"SMASH" was every theater kid's dream come true. Finally on network television, we had a television show about the process of making a Broadway musical with an extremely talented cast of real-life Broadway performers.
Sure, we also had "Glee," which also gave us a lot of entertaining musical numbers, important messages, and the occasional Broadway guest star, but "Smash" took on a different approach to the Broadway experience. It showed how much work really goes into producing and creating an original Broadway or Off-Broadway show. There was of course all the side drama with different characters, but as a whole this concept brought truth to how cut-throat the theater business can be.
We would struggle with being on Team Karen or Team Ivy because each of those characters are so incredible and so different from each that I honestly didn't know who I wanted to get the role of Marilyn. We would go through the whole spectrum of emotions as "Bombshell" would get closer and farther from Broadway with every episode. Budget issues, rewrites, internal sabotage and more almost got in the way of "Bombshell's" path to Broadway.
We got to enjoy whole seasons of this beautiful show (which was produced by Steven Spielberg by the way), when one terrible day, news was released that "Smash" would not have a third season.
I swear a collective and dramatic, "What?" could be heard around the country as we lost what was such a captivating and beautifully written show. And even though there was a recent concert with the cast of "Smash" performing songs from the show's fictional (but should be real) musicals, "Bombshell" and "Hit List," that simply isn't enough for me. So, NBC, here is why I think you guys made a terrible mistake when you cancelled this show, and why it needs to be brought back immediately.
1. The music is phenomenal and I need more.
"Let Me Be Your Star" and "Broadway Here I Come" are literally anthems.
2. So many unanswered questions.
What happens after Jimmy goes to jail? Will Ivy stop her career to be a mother? Do Tom and Julia actually work on that Gatsby show? Because I want to see it.
3. The random Broadway guest stars are life.
4. There are so many ways the show can continue.
They can even pull a Glee and keep up with the old cast and bring in new actors. Or maybe do something with touring companies or West End. Or make a whole new Broadway show. Anything works tbh.
5. Because theater is now becoming mainstream and we need to keep it that way
With the success of shows like Hamilton, more Americans are discovering and appreciating theater. Bringing back "SMASH" on TV would only help its growth.
So those are just some reasons why "Smash" should be renewed for another season. Two seasons of this show is simply not enough. Whether it be the iconic songs and dance numbers, the incredibly talented cast, or the seamless mending of real life with a semi-fictional world, Smash brings a lot to the table. I think it's definitely worth a shot to bring this show back on air. So for the love of Norma Jean, please NBC, give me more "Smash."
