Ovation cuts Smash-ing off-net NBC deal

US cable network Ovation has acquired off-network rights to US scripted show Smash.

The musical drama about a the creation of a fictional Broadway musical ran on the NBC broadcast network for two seasons, ending in May this year.

It is produced by Universal Television and DreamWorks Television and was based on an idea from Steven Spielberg, who executive produced the series.

Ovation will run the show in an 8pm Friday evening slot. It has acquired both seasons of the show with the first debuting July 19 and the second run starting in November.

The show has been acquired from NBCUniversal Cable & New Media Distribution, which own the rights.

“Smash is exactly the kind of art-centric programming that Ovation’s viewers crave. This high-quality series fits in brilliantly with our efforts to showcase the powerful role that the Arts play in our lives,” said Robert Weiss, Ovation’s chief creative officer.

Weiss has overseen wide-ranging changes since joining Ovation.