NBC’s ‘Smash’: Debra Messing moves on, books CBS comedy pilot

The moment that NBC’s “Smash” premiered to woeful numbers, the writing was very much on the wall that this was a show that was not going anywhere except to the TV graveyard. (It’s somewhat of a shame, too, given the quality this time around was much improved.)

So what does this mean for some of the show’s stars? Well, the basic explanation is that they are all now getting opportunities to go out and pursue other works. This is why it has been announced that Debra Messing has signed on to star in a CBS pilot from Julie Rottenberg and Elisa Zuritsky (who ironically were writers on “Smash”) that features her in the role of Shira, a woman who struggles to balance out her family, her life, and of course her complicated work schedule. This is a basic premise that has been done more times than we can count, so the appeal here must come either via the writing or Messing’s top-tier talent level.

The big news for Messing is that if this pilot does get picked up, it would be a return to full-time comedy following two shows in “Smash” and “The Starter Wife” that went down different roads. As for if it will actually get picked up, we are admittedly still a little skeptical on that. Why? CBS never has many openings on their schedule, and with “Mom” starring Anna Faris (from mega-producer Chuck Lorre) along with the Robin Williams / Sarah Michelle Gellar “Crazy Ones” being major contenders, Messing better hope that the network wants three new comedies at least this year. (We’re also high on the Greg Garcia pilot starring “Harry Potter’s” Rupert Grint as a fast food worker and wannabe superhero.)

What do you think about Messing going back to comedy? Be sure to share below, and you can also read some more news about the upcoming “Smash” finale here.

Photo: CBS