The essential episodes of Smash
Watch these 15 in order and you've got Smash — each pick states its reason.
- 01
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.
- 02
"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.
- 03
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.
- 04
Back from a successful run in Boston, Eileen, Julia and Tom are blindsided by both personal and professional obstacles as they seek to take "Bombshell" to Broadway. Karen consults her new mentor, Broadway star Veronica "Ronnie" Moore, as she finds herself on the brink of fame, but her success may come at cost to Ivy. A new talent is discovered in an unexpected place. Meanwhile, Derek copes with a damaging accusation.
- 05
Back from a successful run in Boston, Eileen, Julia and Tom are blindsided by both personal and professional obstacles as they seek to take "Bombshell" to Broadway. Karen consults her new mentor, Broadway star Veronica "Ronnie" Moore, as she finds herself on the brink of fame, but her success may come at cost to Ivy. A new talent is discovered in an unexpected place. Meanwhile, Derek copes with a damaging accusation.
- 06
Partnerships are tested as Eileen asks Tom and Julia to contend with an unwelcome new collaborator, while Jimmy and Kyle prepare to present their work for the first time. Derek attempts to get Ronnie back on his side. Ivy finds it hard to move on, but help from an old friend might take her one step closer to her dream.
- 07
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."
- 08
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.
- 09
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.
- 10
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."
- 11
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.
- 12
After Leigh Conroy joins the cast of "Bombshell," Tom finds himself struggling to diffuse the years of tension between her and Ivy. Jimmy and Karen's connection is threatened by both Ana's newfound success and an unexpected visitor. Derek learns more about Jimmy's past just as the public sees their first piece of "Hit List."
- 13
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?
- 14
An unexpected event bonds both "Bombshell" and "Hit List."
- 15
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.
Shows like Smash
The closest matches on shared genres, ranked by match strength and popularity.
- 01Drama·Action·Science-FictionThe essential episodes of Arrow2012–2020·The CWAfter a violent shipwreck, billionaire playboy Oliver Queen was missing and presumed dead for five years before being discovered alive on a remote island in the Pacific.
- 02Drama·Crime·ThrillerThe essential episodes of True Detective2014–present
Touch darkness and darkness touches you back. - 03Drama·Action·Science-FictionThe essential episodes of The Flash2014–2023·The CW
After a particle accelerator causes a freak storm, CSI Investigator Barry Allen is struck by lightning and falls into a coma. - 04Drama·Action·SupernaturalThe essential episodes of Supernatural2005–2020·The CW
This haunting series follows the Winchester brothers as they crisscross the lonely and mysterious back roads of the country in their '67 Chevy Impala, hunting down every evil supernatural force they encounter along the… - 05Drama·Comedy·CrimeThe essential episodes of Fargo2014·FX
Fargo is a seasonal anthology crime drama with some dark comical elements, inspired by the film Fargo written by the Coen brothers. - 06Drama·CrimeThe essential episodes of Chicago P.D.2014–presentSame network — NBC·
