It's a modern day drama in the country kingdom of ABC's hit show, "Nashville." With a whole lot of heart and a good dose of twang, this show has the music, the characters and the thrilling plot twists that keep fans coming back for more. As the season heads to a close with guest appearances by First Lady Michelle Obama and country star Kellie Pickler (May 7), make sure you're in the know with "The 6 Things You Need to Know Right Now to Start Watching 'Nashville.'"

1. The main players:

Rayna Jaymes (Connie Britton) is a 40-something country star who's verging on "has been" status. To stay relevant, her management tries to team her up with Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere), a hot young country star. Real-life sisters and singers Lennon and Maisy Stella play Rayna's children on "Nashville."

Juliette Barnes - (Hayden Panettiere) A breakout country star who's had her fair share of challenges. She's one of Nashville's hottest singers, but always looking to climb higher.

Teddy Conrad (Eric Close) - Rayna's former husband and father of her daughter Daphne (Maisy Stella). Teddy is the mayor of Nashville who gets himself into trouble everywhere he turns.

Deacon Claybourne (Charles Esten)- Rayna's one-time (and maybe future?) fling. He's the biological father of Rayna's oldest daughter, Maddie (Lennon Stella).

Scarlett O'Connor (Clare Bowen) is the sweet country crooner who's having some trouble adjusting to the spotlight. She is also Deacon's niece.

Avery Barkley (Jonathan Jackson) is Nashville's heartbreaking hipster who's captured both Scarlett and Juliette's hearts throughout the seasons.

Luke Wheeler (Will Chase) is one of the hottest country stars at the moment, and also Rayna's current love interest.

Will Lexington (Chris Carmack) is an aspiring country singer who's hiding a giant secret - he's homosexual. To cover up his secret, he proposes to an up-and-coming star Layla Grant (Aubrey Peeples).

Gunnar Scott (Sam Palladio) is the nice guy musician who befriends Will as his roommate. Gunnar once dated Scarlett.

Charlie Wentworth (Charlie Bewley) is an extremely successful businessman who also has a thing for Juliette.

2. The latest episode:

News that Maddie's real father is Deacon goes viral. Rayna attempts to do damage control by appearing on "Good Morning America." Scarlett's mom comes to town and her relationship with her daughter is anything but healthy. In fact, the stress leads to a major meltdown.

3. Connie Britton stopped by "Good Morning America" to talk with Robin Roberts about "Nashville's" trip to Fort Campbell, KY, which will feature on an upcoming episode. Britton said it was one of the greatest moments they've had on the show so far. You can watch the segment here: http://abcn.ws/Odgjaq.

4. It wouldn't be "Nashville" without sassy, fun country music. Nothing will get you in the mood to catch the end of this season like "Nashville's" soundtracks. Catch up on all the hottest songs from the show with tunes from Seasons 1 and 2.

5. "Nashville" highlights the hottest spots in the city, including an almost-exact replica of the historic Bluebird Café. The original is one of the world's most famous places for the next-big-thing to showcase their skills. The show "Nashville's" version has painstakingly recreated a version to use as a set. Lennon and Maisy Stella performed at The Bluebird in real life and someone's recording of the event helped launch their career. (

SEE MORE: The Real 'Nashville': On The Long Road to Stardom

6. Catch a sneak peek of tonight's episode here: http://abcn.ws/1hdrFDI