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?

‘Smash’ Gets Canceled, Fans React On Twitter is a post from: The Inquisitr

Jennifer Hudson will be a staple in Season 2 of the NBC hit “Smash,” with her first significant TV gig since “American Idol.”

The show has a new showrunner, “Gossip Girl’s” Josh Safran, and he has made a few changes to the show, including ditching the show’s most-hated characters, Ellis and Dev, and bringing on Jeremy Jordan, a Broadway star who will play a self-destructive Brooklynite, according to Zap 2 It.

As for Hudson? She will play Veronica, a talented performer who has reached Broadway star status. In the season, Hudson’a character has a Tony Award on her shelf, but she made significant sacrifices along the way to success.

E! Online reports that Robert Greenblatt, Chairman of NBC Entertainment, stated:

“We’re thrilled to have Jennifer Hudson coming to Smash. This series is a showcase for some of the best musical talent in the business and that’s a fitting description for Jennifer Hudson. Her character will represent someone who reached their Broadway dream but also paid a price for it.”

Steven Spielberg, the show’s executive producer, added that:

“First Dreamgirls, now Smash. I have no doubt Jennifer will continue to deliver even more inspiration to the audience responsible for giving us a second season on NBC. It’s wonderful to be reunited with her at DreamWorks Television and NBC.”

Jennifer Hudson has won both an Oscar and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting actress in 2006′s Dreamgirls. She also has a Grammy on her shelf, and was a Season 3 American Idol finalist. Hudson will join the show’s cast for a “multi-episode” arc.

Jennifer Hudson Will Guest Star In ‘Smash’ Season 2 is a post from: The Inquisitr