NBC was banking on
Smash returning as a hit. They brought in a new showrunner, removed certain characters and storylines, and even cast big name guest stars like Jennifer Hudson. Did the overhaul work? Well, the numbers speak for themselves.
Plus, Justin Bieber is hosting
Saturday Night Live this weekend, and NBC has released some
SNL promos featuring the Biebs. The Wanted is getting their very own reality show.
Buckwild and
Top Chef have been renewed. And John Corbett is set to star in a potential
NCIS spin-off.
Saturday Night Live Promos: Justin Bieber Promotes Hosting Gig with Stalker
The Wanted Land Their Own Reality Show on E!Without
The Voice as a strong lead-in, only 4.5 million viewers tuned in to the two-hour
Smash season 2 premiere. It's NBC, so can we give them some slack? No, because the numbers keep getting worse. Compared to last year's series debut, the show is down 71% (and down 47% from the average ratings NBC has been getting in this timeslot before this week).
The show was fortunate enough to have
The Voice as its lead-in before; the singing competition show premiered after the 2012 Super Bowl, which ended up helping
Smash as well. What also hurt the show on Tuesday was ABC's decision to air a second night of
The Bachelor (7.8 million).
Smash's competitors
in this timeslot include
NCIS: Los Angeles (21.49 -- how can you compete with that?),
Vegas (10.2 million) and
New Girl (4.8 million).
Smash Premiere Recap: The Life, Death and Rebirth of a Bombshell >>>This is of course disappointing news not only for NBC, but also for the fans that do watch. We were lucky to receive a second season, but if the numbers don't turn around by May,
Smash may be cancelled.
And if you're not watching, why aren't you? Take a look at Jennifer Hudson performing during the premiere and tell me this isn't fantastic television:
Smash airs Tuesdays at 10pm on NBC.
Saturday Night Live Promos: Justin Bieber Promotes Hosting Gig with Stalker >>>Want to add Smash to your very own watch-list? Download BuddyTV Guide for free for your phone.
(Image courtesy of NBC)