ABC announces May Sweeps programming, season finale dates and summer premieres. Check out the full press release HERE.
The 2016 Billboard Music Awards will take place live from Las Vegas on Sunday, May 22nd, and The Bachelorette makes its season premiere on Monday, May 23rd. Dancing with the Stars two night finale takes place Monday May 23 and Tuesday May 24.
Nashville’s season finale is Wednesday May 25, and the network has lined up guest stars including Sir Elton John and The View cast on May 18, Derek Hough on May 11, and Kelsea Ballerini, Mario Lopez and Charissa Thompson on May 4. Check out the details below.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4:
10:00-11:00 p.m. – Nashville – “The Trouble with the Truth” – Rayna and Deacon fight to regain the trust of a determined Maddie as she seeks independence, but their efforts are undermined by someone they thought was an ally. Scarlett and Gunnar disagree on the history of their musical partnership during a press interview. Luke tries to do the right thing for an artist he admires, but it ends up backfiring. Country-music star Kelsea Ballerini performs “Peter Pan” in a guest appearance as herself, and “Extra” hosts Mario Lopez and Charissa Thompson guest star as themselves.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11:
10:00-11:00 p.m. – Nashville – “After You’ve Gone” – Rayna makes a last-ditch effort to protect her oldest daughter from the perils that befall young artists. Juliette reunites with her “Shenandoah Girl” co-star Noah West (Derek Hough) on the Oscar campaign trail, where she meets Kesha, who guest stars as herself. Elsewhere, Scarlett grows wary of Gunnar’s budding friendship with Autumn Chase (Alicia Witt), Layla fears falling into obscurity before her career even takes off, and Will suffers a devastating loss.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18:
10:00-11:00 p.m. – Nashville – “It’s Sure Gonna Hurt” – After nearly two decades, Rayna and Deacon face the facts of their storied and often tempestuous relationship. Scarlett makes a startling self-discovery in between tour dates while Gunnar performs with one of his idols, rock-music legend Sir Elton John, who guest stars as himself. Luke stops by “The View” to trumpet a worthy cause – before a family emergency pulls his focus. Elsewhere, Juliette struggles to make a connection, and Layla launches her album at The Bluebird. Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Raven Symoné, and Paula Faris guest star as themselves.
SUNDAY, MAY 22:
8:00-11:00 p.m. – The 2016 Billboard Music Awards
MONDAY, MAY 23:
8:00-9:00 p.m. – Dancing with the Stars – Part 1 of the 2-Night Season Finale
9:00-11:00 p.m. –The Bachelorette – Season Premiere – Southern sweetheart and fan favorite Jo Jo Fletcher returns to embark on her own journey to find love, starring the 12th edition of ABC’s romance reality hit. Chris Harrison hosts.
TUESDAY, MAY 24:
9:00-11:00 p.m. Dancing with the Stars – Season Finale – The Champion is crowned!
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25:
10:00-11:00 p.m. Nashville – “Maybe You’ll Appreciate Me Someday” – Season Finale – Rayna resorts to drastic measures when she learns that Maddie has crossed paths with a duplicitous figure from her past. Juliette must choose how to publicly reckon with the truth of Jeff Fordham’s death – a decision that directly affects Layla. Scarlett and Gunnar consider parting ways as bandmates, and Will finally decides to do what he should have done long ago – step up as the leader of a cause and a community. ABC News correspondent Deborah Roberts guest stars as herself.