Smash

72
Metascore
2012-2013
2 seasons
NBC
Comedy, Drama, Music
TV-14

"Smash" is a musical drama that celebrates the beauty and heartbreak of the Broadway theater as it follows a cross-section of dreamers and schemers who all have one common desire - to be a "Smash."

72
Metascore
2012-2013
2 seasons
NBC
Comedy, Drama, Music
TV-14

"Smash" is a musical drama that celebrates the beauty and heartbreak of the Broadway theater as it follows a cross-section of dreamers and schemers who all have one common desire - to be a "Smash."

The Most Wonderful TV Musicals Worth Binge-Watching Now

...and a 5-6-7-8!

Tue, May 26, 2020

The Most Wonderful TV Musicals Worth Binge-Watching Now

Megan Hilty Says Joining "Bombshell" "Would Be Amazing"

See what she said about the show's new life!

Wed, Jul 1, 2015

Megan Hilty Says Joining "Bombshell" "Would Be Amazing"

Smash's "Bombshell" Musical Could Be Headed to Broadway!

We can't wait!

Mon, Jun 22, 2015

Smash's "Bombshell" Musical Could Be Headed to Broadway!

Who's Playing Mrs. Darling in NBC's Peter Pan Musical?

NBC's Peter Pan Live! musical has found its Mrs. Darling. Broadway actress Kelli O'Hara will play the Darling matriarch, who's the mother of Wendy, John and Michael.

Wed, Sep 10, 2014

Who's Playing Mrs. Darling in NBC's Peter Pan Musical?

NBC’s Peter Pan Live! Taps a Smash Vet to Play Smee AND Mr. Darling

NBC's live production of Peter Pan is getting Smash-ed! Christian Borle, who previously starred as Tom Levitt on the network's Broadway-set Smash, has joined the cast in a dual capacity, reports Deadline.

Thu, Aug 7, 2014

NBC’s Peter Pan Live! Taps a Smash Vet to Play Smee AND Mr. Darling

Uma Thurman and Arpad Busson Call Off Engagement Again

Uma Thurman and Arpad Busson have called off their engagement for a second time, Us Weekly reports. Thurman...

Tue, Apr 22, 2014

Uma Thurman and Arpad Busson Call Off Engagement Again

Smash's Megan Hilty Expecting Her First Child

Smash star Megan Hilty and her husband Brian Gallagher are expecting their first child, Us Weekly reports.

Sat, Mar 29, 2014

Smash's Megan Hilty Expecting Her First Child

Smash's Katharine McPhee Joins CBS' Scorpion Pilot

Katharine McPhee has landed the female lead in CBS' drama pilot Scorpion, TVGuide.com has confirmed. In the pilot, an eccentric genius (Elyes Gabel) and his international network of super-geniuses form the last line of defense against the complex threats of the modern age. Get the latest pilot season news The Smash alum and former American Idol finalist will play...

Tue, Mar 18, 2014

Smash's Katharine McPhee Joins CBS' Scorpion Pilot

What Time Do the Oscars Start?

The 86th Academy Awards is almost here! The anticipated ceremony will air Sunday at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT on ABC. Ellen DeGeneres will make her second appearance as host of the ceremony, which will be produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron.

Fri, Feb 28, 2014

Debra Messing to Star in NBC Pilot Mysteries of Laura

Debra Messing is slated to star in the NBC drama pilot Mysteries of Laura, TVGuide.com has learned. The Will & Grace and Smash star will play a female homicide detective who struggles to balance her career and devilish set of twin boys.

Wed, Feb 19, 2014

Debra Messing to Star in NBC Pilot Mysteries of Laura

Extant Adds The Newsroom's Grace Gummer

Grace Gummer has joined the cast of CBS' upcoming thriller Extant, TVGuide.com has learned. The Newsroom actress will play Julie, one of John's (Goran Visnjic) partners in building robot prototypes like Ethan, John and Molly's (Halle Berry) son.

Fri, Jan 31, 2014

Law & Order Alum Jesse L. Martin Joins CW's Flash Pilot

Jesse L. Martin has joined the cast of The CW's Flash pilot, TVGuide.com has confirmed. The Law & Order alum will play Detective West, an honest, blue-collar cop who is a surrogate father to...

Tue, Jan 21, 2014

Law & Order Alum Jesse L. Martin Joins CW's Flash Pilot

Report: Mary McCormack Kicks Husband Out After He Was Seen Kissing Katharine McPhee

Did Katharine McPhee have an affair with her Smash director Michael Morris? New photos indicate that the pair's relationship may have been less than professional.

Thu, Oct 24, 2013

Report: Mary McCormack Kicks Husband Out After He Was Seen Kissing Katharine McPhee

Smash's Fictional Hit List Musical to Get Real-Life Debut

Smash may have gotten axed by NBC last May, but the show's music lives on. Hit List, one of two fictional in-the-works musicals from the drama series, is set to make its real-life stage debut this December, The New York Times reports. TV musicals: The highs and lows The cast will feature former Smash stars...

Tue, Oct 15, 2013

Smash's Fictional Hit List Musical to Get Real-Life Debut

Smash's Jeremy Jordan Heads to Elementary

Jeremy Jordan won't be away from TV for long! The Smash alum will guest-star on the upcoming season of Elementary, TVGuide.com has confirmed...

Fri, Aug 2, 2013

Smash's Jeremy Jordan Heads to Elementary

Megan Hilty Joins Sean Hayes Comedy Sean Saves the World

Megan Hilty has lined up her first post-Smash television role. Hilty will re-team with Sean Hayes, who guest-starred on Smash, for his upcoming NBC comedy Sean Saves the World, according to TVLine.

Thu, Jun 13, 2013

Megan Hilty Joins Sean Hayes Comedy Sean Saves the World

Ask Matt: Thrones Unspoiled, Nurse Jackie, Mad Men, Orphan Black

Send questions and comments to askmatt@tvguidemagazine.com and follow me on Twitter!   Question: So I was watching two shows I really like this week coming to the end of their seasons. The first, Orphan Black, is not so well known, though I expect that is in the process of changing. The other, Game of Thrones, is very well known and discussed. I realized as I watched these shows, how little the first one has any type of spoilers and with the second, as well read and known as it is, that I hadn't had it spoiled for me prior to this episode. I have watched many shows both with and without knowing spoilers, and after watching ...

Mon, Jun 10, 2013

Ask Matt: Thrones Unspoiled, Nurse Jackie, Mad Men, Orphan Black

Ask Matt: Orphan Black, Merlin, Borgias, Nashville vs. Smash

Send questions and comments to askmatt@tvguidemagazine.com and follow me on Twitter! Question: After finishing Saturday's season finale of Orphan Black, many thoughts come to mind, but the most obvious is that if Tatiana Maslany doesn't walk away with the Emmy for best actress — or is it five nominations in the best supporting actress category? — then the people who vote just aren't watching TV. Every character she plays has such varied distinction from hair, voice, even walks, and other minor mannerisms and played them all with a determination like it was her only character. It might have been easy to phone one or two in and at times you could forget it all one person. Matt, I know you enjoy the show, but I was curious: Did you ever at any time find yourself picking a favorite? I think mine came to be Alison, because while they all have a dark side, the one who seemed to be the most sunshine and light was probably the darkest of all with a heavy dose of comedy thrown in. Can the show sustain excellence in Season 2? — Jeffrey

Mon, Jun 3, 2013

Ask Matt: Orphan Black, Merlin, Borgias, Nashville vs. Smash

HBO Orders Gay-Themed Dramedy Starring Glee’s Jonathan Groff

HBO has picked up a new gay-themed dramedy starring Glee's Jonathan Groff, the cable network confirmed Tuesday.

Tue, May 14, 2013

HBO Orders Gay-Themed Dramedy Starring Glee’s Jonathan Groff

No Third Act for Smash --- NBC Cancels Broadway Drama

The beat will not go for NBC's ambitious Broadway musical drama Smash, which  was canceled Friday after two seasons. From executive producer Steven Spielberg and starring Emmy winner Debra Messing and Oscar winner Anjelica Huston, Smash was a notable hit for...

Sat, May 11, 2013

No Third Act for Smash --- NBC Cancels Broadway Drama

NBC Axes Ready for Love; Moves Grimm to Tuesdays

NBC has canceled Ready for Love after just two episodes. The freshman reality dating show, executive-produced by Eva Longoria and hosted by Bill and Giuliana Rancic, had averaged...

Fri, Apr 19, 2013

NBC Axes Ready for Love; Moves Grimm to Tuesdays

The Weekend Playlist: Mad Men, VICE, Vegas' New Night and Melissa McCarthy on SNL

It's only natural for AMC's Mad Men to be consumed with thoughts of mortality as it heads further into the turbulent late '60s in its sixth and reportedly next-to-last season of existence. A year ago, the central set piece in the premiere was a surprise birthday party. This time, it's a similarly eventful wake. And that's not the only way in which Sunday's two-hour opener (9/8c), written by series creator Matthew Weiner, drives the death-comes-to-us-all theme home with such sledgehammer relentlessness and obviousness that for the first time, I began to think maybe it is time for this beautifully crafted series to start thinking about giving up the ghost. There's no denying the importance of a show that manages to win four well-deserved best-drama Emmys in its first four times at bat — I didn't hesitate to include Mad Men among the Top 10 in a recent "60 Greatest Dramas of All Time" package in TV Guide Magazine. But does it have to be this self-important?

Fri, Apr 5, 2013

The Weekend Playlist: Mad Men, VICE, Vegas' New Night and Melissa McCarthy on SNL

The Tuesday Playlist: Justified, New Normal Finales; Another Look at Phil Spector

Too soon. We always feel that way when a season of FX's marvelously entertaining Justified comes to a close. It can't be easy sustaining that high-wire act of violent tension and wry bourbon-smooth humor, while staying true to the voice and tone of Elmore Leonard's creation of the laconic yet steely U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, but they sure make it go down easy. The fourth-season finale (Tuesday, 10/9c) is titled "Ghosts," and it's a haunted hour, all right — haunted by what-ifs, by dreams deferred and hopes crushed by the weight of bad acts and Harlan County's history of bad people — but it's also a truly badass episode when it needs to be, with fateful confrontations and crazy twists, some satisfying and others troubling.

Tue, Apr 2, 2013

The Tuesday Playlist: Justified, New Normal Finales; Another Look at Phil Spector

Ask Matt: NCIS' "Red" Team, Top of the Lake, Gays on Days, More

Send questions and comments to askmatt@tvguidemagazine.com and follow me on Twitter! Question: Are you as I stumped as I am about what makes the NCIS Red Team unique? In last week's episode of NCIS: LA, there was a moment when they were trying to tell a Mexican gunman to put his weapon down and none of them could speak Spanish. Which is odd given they are suppose to be a very mobile unit that goes anywhere, you would think they would be well versed in multiple languages. I was under the impression they were going to be NCIS' version of Seal Team Six. As for casting, the only one of the team that made an impression on me was the Aussie agent Claire Keats (Gillian Alexy). I still think Kelli Giddish would have been a better choice for the lead. Just my thoughts. — Leon

Mon, Apr 1, 2013

Ask Matt: NCIS' "Red" Team, Top of the Lake, Gays on Days, More

Smash's Katharine McPhee Chops Off Her Hair

Smash might not be the only thing Katharine McPhee says goodbye to! The American Idol alum...

Thu, Mar 28, 2013

Smash's Katharine McPhee Chops Off Her Hair

Ratings: The Voice Boosts Go On, New Normal

NBC enjoyed its best Tuesday in months thanks to The Voice.The singing competition series drew 12 million viewers and a 3.9 in the adults 18-to-49 demographic, making it the top-rated show of the night. That's down 19 percent from Monday's premiere, but up 22 percent from last spring's ...

Wed, Mar 27, 2013

Ratings: The Voice Boosts Go On, New Normal

Pilot Season: Smash's Debra Messing Lands Lead in CBS Comedy

Another nail landed in the Smash coffin Monday: Star Debra Messing has been cast in the lead role of an untitled CBS comedy pilot from former Sex and the City writers, TVGuide.com has learned.

Mon, Mar 25, 2013

Pilot Season: Smash's Debra Messing Lands Lead in CBS Comedy

Ratings: ABC Makes a Splash; Smash Dips

Splash made a huge, uh, splash Tuesday.ABC's diving competition series premiered to 8.8 million viewers and a 2.6 in the adults 18-to-49 demographic, making it the network's biggest unscripted series debut in more than two years and the highest-rated reality premiere since The X Factor in 2011. Splash was also up 13 percent from Celebrity Wife Swap's premiere in the timeslot. Lead-outs Dancing with the Stars recap show (9.6 million, 2.1) was up from last spring's ...

Wed, Mar 20, 2013

Keck's Exclusives First Look: Smash Goes to the Tonys

The struggling Smash, which NBC is moving to Saturdays starting April 6, will close out its second (and likely final) season in late May or early June by sending the main characters to the Tony Awards. A trip to Broadway's big night "was part of the pitch that got me the job," says executive producer Josh Safran, who took over as showrunner this season. "It's an event that doesn't necessarily require you to be nominated to be there. People attend, perform and present awards. And there is a song that involves the entire lead cast."

Mon, Mar 18, 2013

Keck's Exclusives First Look: Smash Goes to the Tonys

The Tuesday Playlist: Justified's Manhunt, Preacher's Daughters, Hell's Kitchen

The title of this week's pivotal episode of FX's Justified (Tuesday, 10/9c), "Get Drew," may evoke memories of an Elmore Leonard classic (Get Shorty), but Justified is a modern classic in its own right, honoring Leonard's spirit with wit and suspenseful grit and twisty plotting that just won't let up. That's especially true after last week's revelation of the identity of the long-missing and much-sought-after Drew Thompson, who sets off a multi-faceted manhunt.

Tue, Mar 12, 2013

The Tuesday Playlist: Justified's Manhunt, Preacher's Daughters, Hell's Kitchen

Exclusive Smash Sneak Peek: Karen Previews the New Bombshell

With the future of Bombshell hanging in the balance (more specifically, in Eileen's hands), we don't know what to expect of the musical when Smash returns for an all-new episode Tuesday. Will it be Julia's reimagined male-driven narrative or Tom's favorite Marilyn-centric draft?

Thu, Mar 7, 2013

Exclusive Smash Sneak Peek: Karen Previews the New Bombshell

The Good Wife First-Look Photos: Alicia Dresses Up to Go Head-to-Head with Mike Kresteva

Seriously, Mike Kresteva will do anything to win a one-way ticket to the governor's mansion on The Good Wife. After first exploiting his son's illness, it appears Peter's opponent is now going to a higher power — Cardinal James to be exact — as the election nears.  In these new photos from The Good Wife, Alicia (Julianna Margulies) puts on her finest grown-up clothes for an event where she runs into an equally dapper-looking Mike Kresteva (returning guest star Matthew Perry). However, it...

Thu, Mar 7, 2013

The Good Wife First-Look Photos: Alicia Dresses Up to Go Head-to-Head with Mike Kresteva

Smash's Jack Davenport on Derek's New Vulnerability and Dysfunctional Relationship with Ivy

Things have taken quite a turn for esteemed Broadway director Derek Wills (Jack Davenport) on NBC's Smash (Tuesdays at 10/9c). Last season, he was behind one of the most of the buzzed-about upcoming musicals on Broadway while also romantically involved with his leading lady, Ivy (Megan Hilty). Unfortunately for poor Ivy, he even enjoyed a brief affair with Hollywood royalty, and Marilyn replacement, Rebecca Duvall (Uma Thurman). Cut to one season later and Derek has already lost one job, a remake of The Wiz with Tony winner Ronnie Moore (Jennifer Hudson), his other gig, Bombshell, has been stalled for weeks, and he's been accused of sexual harassment by several stage actresses. Oh, and did we mention that he and Ivy are dunzo? "They almost do a role reversal at one point where she's completely in control and he's almost a little puppy dog for her," Hilty told TVGuide.com last month. "It's a...

Tue, Mar 5, 2013

Smash's Jack Davenport on Derek's New Vulnerability and Dysfunctional Relationship with Ivy

Nikki Blonsky Gets Smash'd

She's certainly adorable...but can she be trusted? Nikki Blonksy of Hairspray fame joins NBC's Smash on Tuesday in the recurring role of Margo, assistant to Jerry Rand (Michael Cristofer), the creep producer who now has control of the Broadway-bound musical Bombshell. How will young Margo figure into this cutthroat world? TV Guide Magazine chatted with the effervescent Blonsky to get the dish.

Mon, Mar 4, 2013

Ratings: Golden Boy Premieres OK, Celebrity Wife Swap Hits Highs

Golden Boy's premiere wasn't exactly golden, but the CBS drama easily topped its hour.Debuting on Tuesday before moving to its regular Friday slot, Golden Boy drew 10.5 million viewers and a 1.8 in the adults 18-to-49 demographic. That's up three-tenths from Vegas' performance last week, but below the 14.9 million and 2.5 Vegas pulled for ...

Wed, Feb 27, 2013

Ratings: Golden Boy Premieres OK, Celebrity Wife Swap Hits Highs

Mega Buzz: A Big Once Mistake, a CSI Return and a Revolution "Power" Grab

Every week, editors Adam Bryant and Natalie Abrams satisfy your need for TV scoop. Please send all questions to megascoop@tvguide.com or tweet them to @adambryant or @NatalieAbrams. I need Once Upon a Time scoop, STAT! — Mallory NATALIE: Let's see if I can turn this into a fairy tale: Once upon a time, a noble and moral character made a drastic decision that would forever mar his or her future, something so dastardly and irreversible that you would think that this character was actually evil rather than pure of heart. Any guess as to who will make the biggest mistake of his or her life? I'm crushed that the CSI writers broke up Sara and Grissom! What are they thinking? — Lisa ADAM: Hopefully, this news will console you...

Wed, Feb 27, 2013

Mega Buzz: A Big Once Mistake, a CSI Return and a Revolution "Power" Grab

Ratings: NBC Falls to Fifth Place Behind Univision During February Sweeps

After enjoying a rare successful fall, NBC fell from first to fifth place behind Univision during February sweeps, according to Deadline.com. NBC had already been struggling during midseason, but fell even further during February sweeps, with the network projected to finish...

Fri, Feb 22, 2013

Ratings: NBC Falls to Fifth Place Behind Univision During February Sweeps

Ratings: Smash Drops Again; Body of Proof and Cult Premiere Low

Smash hit another low note Tuesday.Two weeks after its feeble premiere, the musical drama drew 3.3 million viewers and a 0.9 in the adults 18-to-49 demographic, plummeting 25 percent to a series low. Lead-ins Go On (3.3 million, 1.1) and The New Normal (3.5 million, 1.0) also ...

Wed, Feb 20, 2013

Ratings: Smash Drops Again; Body of Proof and Cult Premiere Low

Smash's Megan Hilty on the New Ivy: Is She Heading Back to Bombshell?

When we first met Ivy (Megan Hilty), she was a ruthless Broadway chorus girl who'd do anything to get ahead. A drug problem, philandering boyfriend and major career upset later, Ivy's now returned to Smash a different woman.

Mon, Feb 18, 2013

Smash's Megan Hilty on the New Ivy: Is She Heading Back to Bombshell?

The Complete Pilot Report: The CW Has a Vampire Diaries Spin-Off and Tomorrow People

The fall TV season is taking shape. Networks have ordered dozens of new pilots starring familiar faces like Lost's Josh Holloway, Andy Samberg, The Office's Ellie Kemper and Malin Akerman (Watchmen), and from proven producers like J.J. Abrams, Arrow's Greg Berlanti, David Shore (House) and Joss Whedon. To keep track of who's doing what, read our complete list of all the series projects in contention — there are nearly 100! — and check back for updates on their status. Here are The CW's pilots: (Click here for ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC.)

Thu, Feb 14, 2013

The Complete Pilot Report: The CW Has a Vampire Diaries Spin-Off and Tomorrow People

Poll: Will You Watch President Obama's State of the Union Address Tonight?

President Obama will deliver the first State of the Union Address of his second term Tuesday night. The speech will focus on the economy and will stress the need for both parties to work together to solve the economic crisis, according to press secretary Jay Carney. The president will also tackle the hot topics of gun control and immigration, as well as education policy.

Tue, Feb 12, 2013

Poll: Will You Watch President Obama's State of the Union Address Tonight?

Ask Matt: How Scandal-ous, Smash's Crash, PBS Is Hot, Middle Graduation, More

Send questions and comments to askmatt@tvguidemagazine.com and follow me on Twitter! Question: [SPOILER ALERT for anyone who's fallen behind on Scandal] I'm a loyal reader of your column, and always enjoy hearing your well-thought-out and articulate opinions on TV's hottest topics. I'm writing to you for the first time now because I wanted to know your take on the latest installments of Scandal. I saw in your last column the tag line "Scandal is the new Revenge," and I agree Scandal has been far more gripping lately than Revenge.

Mon, Feb 11, 2013

Ask Matt: How Scandal-ous, Smash's Crash, PBS Is Hot, Middle Graduation, More

Best Moments: Mother's Robin Sparkles Is Back and Scandal's Shocking Twist

Our best moments of the week: 11. Worst (Best) Moment of Truth: After suspecting it for weeks on The Mindy Project, Mindy finally confronts the guy she's been dating — Jaime (B.J. Novak) — about his best friend, who seems to be the Sally to his Harry. After an intense line of questioning from Mindy in the line to go to the top of the Empire State Building, Jaime realizes he actually is in love with his best friend. The moment would be slightly more romantic if a) he was in love with Mindy, b) it wasn't Valentine's Day and c) he didn't completely trip over himself on...

Fri, Feb 8, 2013

Best Moments: Mother's Robin Sparkles Is Back and Scandal's Shocking Twist

Smash 2.0's 10 Big Changes: Upgrade or Downgrade?

A new showrunner! New cast members! No more Ellis! There has been hoopla surrounding the many changes made to Smash for months and on Tuesday, the lovers, and hate-watchers, finally got a peek behind the curtain at just what Smash 2.0 really is. So is it really a better show? Or is this tune still slightly off key? We weigh in on the musical drama's 10 biggest changes (so far)...

Wed, Feb 6, 2013

Smash 2.0's 10 Big Changes: Upgrade or Downgrade?

The Tuesday Playlist: Second Act for Smash, Kiss and Tell on New Girl?

Someone should make a musical about the remaking of Smash between its first and second seasons. Let's call it Phantom of the Rewrite. Or maybe The (New) Producers, seeing how NBC replaced the original creator/showrunner in hopes of calming this elaborate backstage drama's own behind-the-scenes creative turmoil, which manifested on screen in turgid and oft-ridiculed soap opera between the splashy production numbers (which are still mostly terrific). Smash 2.0 (Tuesday, 9/8c) wastes no time addressing, while slyly commenting on, the show's problem spots, many involving Debra Messing's character, insecure lyricist-librettist Julia Houston. Her dull husband, cloddish son and needy lover? History. Her hideous scarves? Mocked. Also soon to be gone. Along with reviled characters like the scheming, lurking Ellis and Karen's cheating ex, Dev.

Tue, Feb 5, 2013

The Tuesday Playlist: Second Act for Smash, Kiss and Tell on New Girl?

Pilot Season: ABC Orders Drama and Comedy From Steven Spielberg's Studio

ABC is getting into business with Steven Spielberg. The network has ordered a drama pilot and a comedy pilot from the blockbuster director's studio Amblin TV. Lucky 7 follows seven employees of a Queens service station whose lives are changed in many unpredictable ways when they win a lottery jackpot. (Maybe they played the lucky Lost numbers?) The pilot was written by David Zabel (ER) and Jason Richman (Detroit 1-8-7).

Fri, Feb 1, 2013

Pilot Season: ABC Orders Drama and Comedy From Steven Spielberg's Studio

Exclusive: ABC Takes On Smash Premiere With Special Bachelor Episode

ABC isn't giving its regards to Broadway. The network has quietly slotted in an original two-hour episode of The Bachelor on Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 9/8c — directly opposite the Season 2 premiere of NBC's musical drama Smash. Such a move puts...

Tue, Jan 29, 2013

Exclusive: ABC Takes On Smash Premiere With Special Bachelor Episode

Ask Matt: Cancellations (Last Resort, Ben and Kate), Smash, Switched at Birth

Send questions and comments to askmatt@tvguidemagazine.com and follow me on Twitter! Question: While I'm not happy Last Resort was canceled, I would like to thank ABC and the producers for allowing this show to have an actual ending, with [SPOILER ALERT] Marcus showing his love for his country and sub by dying to make sure the Chinese didn't get it. Like you said in one of your daily reviews, any ending is better than a cliffhanger. I was satisfied with the ending. — Foster

Mon, Jan 28, 2013

Ask Matt: Cancellations (Last Resort, Ben and Kate), Smash, Switched at Birth

The Tuesday Playlist: Finales, a Salute to Primetime Soaps, White Collar, The Taste

It's another ridiculously busy night of TV, with premieres and finales jousting for attention amid other distractions. It's just as well that CBS' top-rated lineup is taking a breather with repeats. First, the farewells, going head to head. Once again, NBC sends away its reliably tear-jerking Parenthood (10/9c) earlier in the TV year than we'd like, but a limited run of 15 episodes beats the alternative. Shows like this don't tend to repeat well, and if a shorter run makes business sense — while freeing up the time period in the back half of the season for something else (in this case, a retooled Smash in two weeks) — then so be it. This fourth season has been Parenthood's strongest and most emotionally charged to date, especially in the storyline involving Kristina's breast cancer ordeal, providing Monica Potter and Peter Krause (as husband Adam) with their strongest dramatic material to date. Emmy voters, wake up and take note.

Tue, Jan 22, 2013

The Tuesday Playlist: Finales, a Salute to Primetime Soaps, White Collar, The Taste

Top Moments: Idol's Mean Girls and Lance Armstrong Comes Clean

Our top moments of the week: 13. Scariest First Date: The Bachelor's first one-on-one date goes to Sarah, a gorgeous blonde who was born with one arm. She and Sean are picked up by helicopter (what else?) and he tells her that they're going to free-falling down the side of a 300-foot high building. (Get it? They'll free-fall in love!) Sarah's scared to death and...

Fri, Jan 18, 2013

Top Moments: Idol's Mean Girls and Lance Armstrong Comes Clean