Join or Sign In
Sign in to customize your TV listings
By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.
Smash Season 1 Episodes
Season 1 Episode Guide
15 Episodes 2012 - 2012
A group of people stage a Broadway show about Marilyn Monroe in this musical drama. Season 1 centers on the creation of the musical, which is titled "Bombshell" and is written by Broadway team Julia Houston (Debra Messing) and Tom Levitt (Christian Borle), and produced by Eileen Rand (Anjelica Huston). The drama—both on-stage and off—begins when competition for the main role comes down to two women: stage veteran Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty) and fresh-faced newcomer Karen Cartwright (Katharine McPhee). Tensions rise when actor Michael Swift (Will Chase), who once had an affair with Julia, joins the cast as Joe DiMaggio and immediately starts causing problems with Julia and her husband Frank (Brian D'Arcy James). Meanwhile, womanizing director Derek Wills (Jack Davenport) tries to keep the group focused as they prepare the show for its out-of-town preview in Boston. Uma Thurman appears in several episodes as a potential replacement for the role of Marilyn.
Episode 1
Pilot
Mon, Feb 6, 2012 60 mins
In the series premiere of this musical drama about a group of people staging a Broadway show, a writing duo come up with the idea to base a show on Marilyn Monroe, and an experienced chorus girl competes against a promising newcomer for the lead role.
Episode 2
The Callback
Mon, Feb 13, 2012 60 mins
Derek makes the audition process rigorous for Karen and Ivy. Elsewhere, Eileen looks for financial backing; and Julia and Frank hit bureaucratic obstacles with their international adoption plans.
Episode 3
Enter Mr. DiMaggio
Mon, Feb 20, 2012 60 mins
Casting begins for the Joe DiMaggio character, and the lead contender is hiding something. Meanwhile, Karen returns to her hometown to attend a baby shower; and Eileen's ex-husband pollutes her pool of potential investors.
Episode 4
The Cost of Art
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 60 mins
Derek hosts a party for a popular young star, reminding Karen she must propel her career. Meanwhile, Eileen tests a crafty way to secure funds; and Tom dates someone new.
Episode 5
Let's Be Bad
Mon, Mar 5, 2012 60 mins
Karen discovers a new acting opportunity while accompanying Dev to a government party. Elsewhere, things grow more complicated between Michael and Julia; Eileen teams up with Ellis; and Ivy worries about her relationship with Derek.
Episode 6
Chemistry
Mon, Mar 12, 2012 60 mins
Vocal problems begin to plague Ivy. Meanwhile, Julia finds it difficult to stay away from Michael; Eileen and Ellis hang out at a downtown dive bar; and Karen books a gig as a Bar Mitzvah singer.
Episode 7
The Workshop
Mon, Mar 19, 2012 60 mins
The musical is performed in front of potential investors, and Ivy's confidence is weakened by her mom, a Broadway veteran. Meanwhile, Karen is torn between doing the workshop and meeting with a music producer; and repercussions await Julia and Michael.
Episode 8
The Coup
Mon, Mar 26, 2012 60 mins
Derek plots to steal the musical, and he wants Karen to assist him. Meanwhile, Eileen's daughter makes a surprise visit home; and Ivy is uncertain about her future after the workshop.
Episode 9
Hell on Earth
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 60 mins
A top-tier star is sought for the musical. Meanwhile, Eileen wants Tom and Julia to come up with a new name for the show; Karen and Ivy audition for the same orange-juice commercial; and Frank uncovers something unpleasant.
Episode 10
Understudy
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 60 mins
A famous celebrity signs on to the show, but problems arise when she gets stuck in Cuba. Meanwhile, Derek tests how much pressure Karen can withstand as an understudy; and Tom and Julia commemorate their anniversary.
Episode 11
The Movie Star
Mon, Apr 16, 2012 60 mins
Karen and Ivy team up to form an awkward alliance when movie star Rebecca Duvall appears on the scene. Meanwhile, Tom and Sam grow closer; and Julia and Frank have to unite to focus on a pressing family matter.
Episode 12
Publicity
Mon, Apr 23, 2012 60 mins
Karen finds Rebecca's charmed life very enticing, but Derek finds Rebecca to be exasperating. Meanwhile, Eileen has her ex-husband meet her new boyfriend; and Julia's son goes missing.
Episode 13
Tech
Mon, Apr 30, 2012 60 mins
The production heads to Boston, and Eileen and Julia argue about possibly rehiring Michael. Meanwhile, Derek's bond with Rebecca intensifies; Karen must choose between her boyfriend and the show; and Sam invites Tom to a family dinner.
Episode 14
Previews
Mon, May 7, 2012 60 mins
Rebecca faces a personal crisis as "Bombshell" begins previews, and Tom and Julia rush to tweak the show in response to feedback from the first preview. Meanwhile, Frank deals with Michael's return; and Dev wants to mend his relationship with Karen.
Episode 15
Bombshell
Mon, May 14, 2012 60 mins
In the first-season finale, Derek makes a major decision, and it affects both Karen and Ivy. Meanwhile, Tom and Julia scramble to save the show; and Ellis reveals where his loyalties truly lie.
