Press release from CMT, Feb. 22, 2018:

CMT’s “Nashville” wrapped up the first half of the series’ final season today with dramatic twists, and gave fans a first look at the final eight episodes set to air Thursday, June 7 at 9-10 p.m. ET/PT. The landmark series will close with its final episode set for Thursday, July 26. When the series returns this summer, “Nashville” will feature two new recurring roles with the additions of Ronny Cox and Mia Maestro. “Nashville” is produced by Lionsgate and Opry Entertainment.

Ronny Cox (True Detective, RoboCop) has been cast in the recurring role of “Gideon” in the second half of season six of “Nashville.” Gideon is a recently reformed, lifelong alcoholic. He’s come back to try and heal a long broken relationship with his son, Deacon (Charles Esten). Gideon is a crusty, frustrated, would-be musician, who resented his son’s success. Cox is represented byAgency for the Performing Arts (APA) and Levine Management.

Mia Maestro (The Strain, Scandal) has been cast in the recurring role of “Rosa” in the second half of season six of “Nashville.” Rosa is a dedicated follower of Darius’ (Josh Stamberg) Movement who is now having doubts about her role in it. Maestro is represented byICM Partners and Brillstein Entertainment Partners

From Lionsgate Music, “The Music of Nashville: Season 6 Vol 1” is available now in all digital music stores including iTunes and Spotify.

“Nashville” debuted on CMT in 2017 with record-breaking numbers. With the return of season 6 in January, the series once again posted high marks, notching a .80 among Adults 18-49 and 1.6 million viewers, the best since the S5 midseason premiere. (L+3) CMT is on track to garner 15 consecutive months of year-over-year ratings growth among Adults 18-49 and Women 18-49. (Total Day, L+SD)

In the midseason finale of Nashville, fans caught a special sneak peek of “Music City,” CMT’s new original series premiering Thursday, March 1 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. From famed executive producer Adam DiVello (“The Hills,” “Laguna Beach”), “Music City” follows a group of young adults entering the next chapter of their lives while chasing dreams of success, fame and romance in Nashville. Faced with real choices that carry real stakes for their careers, their relationships and their futures, they must navigate the rocky road on the journey of self-discovery.