The future of NBC's current star-maker 'Smash' hadn't been in doubt, given the solid ratings and buzz for the musical series, and even the departure of show-runner Theresa Rebeck the very day its season 2 renewal was announced didn't pull any plugs.  So with Rebeck out, who's been tapped to headline the 'Smash'ing attempt to chronicle development on a Marilyn Monroe musical?

According to the latest reports from Deadline TV, former 'Gossip Girl' executive producer Josh Safran has jumped ship to take the reigns of 'Smash,' where Rebeck left off.  Safran, emerging from a number of contenders for the job, has spent the last five years working his way up through The CW's NYC-based drama, serving first as writer/consulting producer and then co-exec producer before receiving a bump to EP this season.

Details are still being worked out, and Rebeck may in fact contribute scripts for the second season, as well as keeping her name as executive producer.  It’s unclear what precisely led Rebeck to drop her responsibilities, but the producer will return to focus on her theatre career, leaving it also unclear what will become of writing executive producer David Marshall Grant, who joined the series after the pilot.

For those not watching, ‘Smash’ tells the tale of two actresses vying for the lead in a Broadway musical chronicling the life of Marilyn Monroe, stemming from an idea from executive producer Steven Spielberg, and starring Debra Messing, Christian Borle, Anjelica Huston, Megan Hilty, Katharine McPhee and Jack Davenport.

What do you think of 'Smash's new show-runner?  Was the show in desperate need of some behind-the-scenes shake-up anyway??  Have you kept up with the Broadway drama, said to be a ‘Glee‘ for adults of sorts?  Tell us what direction you think the show should take in the comments!

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