In the pilot of Smash we are introduced to Tom Levitt and 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 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.

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.

The search begins for a Joe DiMaggio to play opposite Marilyn - but everyone's first choice, Michael, has a secret. Karen returns to Iowa for a baby shower and must decide what she wants for her future. Eileen begins rounding up investors - but ex-husband Jerry may already have poisoned the well.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"The Fallout" is the seventeenth episode of the American television series Smash. It was written by Julie Rottenberg and Elisa Zuritsky and directed by Craig Zisk. The episode premiered on NBC on February 5, 2013, the second half of the season two two-hour premiere.

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."

Julia's fears increase when Tom airs his suspicions of Peter. Jimmy and Kyle confront their own crisis of confidence as "Hit List" is read for the first time. Meanwhile, Ivy realizes her triumph might not be all she hoped when she meets her new co-star, Terry Falls, and Karen wonders if she can trust Jimmy.

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.

New circumstances give rise to conflicts as Karen, Tom, Julia and Derek adjust to their new surroundings. Tensions at "Liaisons" are also coming to a boil, ensuring that the show will find its place in Broadway history. Meanwhile, Eileen may have found the key to saving "Bombshell" with the help of her daughter, Katie.

"The Phenomenon" is the twenty ninth episode of the American television series Smash. It was written by Jordon Nardino and executive producer and showrunner Joshua Safran and directed by Roxann Dawson. The episode premiered on NBC on May 4, 2013, the fourteenth episode of Season 2.

"The Nominations" is the thirty first episode of the American television series Smash. It was written by Bryan Goluboff and directed by Michael Morris. The episode premiered on NBC on May 26, 2013, the sixteenth episode of Season 2. It was the first part of a two-part series finale.

"The Tonys" is the thirty-second episode of the American television series, Smash. It was written by Smash's show-runner and head writer, Joshua Safran, and directed by Michael Morris. The episode premiered on NBC, on May 26, 2013, the 17th episode of Season 2. It was the second part of a two-part series finale.