So, NBC is launcing a show called Smash after Superbowl. It's about an up-and-comer competing with a veteran for the role of Marilyn Monroe in a new musical, as well the personal trials faced by the production team. The cast includes Anjelica Huston, Debra Messing, And Katherine McPhee (from The Voice) as the the newbie and Megan Hilty (YES!) as the veteran.

I'm actually rather stoked for this. I never really latched on to Glee completely (I'll still catch it now and again), but this looks awesome, and hopefully toning down on the autotune XD

What do you guys think?

I saw the commercial for this while I was home. I'd heard about it awhile back when it was announced that Christian Borle had been cast. I'm honestly hoping I'll have TV channels by then, so I can catch it. It looks like it has potential.

When I read the story about Christian Borle it said that they were working on having a stage production of the show within the show after the first season. I wonder of that's still in the works...

This definitely looks like it's worth a shot. I am a fan of Megan. I'm glad she's getting a good primetime opportunity. Let's watch it as see if it is any good.

I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS SHOW!

Pretty much adoring everything about this show already. I hope it doesn't disappoint.

Broadway is so good at nurturing and promoting talent. It's great to see Megan, Brian, Christian et al get some screen time.

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I just watched the first episode this morning and really enjoyed it. It definitely has a lot of nods to Broadway fans - Annaleigh Ashford and Andrea Burns make cameos and Debra Messing distinguishes between belting and mixing (that sold me).

Some of the dialogue, especially that for Karen's boyfriend, is dreadful and cliche and dull. As it was a pilot, most of it was setups and introductions, but I think when it gets going there'll be more space for humour.

My one big gripe about the show: the tension of this episode (and I presume much of the series) comes from choosing between McPhee and Hilty as Marilyn. Unfortunately, there's no contest. Hilty clearly shows that she has the talent and versatility in her vocals and acting that her rival just doesn't have. I thought they'd get round this by making Hilty's character a total bitch, but they haven't; there are already hints of a melancholy backstory designed to win her sympathy, and her passion for the theatre is just as real as McPhee's. Not sure how they're going to deal with this as the series progresses.

Where can you watch? I've struggled to find it online!

^Laura, I think it's not on the air yet...

Looks promising. I'll have to look after the premiere.

Just watched the pilot (it's available for free download on iTunes). It's amazing. Hella cheesy. But so good. If Megan Hilty isn't cast at the end of the season, I'll be devastated. Katherine McPhee is fine, but they're forcing it with the Marilyn stuff. She'd never be considered for the role, nor would her audition have even been remotely realistic. Then again, either would Megan's. But that's nitpicking. Case in point: Megan is Marilyn. And Debra Messing is hysterical. As is Christian Borle. Oh, and Angelica Huston is fierce. But that's a given.

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I don't know why but I got bored after the first ten minutes or so. Maybe because I was so tired when I was watching it. I will give this a second shot.