Another guilty pleasure, melodramatic television series has graced the presence of network television. Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. calls for the deliciously addictive and supremely untamed new ABC series, Nashville. Starring big name celebs such as Hayden Penettiere and Connie Britton have helped in giving the new show the ratings it deserves.
Containing a few of my favorite things–country music, chivalrous and sexy southern gentlemen, and the oozing sexual drama we girls thrive off of, Nashville follows fading country singer, Rayna James (played by Connie Britton), as she is driven to team up with thriving teen sensation, Juliette Barnes (played by Hayden Penettiere), or lose her tour and the promotion of her latest album. (CUE sexy, southern gentlemen!) Steamy tensions rise between Rayna and the lead guitarist of her band (and hunky heartthrob), Deacon (played by Charles Esten), with whom she used to have a serious relationship before his lengthy stint in rehab. Drama ensues as Rayna’s husband grows suspicious of the old flame being rekindled. And despite Deacon’s apparent sincere love for Rayna, he happens to be the current sexual conquest of the irresistible, but troubled Juliette Barnes.
Think Gossip Girl meets Real Housewives in a southern setting, aka guilty pleasure-television bliss. Perhaps I’m biased because I’ve always been an enthusiast of the types of shows that bring me to a world where everybody is unrealistically attractive and the romances are Nicholas Sparks-esque. (Anyone else still depressed over the series ending of One Tree Hill?) Nashville evokes an extra special dosage of satisfaction via its steamy cast and attention-grabbing plots and will give you your totally-unrealistic-but-I-still-think-this-could-happen-to-me-someday fix.
The show’s awesome soundtrack adds to its appeal with original tunes along with popular covers of bands such as The Civil Wars. Britton’s character showcases her voice often with the original country sound many adore, while Penettiere’s character opts for the teenybopper country-pop style akin to Taylor Swift. The show is barely halfway through its first season, and I’ve already created a fully stocked Nashville playlist.
If nothing else, Nashville is sure to get you out of your mid-week slump just in time for Thirsty Thursday. Set your DVRs or catch the episodes online because, trust me, this is one guilty pleasure you’ll want to indulge in.