Smash has been canceled by the folks at NBC after only two seasons.
The musical drama had a tough time finding an audience when it returned this season. Although the series did well during its first year, the show simply couldn’t replicate the success it had previously enjoyed.
Ratings were pretty bad right out of the gate in season two. The premiere only drew 4.5 million viewers , a number which didn’t improve over the course of the year.
These low numbers later prompted NBC to move the show to Saturday nights. The time slot was essentially the final nail in the show’s coffin. Smash didn’t find any new fans on the weekend schedule; the show hit an all-time ratings low with only 1.8 million viewers.
Despite a strong fan following and petitions to keep the show alive, the network ultimately decided it was time to pull the plug. However, NBC is giving the drama a proper send-off on May 26. The series will wrap up with a two-hour finale.
Smash star Katharine McPhee later addressed the cancellation with her fans on Twitter. She said starring on the show had been a “great ride,” and she was “grateful” to play the role of Karen.
“Love you all! Your passion is so heartwarming! Life is about chapters and the relationships you make along the way. Next chapter! Exciting,” she wrote to her followers .
Andy Mientus also addressed the situation on the social media site. The actor said he was “so grateful to its fans, had the time of my life working with such talent and will never forget it!”
Several Smash fans were understandably upset by the news that the series was given the boot by NBC. You can read some of their reactions to the announcement below.
Smash has been canceled by those tight-fisted executives at #NBC !!!!!! We fought to save our show, and you canceled it!!! -_-Shame on you!
— Sara Duckworth(@MarilynFan4Ever) May 13, 2013
Also, do any of you watch Smash? I’m so effing bummed about it being canceled.
— Benji Kenworthy (@NonReluctant) May 13, 2013
NBC canceled the two shows I actually watch on that channel. The New Normal AND Smash? Rude.
— Jessica (@ohaayitsjessii) May 13, 2013
SMASH being canceled is just….I don’t even know. Clearly the world couldn’t handle Broadway. #toogood #theatrekidprobz
— Theatre Kid Probz (@TheatreKidPrbz) May 13, 2013
Are you disappointed that Smash has been canceled by NBC?