"NASHVILLE" ON CMT RATINGS SURGE NEARLY 20% SINCE PREMIERE

New Episodes Premiere Thursdays at 9pm ET/PT Only On CMT

NASHVILLE - January 24, 2017 - Following two weeks of consecutive growth, "Nashville" ratings on CMT continue to rise and shatter network records. The newest episode aptly entitled "Leap of Faith" attracted more than 2 million viewers pulling a .95 A 18-49, notching an 18% rise in ratings since the season premiere on January 5.

Furthermore, the episode was the highest rated original series telecast in the channel's history among W 18-49 (1.30), and generated strong numbers with A 25-54 (1.14) and W 25-54 (1.61). "Nashville" on CMT was the #2 rated show on all of cable for the night among W 18-49 and W 25-54. This week's #NashChat, featuring Jonathan Jackson (Avery), had the highest reach (1.3M) and most video views (302K) of its three live events so far this season. "Nashville" is produced by Lionsgate, ABC Studios and Opry Entertainment.

Compared to January last year, CMT ratings for originals are up +72% among A18-49 and +121% among W18-49. Total day ratings are up 26% with A 18-49 and nearly 40% with W 18-49.

In this week's episode, The Exes make a music video. Scarlett and the director, Damien George, fight over their differences. Clay and Maddie's relationship builds. Clay shows Maddie a different part of town. View a preview here.

"Nashville" is set against the backdrop of the city's music scene and follows Rayna Jaymes and Juliette Barnes. Both women face personal and professional challenges as they navigate their paths as artists and individuals. Surrounding them and often complicating their lives are their family, friends and, in some cases, lovers, as well as the up-and-coming performers and songwriters trying to get ahead in the business. Music City can mean so many things to different people. In "Nashville," musicians and songwriters are at the heart of the storm driven by their own ambitions. Some are fueled by their creativity and passion for fame. Others struggle to cope with the pressures of success and are doing everything in their power to stay on top.

"Nashville" stars Connie Britton as Rayna Jaymes, Hayden Panettiere as Juliette Barnes, Clare Bowen as Scarlett O'Connor, Chris Carmack as Will Lexington, Charles Esten as Deacon Claybourne, Jonathan Jackson as Avery Barkley, Sam Palladio as Gunnar Scott, Maisy Stella as Daphne Conrad and Lennon Stella as Maddie Conrad. In addition, the upcoming season will feature Joseph David-Jones as Clay, Rhiannon Giddens as Hallie Jordan, Jen Richards as Allyson Del Lago, and Cameron Scoggins as Zach Welles in recurring roles.

Produced by Lionsgate, ABC Studios and Opry Entertainment, production is currently underway in Nashville. The series is executive produced by Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick (the creators of "Thirtysomething"), Steve Buchanan and Callie Khouri.

The series airs in 225 territories worldwide. Since its debut, the show has inspired 10 soundtracks, including a Christmas album, which have collectively sold more than one million album units and over 5 million single-track downloads to date. It has also been nominated for multiple Emmy, Golden Globe and Critics Choice awards.