The Grand Ole Opry Is Coming to Television in 2020
Do you live, breathe, and love country music? Would you rather go to the Grand Ole Opry than just about anywhere else? We're with you.
Well, fans of the Opry and country music have new reason to rejoice: The famed Nashville show is returning to television, thanks to Circle, a new media network created by Opry Entertainment Group and Gray Television, Inc.. As Wide Open Country reported, the television network will have a variety of country music-centric programming, including a weekly televised broadcast of the famed Grand Ole Opry radio show. While the Opry was once broadcast online, and has enjoyed periods of time being broadcast on television since the 1950s, this comeback attempt marks the start of a new era.
"Circle is all about fun, discovery and accessibility for country music fans," said Drew Reifenberger, the general manager of Circle Media, in a press release. "Circle will align fans and artists by creating intimate experiences and camaraderie of a close-knit circle of friends."
Scott Bailey, president of Opry Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., in the same media statement, elaborated: "Circle Media is a key piece of that strategy that will create a window into all of the best moments that happen in Nashville and throughout the South, so fans can connect with up-and-coming artists and the superstars they love from anywhere they are."
The network is scheduled to launch in early 2020 on Gray-owned TV stations and more news on distribution partners is expected to be announced in the next few months. For those without a traditional cable subscription, there are plans to launch a digital platform for the network in 2020.
WATCH: What Does It Really Take to Become a Grand Ole Opry Member?
Who's excited to tune into the Opry from the comfort of the couch? We're going to brush up on these our favorite country songs about every Southern state and get ready.
Your invitation's in the mail—bring your dancing shoes over.
