This Nashville interview with Callie Khouri and Dee Johnson takes us behind the scenes of one of television’s most talked-about music dramas. During an ABC media event, I joined 24 other bloggers for a conversation with the show’s creator and executive producer, Callie Khouri, and executive producer Dee Johnson.
What happens when the writers behind one of television’s most talked-about dramas sit down to discuss its music, characters, and approaching season finale? During an ABC media event, I joined 24 other bloggers for a conversation with Nashville creator and executive producer Callie Khouri and executive producer Dee Johnson.
We previewed the May 7 episode, All or Nothing with Me, and received an early look at the Season 2 finale. The conversation offered a fascinating glimpse into how the producers used music, relationships, and the city of Nashville itself to shape the series.
Photo Credit: ABC/Rick Rowell. Dee Johnson, executive producer of “Nashville,” and Callie Khouri, creator and executive producer of “Nashville.”
What Was the Television Series Nashville About?
Nashville centered on Rayna Jaymes, played by Connie Britton, an established country music star facing a changing industry and a younger generation of performers.
Among those rising performers was Juliette Barnes, played by Hayden Panettiere. As Juliette’s popularity grew, Rayna had to navigate changes in her career while protecting her place in the industry.
The rivalry between Rayna and Juliette provided the foundation for the series, but the story extended well beyond the two singers. It explored family relationships, politics, ambition, touring, addiction, romance, and the personal consequences of life in the public eye.
Why Music Was So Important to Nashville
Although the series was set against Nashville’s country-music industry, its musical identity was intentionally broader than one genre.
Khouri, whom many viewers also know as the screenwriter of Thelma & Louise, explained:
“So much of the music isn’t necessarily country music. We wanted to show the great music that is part of Nashville.”
That distinction mattered. Nashville is home to musicians and songwriters representing country, bluegrass, rock, Americana, gospel, and other musical traditions. The television series gave those artists and songwriters another way to bring their work to the public.
That musical variety reminded me of a coworker whose brother performed bluegrass and toured internationally. I used to tease him because I had never heard of the band, but then I would see photographs of his brother performing with musicians such as Hall & Oates. His experience demonstrated exactly what Khouri described: Nashville’s music community reaches far beyond a single label.
The episode we previewed also featured Kellie Pickler performing “Closer to Nowhere,” providing another example of how the show blended its fictional storylines with performances from working musicians.
Callie Khouri and Dee Johnson on Creating the Drama
Khouri grew up in Nashville, giving her a personal connection to the city and its music community. Dee Johnson brought experience from television dramas such as The Good Wife.
Together, they created a world filled with complicated families, career rivalries, political pressures, concert tours, and romantic entanglements. The music may have drawn viewers into the series, but the characters and their relationships kept the story moving.
During our conversation, one of the biggest questions was whether Nashville would return for a third season. ABC announced the renewal shortly after the event. Khouri and Johnson also discussed plans to create more crossover among the characters and their individual storylines.
A Season 2 Finale Filled With Emotional Crossroads
Deacon Claybourne was one of the show’s most compelling characters, and his storyline delivered one of the most memorable moments in the Season 2 finale.
I will never forget the reaction in the screening room. The longtime Nashville viewers suddenly went silent, followed by several audible gasps. Even those watching the series for the first time could tell it was an important moment.
The finale placed Rayna at an emotional crossroads. Juliette and Luke performed at LP Field, Rayna turned to Teddy for help, a benefit was held for Deacon’s favorite charity, and Scarlett made a major decision about her future in Nashville.
Having watched the episode before it aired, I understood why the producers were so careful about revealing what was coming. The finale brought several season-long storylines together while creating new questions about where the characters would go next.
Eric Close Surprises the Nashville Interview
Just as our conversation with Khouri and Johnson was winding down, the room received an unexpected visitor: Eric Close, who played Teddy Conrad on the series.
His surprise appearance gave the interview an entirely new burst of energy.
After watching the episodes, hearing directly from the producers, and meeting Eric Close, I left with a greater appreciation for everything that went into the series. Nashville was never simply a show about country music. It was a character-driven drama that used the city’s diverse musical community as the backdrop for stories about ambition, family, loyalty, and reinvention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created the television series Nashville?
Callie Khouri created Nashville and served as one of its executive producers. She is also known for writing the screenplay for Thelma & Louise.
Who was Dee Johnson on Nashville?
Dee Johnson was an executive producer and writer on Nashville. Her previous television credits included The Good Wife.
Who played Rayna Jaymes and Juliette Barnes?
Connie Britton played established country music star Rayna Jaymes, while Hayden Panettiere played rising performer Juliette Barnes.
Which Nashville cast member surprised the interview group?
Eric Close, who played Teddy Conrad, made a surprise appearance near the end of our conversation with Callie Khouri and Dee Johnson.
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