Brian d'Arcy James

The cast and crew ofBombshell return to New York in the hope of finding a new home on Broadway. However, a new scandal involving the financing for the show could put its future in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Ivy butts heads with Karen and questions her future with the show, while Julia enters a depressive state following marital troubles.

As opening night approaches, Rebecca Duvall is replaced by an ensemble member; Dev's job opportunity threatens the outcome of Bombshell; Frank and Julia must push their discrepancies aside while "Bombshell" opens on Broadway; Lyle returns with bad news.

Joy introduces Paul and Cathy to one of her friends who makes them a tempting offer. Meanwhile, Adam enjoys his new freedom after moving in with Sean who goes out with one of his clients.

The arrival of Rebecca Duval does not go well and "Bombshell" is turned upside down. This leads to Ivy and Karen to try and overcome their history as they unite against their new rival. Meanwhile, Tom and Sam's blossoming romance heats up.

Ivy and Karen once again go head to head as they compete for an orange juice commercial. Julia deals with the repercussions of Frank finding out about she and Michael, while Tom deals with his recent discovery that his beau is a Republican. Eileen tries to replace Derek, and Ellis will do anything to get himself to the top. Tom and Julia come up with a title for the piece.
After confronting Michael, Frank decides to leave Julia and Leo.

As the team deals with the fallout of the workshop, Eileen is forced to deal with her estranged husband as her daughter pays a surprise visit. While, Derek asks Karen to help him steal the show away from Tom and Julia.

It's time for the team to present ''Marilyn the Musical'' to possible investors however, Ivy struggles to perform and Karen must make a difficult decision. Meanwhile, Julia and Michael must face up to the consequences of their actions.

Julia is struggling to avoid Michael while, Eileen and Ellis' friendship continues to grow as they hang out at a local downtown dive bar. Also, Karen books a side job at a bar and Ivystarts to have issues with her voice.

The tension between Michael and Julia increases as past emotions resurface meanwhile, Ivy believes that all is not right in her relationship with Derek. Karen puts her talents to use at a government party and Eileen joins forces with Tom's assistant.

Karen decides that she needs to start learning how to get ahead in the world of Broadway. Meanwhile, Eileen tests a new fundraising strategy, Tom goes on a date and, Derek throws a party for a hot young celebrity (guest star Nick Jonas).

The actor favored by everyone to take on the role of Joe DiMaggio is harboring a secret. Meanwhile, on a trip to Iowa for a baby shower Karen has some important decisions to make about her future. And Eileen finds that some potential investors may have been turned against her by her ex-husband.

'Marilyn' Director Derek Willis makes the two potential leads jump through hoops for the ultimate role of Marilyn Monroe. Julia and her husband find new roadblocks in the road to adoption, and Eileen struggles to keep 'Marilyn'financially viable in the midst of her strenuous divorce.

In the pilot of Smash we are introduced to Tom Levittand Julia Houstona 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 directorDerek 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 orKaren Cartwright a fresh talent who is trying to follow her dream of becoming a star.