Smash backdrop
Drama

The Best Episodes of Smash

Every episode of Smash ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Smash!

Binge this in 23h 31m•Peaking at 8.7/10

Celebrating the beauty and heartbreak of the Broadway theater, following a cross section of dreamers and schemers who all have one common desire - to be a "Smash."

Airs on
NBC
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons2

All12

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Click to reveal
    Smash Season 1 Episode 15 - Bombshell
    8.7/10(291 votes)

    #1 - Bombshell

    S1:E15

    The big night is finally here. Tom and Julia race against time to save the show, while Derek makes a decision that will change the lives of Karen and Ivy forever.

    Director:Michael Morris
    Writer:Theresa Rebeck

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Smash Season 2 Episode 17 - The Tonys
    8.6/10(162 votes)

    #2 - The Tonys

    S2:E17

    Hit List and Bombshell face off at the Tonys.

    Director:Michael Morris
    Writer:Joshua Safran

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Smash Season 2 Episode 12 - Opening Night
    8.3/10(143 votes)

    #3 - Opening Night

    S2:E12

    It's the night before the opening of "Bombshell," and all sides of the production are waging their own inner battles.

    Director:Michael Morris
    Writers:Bathsheba Doran, Noelle Valdivia

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Smash Season 2 Episode 11 - The Dress Rehearsal
    8.2/10(130 votes)

    #4 - The Dress Rehearsal

    S2:E11

    A wardrobe malfunction forces Ivy into a risky choice; tensions mount at Hit List.

    Director:Mimi Leder
    Writer:Julia Brownell

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Smash Season 2 Episode 13 - The Producers
    8.2/10(120 votes)

    #5 - The Producers

    S2:E13

    Jimmy goes off the rails, threatening the future of Hit List.

    Director:Tricia Brock
    Writer:Becky Mode

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Smash Season 2 Episode 14 - The Phenomenon
    8.2/10(154 votes)

    #6 - The Phenomenon

    S2:E14

    An unexpected tragedy bonds the casts of Hit List and Bombshell.

    Director:Roxann Dawson
    Writers:Joshua Safran, Jordon Nardino

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of Smash

    READ
  7. Smash Season 1 Episode 7 - The Workshop
    8.1/10(243 votes)

    #7 - The Workshop

    S1:E7

    Everything comes to a head as Eileen, Derek and the team present "Marilyn the Musical" to would-be investors.

    Director:Mimi Leder
    Writer:Jason Grote

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Smash Season 1 Episode 1 - Pilot
    8.0/10(405 votes)

    #8 - Pilot

    S1:E1

    As the concept of "Marilyn the Musical" begins to take shape, two very different actresses are dying for a chance at the lead.

    Director:Michael Mayer
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Smash Season 1 Episode 4 - The Cost of Art
    8.0/10(272 votes)

    #9 - The Cost of Art

    S1:E4

    Tensions between Karen and Ivy run high as workshop rehearsals begin; Derek throws a birthday party for an old friend.

    Director:Michael Morris
    Writer:David Marshall Grant

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Smash Season 1 Episode 12 - Publicity
    8.0/10(208 votes)

    #10 - Publicity

    S1:E12

    Karen finds herself seduced by the glamorous life of new BFF Rebecca Duvall... but can Rebecca be trusted?

    Director:Michael Mayer
    Writer:Theresa Rebeck

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Smash Season 2 Episode 1 - On Broadway
    7.9/10(222 votes)

    #11 - On Broadway

    S2:E1

    A scandal puts Bombshell's fate in jeopardy, while new talent is discovered in an unexpected place.

    Director:Michael Morris
    Writer:Joshua Safran

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Smash Season 2 Episode 15 - The Transfer
    7.9/10(123 votes)

    #12 - The Transfer

    S2:E15

    Betrayal rocks "Hit List;" Ivy's forced to do damage control on her public image.

    Director:Holly Dale
    Writers:Julia Brownell, Justin Brenneman

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Smash Season 2 Episode 16 - The Nominations
    7.9/10(119 votes)

    #13 - The Nominations

    S2:E16

    Hit List and Bombshell face off at the Tonys.

    Director:Michael Morris
    Writer:Bryan Goluboff

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Smash Season 1 Episode 10 - Understudy
    7.8/10(208 votes)

    #14 - Understudy

    S1:E10

    The show has landed star Rebecca Duvall, but Eileen is thrown into a panic when Rebecca gets stuck in Cuba.

    Director:Adam Bernstein
    Writer:Jerome Hairston

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. Smash Season 2 Episode 9 - The Parents
    7.8/10(126 votes)

    #15 - The Parents

    S2:E9

    Ivy's mom joins the "Bombshell" cast; a visit from Karen's dad causes tension at "Hit List."

    Director:Tricia Brock
    Writer:Jordon Nardino

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. Smash Season 2 Episode 10 - The Surprise Party
    7.8/10(125 votes)

    #16 - The Surprise Party

    S2:E10

    Tom plans the birthday surprise of a lifetime for Ivy.

    Director:S.J. Clarkson
    Writers:Julie Rottenberg, Elisa Zuritsky

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Smash Season 1 Episode 9 - Hell On Earth
    7.7/10(202 votes)

    #17 - Hell On Earth

    S1:E9

    The team begins their pursuit of a marquee star, as Eileen charges Tom and Julia with finding a title for the newly reinvigorated musical.

    Director:Paul McGuigan
    Writer:Scott Burkhardt

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. Smash Season 1 Episode 13 - Tech
    7.7/10(184 votes)

    #18 - Tech

    S1:E13

    "Bombshell" moves to Boston as it finally finds its way to the stage. Meanwhile, Karen reaches a turning point; she must choose between Dev and the show.

    Director:Roxann Dawson
    Writers:Lakshmi Sundaram, Jason Grote

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. Smash Season 1 Episode 14 - Previews
    7.7/10(182 votes)

    #19 - Previews

    S1:E14

    "Bombshell" faces its first audience just as a major crisis hits Rebecca Duvall.

    Director:Robert Duncan McNeill
    Writer:David Marshall Grant

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. Smash Season 2 Episode 7 - Musical Chairs
    7.7/10(137 votes)

    #20 - Musical Chairs

    S2:E7

    Tensions boil on Liaisons, while Eileen may have found the key to saving Bombshell.

    Director:Casey Nicholaw
    Writer:Becky Mode

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. Smash Season 2 Episode 8 - The Bells and Whistles
    7.7/10(127 votes)

    #21 - The Bells and Whistles

    S2:E8

    When Derek and Jimmy butt heads over "Hit List," Karen gets caught in the crossfire.

    Director:Craig Zisk
    Writer:Noelle Valdivia

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. Smash Season 1 Episode 2 - The Callback
    7.6/10(294 votes)

    #22 - The Callback

    S1:E2

    The final decision is revealed after Ivy and Karen are brought back for a second callback.

    Director:Michael Mayer
    Writer:Theresa Rebeck

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. Smash Season 1 Episode 5 - Let's Be Bad
    7.6/10(225 votes)

    #23 - Let's Be Bad

    S1:E5

    Karen finds a new use for her acting talents as she joins Dev at a high-powered government party. Meanwhile, the drama between Michael and Julia heats up.

    Director:Jamie Babbit
    Writers:Julie Rottenberg, Elisa Zuritsky

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. Smash Season 1 Episode 6 - Chemistry
    7.6/10(220 votes)

    #24 - Chemistry

    S1:E6

    Ivy faces major vocal issues, while Julia struggles to avoid Michael. Meanwhile, Karen books a side gig at a bar mitzvah.

    Director:Dan Attias
    Writer:Jacquelyn Reingold

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. Smash Season 2 Episode 2 - The Fallout
    7.6/10(163 votes)

    #25 - The Fallout

    S2:E2

    A scandal puts Bombshell's fate in jeopardy, while new talent is discovered in an unexpected place.

    Director:Craig Zisk
    Writers:Julie Rottenberg, Elisa Zuritsky

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Best Episodes Summary

"Bombshell" is the best rated episode of "Smash". It scored 8.7/10 based on 291 votes. Directed by Michael Morris and written by Theresa Rebeck, it aired on 5/14/2012. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "The Tonys".