NBC is offering the pilot of its upcoming television series Smash for free download from iTunes, Amazon Instant Video and other online video services.
The network is betting big on Smash, giving the Broadway-style musical show prime placement in its spring TV schedule. The pilot will debut Monday, Feb. 6 at 10:00 p.m. ET, right after The Voice, NBCs breakout hit of 2011.
Smash references and promos were aplenty during the 69th Golden Globe Awards, which aired on NBC Sunday. NBC will also be heavily promoting the program during the Super Bowl.
Viewers can check out the pilot a few weeks early for free via iTunes [iTunes link] and Amazon Instant Video. The pilot will also be available on Vudu, Xbox, PlayStation and the Samsung Media Hub.
Starting Jan. 23, Hulu and NBC.com will have the pilot available for streaming.
Starring American Idol runner-up Katharine McPhee, Debra Messing and Anjelica Huston, the show is about the making of a Broadway musical based on Marilyn Monroe. The show will combine original musical numbers (written for the show-within-a-show) and contemporary covers.
Like Glee, NBC plans to release digital downloads and soundtrack albums for music from the program.
NBC is investing a lot in Smash, as evidenced by its comprehensive digital campaign. The goal is to build up strong word-of-mouth before the show debuts in order to ensure the pricey production is a hit.
So what do you think? Will Smash be a smash hit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
