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Smash coming to Seven

This Steven Spielberg-produced series was surprisingly consistent with its mix of storylines, showtunes and performances.

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Great news for Free to Air viewers with Seven set to screen Smash, the musical drama series that aired this year on Foxtel.

The Steven Spielberg-produced series was surprisingly consistent with its mix of storylines, showtunes and performances. Of the new US Dramas this year it’s definitely high on my list.

Smash is a musical drama that celebrates the beauty and heartbreak of the Broadway theatre as it follows a cross section of dreamers and schemers who all have one common desire – to be a “Smash.”

The series centres on a desire to create a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe – written by the successful songwriting duo of Tom (Tony Award nominee Christian Borle, Legally Blonde: The Musical) and Julia (Emmy Award winner Debra Messing, Will & Grace). Julia recently began the process of adopting a child with her husband Frank (Tony Award nominee Brian d’Arcy James, Shrek the Musical) of many years, but her focus is torn when she has the opportunity to write another Broadway hit. A rivalry soon forms for the lead role between a youthful, inexperienced Midwestern beauty Karen (Katharine McPhee, American Idol) – who is trying to find fame in the big city against all odds – and stage veteran Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty, 9 to 5: The Musical, Wicked), who’s determined to leave the chorus line and finally get her big break.

A tenacious producer Eileen (Oscar winner Anjelica Huston, Prizzi’s Honor) discovers the “Marilyn” project and jumps on board with a brilliant director Derek Wills (Jack Davenport, Pirates of the Caribbean films) – whose talent is matched by his cunning and egocentric amorality. Jaime Cepero (Porgy and Bess) stars as Tom’s assistant Ellis, and Raza Jaffrey (Sex and the City 2, MI-5) stars as Karen’s boyfriend Dev.

Guest stars  include Uma Thurman, Bernadette Peters and Nick Jonas as Lyle West with original songs by the composers of Hairspray.

9 Responses

  2. @J Bar – Killing Time – Seven just ran a promo for it.

    I just posted a message on the TV Lounge page before finding this story. Good news for anyone without PayTV.

  4. Foxtel had a lot of outdoor and print advertising and it turned out to be a huge flop for them, couldn’t even find a niche audience. It has no chance on FTA. 10:30 would be generous.

  5. Each to own David, I always respect your opinions as they’re always balanced.

    I’m not expected Smash to get over 1.3M viewers, but I’m hoping it will generate a lot of buzz and at least win its demographics.

    I agree that it will be post-Olympics. The first season was 15 episodes. If Seven airs it weekly, then that will take it right through to the end of the ratings period.

  6. Smash is a very high quality piece of television with a well-established cast and great storylines. Without a doubt, this is the best new show along with “Revenge”.

    Seven was originally set to air it at the beginning of the year, even fasttracking it but decided to on-sell it to Foxtel.

    No doubt will it be big.

    David, do you have any indication when Seven plans to air it (eg post Olympics).

    1. I suspect post-Olympics, but not sure. As much as I enjoyed it I’m not sure it will be big, but loved by a discerning crowd. I’d suggest Homeland for your sentence above rather than Revenge heheh….

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