'Chicago Fire' Gains Heat as 'Nashville' Holds on to Ratings Lead

Two new shows continue to generate interest during the 2012 fall season.

First, NBC's new series Chicago Fire began slow in numbers, falling behind it's competition, ABC's Nashville, but it is picking up heat every week. With a rise in the key demographic of adults between the ages of 18 and 49, the network has ordered another five episodes for the drama program.

In addition, The Hollywood Reporter has announced that the talented Kathleen Quinlan has signed on to play the mother of series regular Jesse Spencer for a multiple story arc. Oscar nominee Quinlan is known for choosing roles that interest and intrigue her.

As for Nashville, it continues to hold a lead in the ratings over Chicago Fire.

The prime time soap opera infuses country music into its romantic drama and conflicts. The show features songs by Elvis Costello, Lucinda Williams, and others. In fact, each outing contains 3 to 7 tunes and one of those is being released to iTunes every week. In addition, some are being released to radio stations. The songs will likely be released on the Big Machine label which touts super singers Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw in its barn. If the songs prove to be successful, a soundtrack could be released early next year.