There's more drama in "Nashville"! The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively that executive music producer T Bone Burnett will not be returning for Season 2 of ABC drama "Nashville."
Burnett was credited with overseeing more than 100 original songs for the show, as well as producing or co-producing dozens of original songs in its first season. Buddy Miller, Burnett's producing and composing partner from Season 1, will now take over the role.
This isn't the first hiccup for the Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere-led ABC series -- the only freshman drama to receive a second season from the network -- but it might be the most noticeable, both for viewers and the cast and creator.
"That's part of what excited me about the show was the challenge of singing," star Connie Britton told The Huffington Post in a video interview before the show premiered. "I can tell you for sure that I could not do this without T Bone Burnett. He is a master. He is just beyond amazing."
"Just one of the best in the industry," star Sam Palladio, who plays Gunnar, agreed. "To be sitting in his studios in LA, working out songs and listening to music and immersing ourselves in the world, is a pretty cool thing to be able to do."
And star Clare Bowen, who plays Scarlett, seconded that, saying of Burnett's involvement: "We couldn't possibly be in better hands."
Burnett also happens to be married to the show's creator Callie Khouri.
The series averaged a 1.9 rating in the key demo of adults 18-49, reaching a season-long average of 5.94 million total viewers per episode.
Last month, the show made headlines for a massive crew shake-up. Line producer Loucas George and production supervisor Don Bensko, along with their team running the show on the ground in Nashville, did not have their contracts renewed for a second season, and were reportedly never notified by the studio.
In addition to the crew shake-up, Deadline also reported rumors of difficulties between production companies ABC Studios and Lionsgate, "and other behind-the-scenes issues, including star Britton being unhappy with the experience" during Season 1.
While the intention is reportedly to keep production of the series in Nashville, Deadline suggests that it largely depends on available tax incentives from the state of Tennessee.
Location changes and crew shake-ups, while important, are not as noticeable to viewers, but the loss of a creative presence like Burnett will surely be felt.
Tell us: Do you think the music of "Nashville" will be as good without Burnett on board?
