# Smash (2012)

> Two ambitious women vie for the lead in a new Broadway musical as the show's creators fight to bring it to the stage.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/36136

## Facts

- Seasons: 2
- Episodes: 32
- Episode runtime: 44 min
- Status: Canceled
- Genres: drama, music
- Created by: Theresa Rebeck
- Network: NBC
- Cast: Katharine McPhee, Megan Hilty, Jack Davenport, Jeremy Jordan, Debra Messing, Christian Borle, Anjelica Huston, Raza Jaffrey
- TMDB rating: 7.7/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1825133/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: brisk
- Intensity: moderate
- Complexity: accessible
- Violence: none
- Tone: glossy, melodramatic, aspirational, sincere, bittersweet

## What critics say

Audiences found the series' Broadway backstage drama and musical numbers appealing in its second season after a weak first season.

## Synopsis

Smash (2012-2013) is an American network musical drama series created by Theresa Rebeck for NBC. Set in contemporary New York City, the story follows the development of a new Broadway musical about Marilyn Monroe, with the songs performed as full stage numbers. Ambitious small-town songwriter Karen Cartwright (Katharine McPhee) and seasoned Broadway veteran Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty) compete for the lead role, while producer Julia Houston (Debra Messing) and her writing partner Tom Levitt (Christian Borle) struggle to keep the production alive. Director Derek Wills (Jack Davenport) and the show's financial backers pull the creative team in conflicting directions, and rehearsal rooms, auditions, and opening-night pressure form the backbone of each episode. Across two seasons of serialized storytelling, the series balances romance, rivalry, and career heartbreak with glossy musical showpieces. Its tone is melodramatic and glossy, with a sincere love for theater and an aspirational pull toward stardom. Viewers who enjoy Glee, Nashville, and Episodes will find resonance in its backstage ambition and musical performance.

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