Say bye-bye to “Smash,” NBC’s grand — and very expensive — attempt to make a dramatic weekly series about the creation of a Broadway musical.
The series, plagued by script problems and dismal ratings has been moved to Saturday nights — TV’s version of Siberia — beginning April 6 (one more Monday-night episode will air, March 19).
There are 10 more episodes beyond that, and an NBC spokesperson would not confirm whether those installments will air as single hours on Saturday — or whether multiple episodes will air as way to “burn off” the show more quickly.
“Ready To Love,” a reality dating show akin to ABC’s “The Bachelor,” will move into the old “Smash” timeslot.
“Smash” stars Katharine McPhee and Megan Hilty as ambitious singers auditioning for the lead role in “Bombshell,” a musical about Marilyn Monroe. It was guided through the network by NBC programming head Robert Greenblatt, with Steven Spielberg among its producers.
According to a report in the New York Times, NBC has spent $70 million producing this season’s episodes, which feature such high-priced talent as Jennifer Hudson and Liza Minnelli in addition to the large regular cast.