NBC’s ‘Smash’ season 2 / series finale: How will we remember it?
After months of being buried on Saturday nights, NBC is at least giving “Smash” a reprieve (sort of) for its season 2 and series finale: Allowing it to air on a Sunday. Granted, tonight is still in the middle of a three-day weekend, and we’re not sure how many people are going to really even remember to watch it, anyway. Many of the cast members are not saying anything about the episode online, and it’s going out with a whimper.
We don’t really know what else to say about the end of “Smash” (which will be themed around the Tony Awards) expect for the word “sad.” Back when the pilot was being relentlessly promoted all over NBC over a year ago, it felt like this really was going to be the next big thing. The premiere ratings were huge, Katharine McPhee and Megan Hilty were coined instant stars, and everyone was talking about the show.
Then, a funny thing happened on the way to episode 2: The show stopped being good, even to the point where it did not make any sense. Characters started acting weird, we had the never-appreciated character of Ellis causing problems, and there we issues behind the scenes that came out through the show.
There have been times in season 2 where Josh Safran and some of the new characters revitalized the show somewhat, and seeing Jennifer Hudson in a musical is always a good thing. Unfortunately, at this point the damage had already been done, and nobody bothered to watch.
We feel right now that the legacy of “Smash” will be of a great idea that failed terribly in the execution, and for networks, we actually hope that they view this as a sign to really make sure that a series has more to it than a really great pilot before promoting the heck out it. We still hope Hilty and McPhee land somewhere, and it is free of some of the drama that has been created here. Debra Messing had booked a new pilot, but it was not ordered to series.
Are you going to miss “Smash,” and how do you think it will be renewed? Be sure to sound off below!
Photo: NBC
Jc Rants
May 28, 2013 @ 1:56 pm
A show like this needs time to built and find its own audience plus waiting an entire year for season 2 KILLED whatever momentum the show was getting. What a shame they let this GEM of a show go. Hopefully another network or premium cable will revive it or at the very least would like to see “Bombshell” as a real Broadway production.. NBC I hope your Peacock dies!
Thumbsup
May 28, 2013 @ 5:44 am
Their was way to much going on in the season finale! I truly wish that would be a continuation with a season 3 to better clarify the last minute of the season. I have no idea if the different relationships were resolved or not! I understand that their was not a large audience this season but it really gave me an inside scoop on the world of broadway and gave me the courage to want to pursue theater, and at the same time showing just hard it will be to get their. Their are not many shows out their that not only give an insider in the professional world of theater while showing the obstacles awaiting if theater is something you want to pursue. I guarantee that their is a large audience for a third season of Smash its just a matter of reaping them In!
Thumbsup
May 28, 2013 @ 5:00 am
I enjoyed Smash because it gives people an insider on what life inside the theater is like. I’m sure many thing were over exaggerated like Ives sleeping scandals with the director, but it shows other people who want to pursue theater that its not an easy job but if the work is good its worth the blood sweat and tears
Ann Long
May 28, 2013 @ 3:16 am
I loved Smash. I didn’t watch when it was aired I recorded it, to watch anytime.
I loved the music and the singers. I am sad it is off the air.
nikki
May 27, 2013 @ 4:56 pm
I have enjoyed Smash and will miss it. I think the downfall came when they got rid of
Theresa Rebeck and replaced with Joshua Safran. Theresa was the creator, she knew were to take the story, Joshua did not. It is a shame NBC did this. Were they out to kill the show? Well, they did a good job. They have nothing else I care to watch. I hope that some other station makes the decision to run Smash and put Theresa back in charge…..
Iris Nunn Boulton
May 27, 2013 @ 3:49 pm
i have loved this show. Watched the finale last night, as I had watched every episode. Want to see this show continue, I love live theatre, and musical theatre, and it was like having theatre at home, to have SMASH on the television screen. I was so pleased that NBC was delivering such great entertainment. The cast is great, and I want to see more of them, and follow their stories further. Disappointed that NBC is cancelling this show. They lose a viewer.
CarolH
May 27, 2013 @ 1:42 pm
I was a faithful fan of “Smash” since the beginning. Broadway, live theater, wonderful music, talent, drama – so refreshing instead of being subjected to the mindless sitcoms so many of the networks carry. I will truly miss the show and sincerely hope some creative minds come up with a show which has the same type of theme. Well I still have “Nashville” on another network.
Claudia
May 27, 2013 @ 1:00 pm
I have been a huge fan. I love the music and the stars of the show. The finale got things done but McPhee seemed left out. The character development was weak. What happened to the real competition, the intrigue in Karen from Derek — the suspense that carried the show? Because the characters were not developed but allowed to seemingly stray from potential purposes/interest instead, I think the show ultimately failed and rushed to wrap up relationships in the finale. The talent was awesome on the show throughout two seasons. The characters got lost, however. I will miss their opportunity to get it right in season 3.
Mark
May 27, 2013 @ 8:15 am
i loved this show, and all of it’s characters. I would have watched so much more.
I think the talent in it was fabulous, and where else could you see Broadway-
level choreography-music- numbers, fresh? I was thrilled to see Broadway stars
do cameos. The Finale was a lovely wrap up; but I could have watched so much
more. I hope all the stars/semi-leads/chorus find work right away.. and the
choreographers/director/set & costume folks/writers/songwriters.. you all
deserve to work. You did a lovely job. Thank you.
sk8rzmom
May 27, 2013 @ 6:07 am
Leave them wanting more … what a GREAT series finale!!!! Hoping that in a couple of years NBC will realize what they had, and we can have a “Where Are They Now?” reunion series. This show had great music, singing, dancing … I WILL go to iTunes and pay to download both seasons. Then I will vote with my clicker and watch my downloads, leaving NBC to wonder where all their viewers have gone … don’t know what you had ’till it’s gone, boys!
SMASH-aholic
May 27, 2013 @ 5:13 am
Dear NBC. As a super-busy single mom of two I don’t have much time for watching television… until SMASH. I dropped everything Tuesday nights to watch it. I have watched every episode since it began until the time slot changed. I accidentally found it on a Saturday night a few episodes later (I don’t usually watch TV Saturdays). Needless to say I have purchased every episode of SMASH from itunes as soon as an episode was available. I was disappointed to find out it will not be returning next season – it really is the only story-line show I watch. The only other program I try to watch regularly is The Voice. I can honestly say I have never watched a single episode of any program that others rave about (ie. Office, Big Bang) … BTW I have absolutely no interest in ANY reality TV. The only other television I watch is the news, weather and documentaries (even those I don’t watch regularly). SMASH was the first program I really loved to watch and gave my full undivided attention to each and every week (my family knew better than to disturb me during the show). I’m going into SMASH withdrawal now.
SMASHFAN
May 27, 2013 @ 4:01 am
Omg where is season 3? Though some episodes in the middle of the season seemed to be going nowhere, it tied up alright towards the end of the season, and it was overall probably the best show on television! The finale made the show prone for more! The show came out from that rough patch and can expand even more with another season! You’re loss NBC!
RPH
May 27, 2013 @ 3:32 am
I have an empty feeling tonight. I’m missing my favorite program, and the cast I grew to love as family. I’ve seen every episode and loved them all. Can’t remember when I so eagerly awaited to see any program on TV as much as I have this one. It was such a refreshing change. As so well put by MH, “it was like having a bit of musical theater in my home…” NBC, I know you don’t care how I feel. I’m sorry it all boils down to the numbers. I don’t know anything about all the talk about troubles with the show, etc. All I know is that it was loaded with talent and kept me entertained for a short 60 minutes each week. I wish the entire cast much success and happiness in the future. Hope to see you again…maybe in a movie? Goodbye, my friends.
Abigail
May 27, 2013 @ 3:15 am
Smash was one of those shows that I would wait eagerly for the week to round up again so I could see what Karen and Ivy had coming their way. It made me feel wonderful knowing that a show centered around a Broadway musical could make it big on prime time, but knowing what I know now about the shows ratings I see that that hasn’t been the case. The story of Karen, Ivy, Derek, Tom, Julia, Jimmy and Kyle and their journeys to making it big will stick with me forever and my heart aches at the thought of never seeing them on the stage or at the piano again. But, to go off on a less somber note, as the great Dr. Seuss once said, “Don’t cry because its over. Smile because it happened” And even though i shall shed tears for the end of something big and wonderful, I will also shed tears of joy that it happened. Thank you to the creators, directors and actors, you really did make a Smash
dwm
May 27, 2013 @ 3:10 am
So sad that there won’t be a season #3! I have really loved every episode, one of the very few shows I’ve watched regularly. It will be missed – maybe NBC will reconsider???
Iris Nunn Boulton
May 27, 2013 @ 3:07 am
i love this show. have not missed an episode of SMASH since the beginning. watched the series 2 finale tonight and loved every minute of it. am so sorry this show has been cancelled, it was my favourite show.
MH
May 26, 2013 @ 11:57 pm
I have been a fan of the show from the very beginning. It was like having a bit of musical theater in my home once a week. I was saddened to hear that NBC was not going to give it another year.
LoveSmash!
May 30, 2013 @ 2:25 am
I’m very sad as well. We need to vote back the show!!!