'Smash' Canceled by NBC; 2-Hour Finale Set for May 26

After two seasons, NBC's musical drama "Smash" will wrap for good May 26 with a special two-hour finale.

The show, which stars an ensemble cast including "American Idol" alumna Katharine McPhee, Debra Messing, and Anjelica Huston, debuted its season two premiere in February to disastrous ratings — just 4.5 million viewers and a 1.1 rating the coveted 18-49 demographic. That's compared to 11.4 million viewers and 3.8 rating for the season one premiere in February 2012.

In April, NBC banished "Smash" from its original Tuesday time slot to the dreaded Saturday night spot, an early hint that the show was nearing its end.

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"Smash" revolves around a fictional New York theater community, which creates new Broadway musicals.

After news broke of the show's cancelation, many of its cast members took to Twitter to thank fans for their support.

Thk u to everyone who watched Smash!Been an amazing ride. & thanks to @nbc 4 the opportunity 2 play a great gal such as Karen. So grateful

— Katharine McPhee(@katharinemcphee) May 11, 2013

Yes... smash is officially cancelled. So sorry to everyone who watched and loved it. Had an amazing time and made wonderful memories. 💚❤💛

— Katharine McPhee(@katharinemcphee) May 11, 2013

So sad that Smash is officially going Non-Equity.

— Andy Mientus (@andymientus) May 11, 2013

But in all seriousness, I love Smash, am so grateful to its fans, had the time of my life working with such talent and will never forget it!

— Andy Mientus (@andymientus) May 11, 2013

THANK YOU 2 all the #smash fans for your love and faith. I LOVED our show, our cast, the music and dance, and will 4ever B grateful & proud

— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) May 11, 2013

Thank you for all the kind words about Smash! It was an incredible experience and one I'll always be grateful for! twitter.com/meganhilty/sta…

— Megan Hilty (@meganhilty) May 11, 2013

With ratings darling "The Voice" wrapping up its fourth season, the struggling network axed a handful of shows along with "Smash" in hopes up shaking up the lineup and attracting new audiences. NBC has also canceled "1600 Penn," "Animal Practice," "Deception," "Do No Harm," "Go On," "Guys With Kids," "Up All Night," "Whitney," and "The New Normal."

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NBC has picked up "Ironside," a remake of the 1960s series about a tough, acerbic police detective who is confined to a wheel chair after a shooting.

Some of the other new shows include "Undateable," "Chicago PD," "The Blacklist," and "The Night Shift."

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