonathan Jackson, on the first ever Nashville concert tour, where they performed songs for fans in Chicago, Washington D.C., Philadelphia and New York City.
Though the network picked up a bunch of shows, including Modern Family and The Middle, five series weren't so lucky; Trophy Wife, Mixology, Suburgatory, The Neighbors and Super Fun Night were are all canceled.