Fans of Smash have received the somber news of the series cancellation. But before we say goodbye to our dear little show – let’s go out with a bang, shall we?

What a tumultuous ending for the musical theater show that just-couldn’t-quite. Sure, it’s not like we didn’t see the writing on the wall with the series cancellation but the way matters were handled is more that a little side-eye worthy.

Before receiving the news of cancellation, NBC decided to make some very questionable decisions as the program reached the later half of its season. First they moved the show to Saturday nights at 8pm. A total understandable decision given the amount of money the show was losing. Though, after this sad but necessary change we got lost in the messy decision making of network executives.

Not only did NBC push the two hour series finale to Sunday night, but they also decided to air this two hour special after a week hiatus. Who exactly will remember the change, make time for it, or track it down? We really couldn’t tell you…. But the proverbial cherry on top? The beginning of the second to last episode of the season was preempted by golf. Viewers missed an entire performance and spent the rest of the show trying to catch up with important missing context. Even the most dedicated fans have had trouble tracking when the show will be on, and when they DO catch it? They’re rewarded with missing pieces.

It should also be mentioned that this all occurred under a looming umbrella of cancellation. Had the network decided to make a cleaner cut, announce the news earlier, and set up some sort of realistic airing schedule for the show to finish out its last days, there wouldn’t be so much bitter resentment between the two parties. If I didn’t know better I’d say NBC has hired Gerry and he has free reign over how things are being run now…

But we’re not here to pout or to talk about how unjust the system really is – we’re here to celebrate. To enjoy and discuss why we fell in love with this show in the first place. So find your character shoes, grab a feather boa, and let’s give the people what they want!

Let Me Be Your Star

At the heart of it, Smash is about chasing your dreams. It’s about putting yourself out there and going all in for something you want. It’s about risk and reward, determination and disappointment.

Ivy: “I’m not complaining.”
Tom: “Just dreaming?”
Ivy: “Yeah like everybody…”

Things are tough in the world right now. It’s hard to justify any risk when the margin for error is so small. There is less money circulating, fewer projects available, and more people competing for the thing you want most… Maybe for it’s a goal in the theater – you dream of seeing your name in lights. Or maybe it’s something else. Writing credits in a film, standing behind a camera saying ‘Action!’, or even something as small as getting a call back for a part you’re really in love with. It doesn’t matter what dream it is or what you’re reaching out for, anyone who dares to make a go of it knows how Karen and Ivy feel during their first auditions as Marilyn.

They feel sick. Like they want to vomit and that they’re probably the dumbest people ever for even thinking they stood a chance. Inside a mantra of ‘How can I keep up? I’m not nearly good enough. What if she’s better than me? This is stupid, I should be at work. How am I going to cover my rent?’

But the only ones who will ever make it are the ones who TRY. Who drop all of the self doubt and let the fear fall away. For the dreamers – going for it is the only option. Disappointment is a sure thing but so is regret if you never go after what you want in the first place.

Smash is all about the struggle and the hope surrounding show business.

Broadway Here I Come…

You can’t think of Smash without associating Broadway or its culture with it. The opening lines of the show are “Somewhere over the Rainbow” for goodness sake! Smash has made a conscious effort to infuse the show with as much love and respect for the Broadway stage as possible and since day one the show has been a huge advocate for the world of song and dance.

Smash – “The National Pastime”

Smash – Original

The saddest part about losing Smash is that there are so few places for people to get a taste of what musical theater is or what goes into its creation. Performances like this don’t come along every day. We’ve already talked about what a loss it will be for televisions everywhere, but mostly we want to show the world again, just what they’re missing out on.

Smash – “I Never Met a Wolf Who Didn’t Love to Howl”

Smash – “They Just Keep Moving The Line”

*shrugs* Your loss people. Your loss…

Some People Get Their Kicks From Stepping On A Dream

So, if this is going to be our last curtain call, fans of Smash have one last thing we’re sure they want said.

What happened here with Smash isn’t proof that people aren’t interested in show tunes or musicals. If anything, it’s solid evidence for what can happen to a good show with quality talent that’s left in the wrong hands.

NBC screwed this one up. What is so confusing though is the way in which they screwed things up. Sure they funded the underdog show. Gave it the people, talent, and money (lots in fact) that it needed… Heck, they even decided to revamp and give things a second go with season two. But what is so odd is that it’s almost as if they sabotaged themselves by under promoting, picking wrong time slots, and moving air dates around… It’s these disastrous choices toward the end that reveal NBC had truly given up on Smash long before they ever had the courage to publicly cancel the show. Why exactly do you invest so much into something that you never intended on fully supporting in the first place? That’s what we’re left struggling to understand.

Regardless, here’s what we want NBC and other networks out there to know.

Musical theater and dance is something worthy of your investment. There is a large and varied audience for this programming and they are craving this kind of entertainment. All these shows need is the right kind of management and guidance. They need your support and commitment – just as any new successful program does. They need good writing, good producers, talented actors, AND worthy networks. Just keep that in mind when it’s time to pick up new shows.

Apart from that, if we’re going to go out let’s at least go out in style.

Smash – “That’s Life”

Smash – “The Goodbye Song”

The series finale of Smash airs May 26 at 9 p.m. EST on NBC.