Grand Ole Opry, Hee-Haw Returning to TV Via the Circle Network
As first reported by Saving Country Music in October, The Grand Ole Opry will finally be returning to television via the recently-announced Circle Network owned by the Opry Entertainment Group—or at least portions of the show will be, along with expanded specialty programming tied to the iconic country music institution. Also coming to television will be the more regular rebroadcasting of vintage Hee-Haw episodes, shows featuring Opry members Craig Morgan and Dailey & Vincent, Elizabeth Cook will also have a show, along with other programming delving deep into country music culture.
The Circle Network has announced the full slate of programming that will be available in 56 markets via Gray Television, as well as in markets including New York, Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, Tampa and Detroit through a separate agreement with CBS Television, ultimately reaching an estimated 50% of U.S. television households. The network will launch on January 1st, 2020 with 16 original shows, with The Grand Ole Opry programming beginning in February of 2020.
Along with the program called Opry Live which will include new live-recorded Grand Ole Opry performances to be released each week, there will be another show called Opry Debut focusing on artists making their first appearance on the show, and Opry Docs about the history of the Grand Ole Opry.
Though audio of the Grand Ole Opry has always been broadcast by WSM-AM out of Nashville, and though the longest-running program on radio was syndicated across the country for decades (and now can be streamed online via WSM’s website), it’s been many years since the program that made country music famous could be seen on any screen. Certain moments and performances are released via the Opry’s YouTube channel, but it tends to be a very select amount of material, even though cameras are stationed throughout the Opry House, and the building was designed specifically to work for television broadcasts.
The appearance of the Grand Ole Opry on television was always sporadic, starting on the very early days of the show. Between 1955 and 1956, ABC aired a live, hour-long Opry show each month on Saturday nights. A syndicated show called Stars of the Grand Ole Opry was the first ever television show shot in color. When the Opry moved from the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville to the Opry House east of town in 1974, part of the emphasis was to expand the Opry to television. But even though the Opry House was regularly used for awards ceremonies and such that made it onto television screens, Opry presentations were rare aside from PBS airing live performances once a year from 1978 to 1981.
When The Circle Network was first announced, the concern was if the flavor of the programming would be slated more towards today’s country pop audiences and primarily be about lifestyle branding. Though some of the announced shows seem to veer in that direction, others seem to veer more towards the traditional, independent, and Americana side of country. This includes a fishing show with Elizabeth Cook called Upstream, a show called Bluebird Cafe Sessions focusing on songwriting, and Family Traditions following second and third generation country performers. Find the full slate of programming below.
Though The Circle Network has promised Hee-Haw reruns, there is no word on the reboot of the show which the Opry Entertainment Group was exploring back in February of 2017. The newly-launched Circle Network would certainly make for a good home for the show. Further shows could also be on the horizon. Recently announced, the Opry Entertainment Group’s parent company, Ryman Hospitality Properties, just moved to purchase The Moody Theater and Block 21 in Austin where Austin City Limits is taped. The idea behind the acquisition is to potentially help produce more content for The Circle Network in the Moody Theater space.
There has yet to be confirmation on the specific markets and channels that will be included in the network. Gray Television media markets can be found here, but a partnership with CBS will mean other markets are also covered. The Circle Network also plans to launch a premium digital channel available online by the spring of 2020. More information on the specific markets and channels The Circle Network will be found on when it becomes available.
The Circle Network Original Programming:
Opry Live: Beginning in February, Opry Live is a compilation of new live-recorded Grand Ole Opry performances that will be released each week. In the Opry tradition, this show will be a mix of today’s top stars, up-and-comers and all-time greats.
Fandom: The artist-fan relationship is unlike any other. Fandom is a series that explores the impact and intimacy of the artist-fan relationship from the perspective of fans as well as some of country music’s biggest stars, like Eric Church and Zac Brown.
Bluebird Café Sessions: Each year, thousands of fans flock to see artists and songwriters at the world-famous Bluebird Café. The Bluebird Café Sessions is a viewer’s ticket in – without the line! In this series, viewers will enjoy performances and storytelling from one of Nashville’s most iconic venues.
Southern Weekend: Hosted by singer and musician Natalie Stovall, each episode will highlight the best in southern living by visiting all the great attractions of the South including restaurants, museums, unique stores, and music venues. Country music artists will join in along the journey and share some of their favorite places.
Backstage at the Opry: Peek behind-the-scenes of the Grand Ole Opry, alongside artists as they go from rehearsals to the stage – and everything in between.
Craig’s World: Follow Opry member and Army Veteran Craig Morgan at home and on the road as he and his tight-knit family navigate triumphs and challenges while developing businesses, writing hit songs and balancing a country music career.
Authentic America: Hosted by veteran TV host Nan Kelley and her Grammy- nominated husband Charlie Kelley, Authentic America takes viewers on a two-wheeled version of the classic American road trip by way of backroads and rural routes exploring some of the country’s best kept secrets – including lesser known attractions, off-the-beaten path eateries, and most interesting of all, the people who make America one of the most colorful and eclectic nations in the world. Guests include Blake Shelton and Alabama.
Upstream: Join Elizabeth Cook as she invites artist guests to a new fishing location each episode. While the fishing may be good, the real catch is the conversation. Early guests include Cam and Shooter Jennings.
Opry Debut: Enjoy mini follow-documentaries that chronicle the moments and emotions that artists experience leading up to the memorable career milestone every country music artist dreams of achieving – their Grand Ole Opry debut. Debuts include Opry NextStage 2019 picks Tennille Townes, Travis Denning and Riley Green as well as the Opry debut of Ashley McBryde.
The Write Stuff: Viewers get a peek inside the inspiration and creation of some of country music’s greatest songs. Join country music hit makers as they walk step-by-step – from the initial concept to the final chord – and share the key licks and lyrics that brought their stories to life. Episodes feature Little Big Town, Old Crow Medicine Show and Travis Tritt.
Opry Docs: Hosted by contemporary artists like Brad Paisley, Charlie Daniels and Amy Grant, Opry Docs is a series of documentaries on country greats like Johnny Cash, Bill Monroe, George Jones and Minnie Pearl.
Better Half: Meet the larger-than-life spouses of some of today’s brightest stars and find out what gives them their own star power. Featured spouses include Samantha Busch (wife of NASCAR driver Kyle Busch), Kate Moore (wife of Justin Moore) and Christine Ballard (wife of Frankie Ballard).
Dailey & Vincent: Join Dailey & Vincent – the world-renowned bluegrass, country and gospel duo – as they host and perform in front of a live audience along with some notable friends like Vince Gill and the Oak Ridge Boys.
Stand Up Nashville!: Shot before a live audience at Nashville’s legendary Zanies Comedy Club, each episode of Stand Up Nashville! features a well-known comedian host as well as four up-and-coming comedians. Laugh along with a packed Zanies’ house and the most brilliant comics the South has to offer.
Family Traditions: Follow the next generation of country’s legendary families as they honor their roots while forging their own path. Episodes include Sam Williams (grandson of Hank Williams and son of Hank Williams Jr.) and Ashley Campbell (daughter of Glen Campbell).
Phil Vassar’s Songs from the Cellar: Join country music hit-maker, Phil Vassar, as he welcomes artists, songwriters, entertainers, athletes, and wine enthusiasts into his favorite place to write songs – his wine cellar! Each episode will feature conversation and collaboration along with a shared drink. Simple in concept yet rich in content, Phil’s laid-back style and quick-witted personality brings out the best in his guests as they share entertaining stories about their interesting lives. Guests include Kelsea Ballerini, Charles Esten, Mike Tyson and Hunter Hayes.
December 11, 2019 @ 10:56 am
Wow, some of this looks really legit.
Interesting note, Elizabeth Cook is a friend of Tyler Mahan Coe’s. I know Coe has had people reach out to him about TV versions of his podcast before–wouldn’t this be an interesting landing place for a project like that?
May 10, 2020 @ 10:41 pm
RFD-TV no longer airs Hee Haw and has been removed from its website and the RFD-TV Now app. I am thinking that Circle All Access got the full competition. Circle All Access needs to start running the Hee Haw shows in chronological order from first episode in 1969 to last episode in 1992 like RFD-TV did instead of just running a few of the reruns repeatedly not getting into the later years and skipping shows.
July 19, 2020 @ 4:19 pm
I have some DVD that have individual performances over the years and one that is the LAFFS. But never found entire shows. My set is a TIME LIFE set.
December 11, 2019 @ 11:51 am
This looks promising.
I found the website for Circle and looked at the stations. As of right now, it won’t be in Milwaukee which doesn’t surprise me. It does surprise me though that Nashville won’t get the station either. That could change at any time though.
December 11, 2019 @ 12:02 pm
I can’t imagine Nashville won’t get this station. From what I understand, the full station list is still being negotiated and finalized.
December 11, 2019 @ 11:58 am
I love Hee Haw. I watch with my grandparents on RFD every Sunday evening.
December 11, 2019 @ 12:20 pm
Elizabeth Cook fishing show?! She don’t fish. Does she? I think she sees ???? ???? all day … pink ones, purple ones. I kid her because I love her! Cook and Paula Nelson have become my favorite radio personalities on the dial.
All of this sounds great, but I can’t even find ESPN on my TV anymore.
December 11, 2019 @ 1:46 pm
I remember reading an interview of her where one of the things they talked about was how she was working with Letterman’s company on possible TV show vehicles, none of which panned out. In the interview, she said something like her perfect idea of a show was her and her guests on a fishing boat just fishing and talking.
I’ve been a big fan of hers music since reading about her in the old No Depression magazine and getting her Balls album in 2007. Have seen her a handful of times, with the last being in Annapolis last year. She played about a handful of new songs that sounded great. I’m really looking forward to a new album from her.
December 11, 2019 @ 12:51 pm
No, no, no… NEW Hee Haw! C’mon! …although….where the hell do you find sufficient talent for that anymore…
December 11, 2019 @ 2:40 pm
Will the Circle Network have a live internet stream or be available on Roku?
December 11, 2019 @ 3:37 pm
This may not be a popular opinion, but Brad Paisley hosting a new Hee-Haw could be great. He is really funny when he isn’t reading poorly written puns on award shows, and he understands the legacy of Buck and Roy and wouldn’t do anything to mess that up. Not sure on a co-host. Maybe someone like Kacey Musgraves?
December 11, 2019 @ 5:25 pm
I like kacey okay but did you watch her Christmas special on amazon? It was baaadddd.
December 11, 2019 @ 5:27 pm
I did not. I thought the previews looked a little iffy, so I’m not shocked. Christmas specials in themselves are hard to do, I feel very few are up to par.
December 16, 2019 @ 2:55 pm
It was fun and cheesy, just as I expected it to be, and just as I expect it was intended to be.
December 11, 2019 @ 5:31 pm
I think you were on the right track right up until the last sentence!!! A female co-host woukd be a good wrinkle though. Reba would be awesome but why would she?
December 11, 2019 @ 6:46 pm
Would love to see Brad Paisley hosting Hee Haw. Dierks Bentley would be a nice addition, too.
December 11, 2019 @ 8:43 pm
Kacey as co-host? NOT!
December 11, 2019 @ 5:25 pm
The LORD gave my late husband and me a song about that very special wood at the Grand Ole Opry. Please hear the words and be blessed. Produced by the legendary and great Doc Holiday.
https://youtu.be/-QZp8NPYnHs
December 11, 2019 @ 6:07 pm
Being back the Dukes of Hazzard
December 11, 2019 @ 7:49 pm
Female counterpart to Brad, Laura Bell Bundy
December 12, 2019 @ 7:52 am
Too bad.This originally sounded promising.
December 12, 2019 @ 6:54 pm
Is circle tv a cable station?
December 12, 2019 @ 11:42 pm
This will be primarily via digital broadcast stations. So no, though some cable providers may also have it as well. I am working to put together a comprehensive list of all the places people will be able to see this network.
December 13, 2019 @ 12:54 pm
Ironic that a Network devoted to country music is not going to be available in Nashville where I live, very disappointing!
December 14, 2019 @ 10:37 am
I grew up on Hee-Haw and I’d love to be able to catch regular airings of reruns. I’m not sure how keen I am on a reboot. There’s a great deal of charm in the innocent goofiness of the original run, and the performances are still fantastic.
December 14, 2019 @ 5:49 pm
not in my area figures Dayton Ohio or Springfield Ohio
December 15, 2019 @ 10:47 am
i see pa wont be getting the network either!
December 15, 2019 @ 12:53 pm
Very disappointed that Daily and Vincent are leaving RFD. They made them nationwide. I would’ve even known about them if not for RFD.
December 17, 2019 @ 11:21 am
I am also very disappointed that Dailey & Vincent are leaving RFD. I have grown to love their music and also would have never known about them if it hadn’t been for RFD, same with Joey & Rory.
I was wondering if the Circle network would be available on the Amazon Fire Stick when it comes out next month.
December 18, 2019 @ 7:54 pm
Looking forward to this new network! Always enjoyed TNN and their shows. Hope Circle network can use some of those reruns, like Statler Brothers, Gather Gospel Hour, Club Dance, Wild Horse, Ralph Emery, etc.
February 3, 2020 @ 2:43 pm
I’d love it if the Circle Network would air full length episodes of “Nashville Now” or even “Pop! Goes the Country”. There’s a lot of country classics that RFD-TV used to air that they don’t air anymore…the Circle Network would be a perfect home. I get this channel on Spectrum Cable…channel 999…a sub-channel of a local Cincinnati station, WXIX. I think the original programs airing now are okay…but there’s a tendency to fill the time with reruns of movies. I say get rid of movies and add more classic country programs. Also, I’d love it if the network would get broadcast rights to Ray Stevens’ television show, CabaRay Nashville. A couple of months ago RFD-TV took the show off their schedule with no advance warning or anything. It had been on their schedule, Saturday nights at 8:30pm, for nearly a year before the abrupt cancellation. So I’d love to see his television show get picked up by The Circle. I want to see more and more of the Opry Anniversary shows, too…preferably those from the mid ’90s and earlier. The most recent one I seen was the 60th anniversary special from 1985.
January 1, 2020 @ 7:36 pm
I just found the station in the Cleveland Ohio area.
WE LOVE IT! A great mix of new and old. Thank you so much.
January 6, 2020 @ 6:03 am
I have waited on this for so long!! I remember when Nashville now was everyone in country music tonight show!! Ralph Emory was fab!! The Grand ole open live also!!
January 6, 2020 @ 9:43 pm
I live in Clayton, Ga (Rabun county)… I only have WiFi and Roku. Where would I look for the station? Will it be on Roku at all? What app, if any?
January 12, 2020 @ 6:36 pm
Is circle avaible on dish ?
What channel
January 14, 2020 @ 6:46 pm
I have Dish and wondering if we can get the Circle TV Network?
January 20, 2020 @ 5:10 pm
Huntsville already has the Circle station and their NBC affiliate there also shows individual shows from the network on their main NBC channel 48.1. I was down there this weekend at my Alabama house and here we come back to our house south of Nashville and I’ve rescanned the channels and I don’t see it anywhere. How disappointing…
January 25, 2020 @ 2:15 am
Circle showed up on WSBK.5 in NH. Will it be on any other stations(OTA) in NH? I can watch it on my phone from my HDhomerun app. But but it doesn’t show the picture on my roku HDhomerun app. I really like the channel.
March 6, 2020 @ 12:30 pm
Please will you contact me at 814-853-9231 and tell me when you. Will be broadcasting in my area my wife and I would love to watch something else besides reruns all the time and watch some decent programs.
May 31, 2020 @ 1:57 pm
I get Circle Network on Peachtree Channel on Saturday night at 10:00 p.m.
I live in Mississauga, Ontario Canada. Roger’s Cable
Excellent show. Grand Ole Opry.
July 19, 2020 @ 4:22 pm
I have some DVD that have individual performances over the years and one that is the LAFFS. But never found entire shows. My set is a TIME LIFE set.