The BEST episodes of Smash (2012)

Every episode of Smash (2012) ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Smash (2012)!

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

Last Updated: 3/7/2024Network: NBCStatus: Ended
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Pilot
star
8.36
341 votes

#1 - Pilot

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 2/6/2012

In the pilot of Smash we are introduced to Tom Levitt and Julia Houston, a song-writing duo who had planned on taking a break from the business of Broadway but, find themselves drawn back in when they get the desire to produce a musical based around the life of Marilyn Monroe. When a demo of one of the tracks goes viral the project attracts the eye and ear of tenacious producer Eileen Rand and, although causing a conflict that of director Derek Wills. But the biggest and most important task is to find their Marilyn after, auditioning a range of girls they whittle it down to two but, who do they go for. Ivy Lynn a veteran of the stage who wants to break away from the chorus line to get her break as a lead or Karen Cartwright a fresh talent who is trying to follow her dream of becoming a star.

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Opening Night
star
8.10
318 votes

#2 - Opening Night

Season 2 - Episode 12 - Aired 4/20/2013

It's "Bombshell's" opening night. As Ivy's nerves get the better of her, support comes from an unlikely source. Meanwhile, Tom and Julia look to their next project. "Bombshell's" success may be in jeopardy as Eileen's issues with Richard come to a head. Jimmy finally opens up to Karen about his past, but is it too little too late?

Directors: Michael Morris
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Bombshell
star
8.04
435 votes

#3 - Bombshell

Season 1 - Episode 15 - Aired 5/14/2012

Tom and Julia work to save the show, while Derek makes a decision that will forever change Karen's and Ivy's lives; Ellis tries to save the show.

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Chemistry
star
7.94
350 votes

#4 - Chemistry

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 3/12/2012

Ivy faces major vocal issues, while Julia struggles to avoid Michael. Meanwhile, Karen books a side gig at a bar mitzvah.

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The Fallout
star
7.86
146 votes

#5 - The Fallout

Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired 2/5/2013

Directors: Craig Zisk
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Musical Chairs
star
7.67
329 votes

#6 - Musical Chairs

Season 2 - Episode 7 - Aired 3/19/2013

Karen, Tom, Julia and Derek adapt to a new environment, where clashes arise. Meanwhile, pressure mounts at "Liaisons"; and Katie's assistance leads Eileen to discover how to salvage "Bombshell."

Directors: Casey Nicholaw
Writer: Becky Mode
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Publicity
star
7.66
378 votes

#7 - Publicity

Season 1 - Episode 12 - Aired 4/23/2012

Karen finds herself seduced by the glamorous life of new BFF Rebecca Duvall -- but can Rebecca be trusted? What will Karen's ascent mean to her relationship with Dev? And will Rebecca drive Derek insane? Eileen introduces new beau Nick to ex-husband Jerry, while Julia panics when her son Leo goes missing.

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The Movie Star
star
7.63
375 votes

#8 - The Movie Star

Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired 4/16/2012

The arrival of a movie star turns ``Bombshell'' upside-down; Ivy and Karen try to overcome their history and unite against their new rival; Tom and Sam's romance heats up.

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The Workshop
star
7.59
433 votes

#9 - The Workshop

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 3/19/2012

Eileen, Derek and the team present ''Marilyn the Musical'' to would-be investors. Ivy struggles to perform. Karen must make a difficult choice. Julia and Michael face the consequences of their actions.

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The Surprise Party
star
7.58
314 votes

#10 - The Surprise Party

Season 2 - Episode 10 - Aired 4/6/2013

Tom plans a surprise for Ivy in an attempt to find a balance between their work life and their friendship. Relations between Karen, Jimmy, and Derek explode just as "Hit List's" rehearsal process nears its close. While Richard asks Eileen to spend less time at work and more time with him, Julia finds herself also pulled away from "Bombshell" by an unlikely source.

Directors: S.J. Clarkson
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The Fringe
star
7.58
292 votes

#11 - The Fringe

Season 2 - Episode 6 - Aired 3/12/2013

Derek and Karen reach a turning point, so one of them makes a tough decision. Meanwhile, problems emerge in Jerry and Eileen's partnership; complications arise at the "Hit List" debut at the Fringe Festival; and Ivy attempts to save her and Terry's show.

Directors: Dan Lerner
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The Tonys
star
7.55
145 votes

#12 - The Tonys

Season 2 - Episode 17 - Aired 5/26/2013

On Tony night, the awards might not provide the answers everyone is looking for. As Jimmy faces a final reckoning, Tom, Julia, Derek, Karen, Ivy, and most of all, Eileen wait to see if the ceremony will confirm their place in the Broadway pantheon once and for all.

Directors: Michael Morris
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The Nominations
star
7.52
233 votes

#13 - The Nominations

Season 2 - Episode 16 - Aired 5/26/2013

It's a crucial moment for both shows as Tony nominations loom, but keeping your eye on the prize can be hard. As Tom crosses an influential Tony voter and Ivy copes with some very distracting news, Derek's past has repercussions for the entire "Hit List" team.

Directors: Michael Morris
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Hell On Earth
star
7.49
436 votes

#14 - Hell On Earth

Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 4/2/2012

Julia and Tom must find a title for the recently reinvigorated musical; Ivy and Karen compete for an orange juice commercial; Frank makes a discovery.

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The Cost of Art
star
7.49
443 votes

#15 - The Cost of Art

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 2/27/2012

Karen must learn to advance in the high-stakes world of Broadway, as Derek hosts a party for hot young star Lyle. Eileen tries a sly new strategy for raising funds, while Tom goes on a first date.

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The Callback
star
7.48
374 votes

#16 - The Callback

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 2/13/2012

Ivy and Karen jump through hoops for the brilliant but temperamental director Derek Wills as they pursue the role of a lifetime. Meanwhile, Julia and her husband Frank, are frustrated by the red tape of an international adoption process, and Eileen fights to finance her new musical in the midst of an acrimonious divorce.

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The Phenomenon
star
7.46
267 votes

#17 - The Phenomenon

Season 2 - Episode 14 - Aired 5/4/2013

An unexpected event bonds both "Bombshell" and "Hit List."

Directors: Roxann Dawson
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Previews
star
7.45
423 votes

#18 - Previews

Season 1 - Episode 14 - Aired 5/7/2012

"Bombshell" faces its first audience just as a major crisis hits Rebecca Duvall. The team of Tom and Julia scramble to fix the show when the first preview falls short, and Frank must adjust to the unwelcome return of Michael Swift to his life. Dev seeks reconciliation with Karen, but explosive information about Ivy lurks just beneath the surface.

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The Song
star
7.45
368 votes

#19 - The Song

Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 2/26/2013

Derek calls in help for a special event, but Jimmy's pride might get in the way of a huge opportunity Karen orchestrates for him and Kyle. Peter challenges Julia's pride as they continue to work together. Meanwhile, Ronnie struggles to assert her independence from a powerful mother, as Eileen finds herself at a moral crossroads with huge ramifications for "Bombshell."

Directors: Michael Morris
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The Dress Rehearsal
star
7.44
391 votes

#20 - The Dress Rehearsal

Season 2 - Episode 11 - Aired 4/13/2013

Tom’s overeagerness may hurt “Bombshell” as he and Julia prepare the show for previews. Meanwhile, Ivy has an on-stage blunder, which leads her to make an important decision; and Karen begins to question Derek’s true motives.

Directors: Mimi Leder
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Tech
star
7.44
453 votes

#21 - Tech

Season 1 - Episode 13 - Aired 4/30/2012

Ivy worries as Derek grows closer to Rebecca and Karen has to choose between Dev and the show. Ellen and Julia fight over Michael's possible return and Sam brings Tom to a family dinner.

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The Coup
star
7.43
405 votes

#22 - The Coup

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 3/26/2012

The team deals with the workshop's after-effects; Derek asks Karen to help him steal the show from Tom and Julia; Eileen's daughter's surprise visit forces her to deal with her ex-husband.

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The Bells and Whistles
star
7.40
312 votes

#23 - The Bells and Whistles

Season 2 - Episode 8 - Aired 3/26/2013

Ivy brings Sam back to New York City which makes things uncomfortable for Tom. Jimmy finds himself at odds with Derek regarding "Hit List". Ana and Karen struggle with being assertive.

Directors: Craig Zisk
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Understudy
star
7.40
431 votes

#24 - Understudy

Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 4/9/2012

When the show's new star gets stuck in Cuba, Derek puts Karen in as understudy; Tom and Julia celebrate their anniversary.

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The Read-Through
star
7.36
419 votes

#25 - The Read-Through

Season 2 - Episode 5 - Aired 3/5/2013

Tom informs Julia that he has doubts about Peter, which intensifies Julia's concerns. Meanwhile, the first reading for "Hit List" takes place; Ivy's hopes are dashed when she meets her new costar; and Karen is unsure if she can place her trust in Jimmy.

Directors: David Petrarca
Writer: Liz Tuccillo
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