Country music fans, get ready—Blake Shelton is back on TV, but this time with a brand-new reality competition series unlike anything you’ve seen before. “The Road,” coming to CBS this fall, is set to shine a spotlight on the grind, grit, and glory of life on tour.
Here’s everything you need to know about Blake Shelton’s newest reality TV venture—from premiere dates and filming locations to star-studded cast appearances and what makes this series truly unique.
When Does Blake Shelton’s ‘The Road’ Premiere?
Mark your calendar! The Road officially premieres Sunday, October 19, 2025, airing on CBS at 9PM ET/PT. The show will temporarily shift to 9:30PM on October 26 and November 2 following NFL doubleheaders before returning to its regular time slot.
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What Is ‘The Road’ All About?
Unlike traditional singing shows that rely on studio auditions, “The Road” follows a high-stakes, real-world competition format. The show takes a behind-the-scenes look at rising musicians fighting for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—to be the opening act for country superstar Keith Urban.
Twelve up-and-coming artists will travel across the American South, performing live at seven mid-sized venues in Texas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. To advance, contestants must win over real audiences in each city. No voting panels—just raw talent and crowd reaction.
Who’s Involved in Blake Shelton’s ‘The Road’?
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Keith Urban – This season’s main headliner and mentor.
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Gretchen Wilson – Takes on the role of road manager, helping guide the artists through the highs and lows of tour life. She was personally selected by Shelton for the gig.
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Blake Shelton & Taylor Sheridan – Yes, the mastermind behind Yellowstone and the country icon are teaming up as co-creators and executive producers of the show.
Shelton described the show as “a real-life test of perseverance”, while Urban teased that fans will see “the real road life—not just the glamorous side.”
Which Contestants Are Competing on ‘The Road’?
While the full cast hasn’t been officially listed, a few familiar names in the country music world have been confirmed:
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Jenny Tolman
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Channing Wilson
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Cody Hibbard
But each contestant brings their own sound and story, and viewers can expect powerful performances, emotional moments, and plenty of on-the-road drama.
Where is ‘The Road’ Filmed?
Filming for The Road took place in March and April 2025 across seven iconic venues in the South. Here’s a full list of stops:
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March 2 – Fort Worth, TX @ Tannahill’s
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March 5 – Dallas, TX @ The Factory
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March 9 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Oklahoma Ranch
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March 12 – Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom
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March 24 – Memphis, TN @ Minglewood Hall
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March 28 – Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works
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April 2 – Nashville, TN @ The Ryman Auditorium
Fans were invited to attend the live performances, making the show an interactive experience that captured real crowd energy.
Behind the Scenes: Who Created ‘The Road’?
Blake Shelton joined forces with Taylor Sheridan, the creator of Yellowstone, to bring this concept to life. Their goal? To create a more authentic path to stardom that reflects the grind most musicians endure long before the spotlight hits.
But this new CBS show also comes just 18 months after Shelton said goodbye to The Voice, showing he’s not done discovering and mentoring new talent—he’s just taking a different road to do it.
Why You Should Watch ‘The Road’
If you love real music, authentic stories, and the spirit of country touring life, “The Road” is a must-watch. But with powerhouse talent, industry legends, and a format that breaks the mold, the show promises to be a standout in 2025’s TV lineup.
Don’t Miss the Premiere
Premiere Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
Where to Watch: CBS, Sundays at 9PM ET/PT