Can "Smash" save NBC? Well, it certainly can't hurt. And the Peacock needs this one. Bad.

Here's the nutshell version of tonight's big series debut (10 p.m.), in case you've missed the nine million promotional spots NBC has been pushing for weeks (but considering how few people actually watch NBC, maybe the pilot isn't as overexposed as many believe?):

"Smash" is a musical drama about a group of Broadway producers attempting to stage an original show about the life of Marilyn Monroe. It has a great cast (Debra Messing, Angelica Huston, Katharine McPhee), great original music, and lavish choreography.

Even for the most casual theater fans, "Smash" is an intoxicating insider's look at putting on a Broadway show, from the first spark of an idea through financing and casting, all the way to opening night.