'Smash': Watch The First Episode (VIDEO)

After being dubbed one of the most eagerly anticipated shows of the 2011-2012 season way back in June, "Smash" is finally premiering on Mon., Feb. 6 at 10 p.m. EST on NBC. But if you can't wait that long, you're in luck: NBC has put the pilot on iTunes and Amazon for free, on-demand from cable providers and now, it's streaming -- yes, for free -- on NBC.com.

Starring Anjelica Huston, Debra Messing, Katharine McPhee and Megan Hilty, "Smash" follows the creation of a Broadway musical about the life of Marilyn Monroe. Oscar winner Huston plays Eileen Rand, a legendary Broadway producer who is going through a messy divorce; Emmy winner Messing plays one-half of the lyricist team opposite Christian Brole; and Hilty and McPhee play actresses competing for the coveted part of Monroe.

You've heard HuffPost TV sing its praises, now decide for yourself if the show lives up to the hype.

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• "Smash"

  The cast of "Smash."

• An audition

  Katharine McPhee in "Smash."

• Audition jitters

  A scene from the series premiere of "Smash."

• Audition day

  A scene from the series premiere of "Smash."

• Quiet moment at home

  A scene from the series premiere of "Smash."

• "Marilyn" takes shape

  A scene from the series premiere of "Smash."

• Director at work

  A scene from the "Smash" series premiere.

• Meeting of the minds

  Debra Messing and Christian Borle in "Smash."

• A late night meeting

  A scene from the premiere of "Smash."

• Anjelica Huston in "Smash"

  A scene from the series premiere of "Smash."

• New York, New York

  A scene from the series premiere of "Smash."

• Anjelica Huston

  Anjelica Huston as Eileen in "Smash."

• Katharine McPhee as Marilyn Monroe

  Katharine McPhee channels Marilyn Monroe in "Smash."

• Dueling Marilyns

  Katharine McPhee and Megan Hilty channel Marilyn Monroe in "Smash."

• Megan Hilty

  Megan Hilty as Ivy Lynn in "Smash."

• Raza Jaffrey

  Raza Jaffrey as Dev in "Smash."

• "Smash"

  The cast of NBC's "Smash."

• Anjelica Huston

  Anjelica Huston as Eileen in "Smash."

• Katharine McPhee

  Katharine McPhee as Karen Cartwright in "Smash."

• Jaime Cepero

  Jaime Cepero as Ellis in "Smash."

• Jack Davenport

  Jack Davenport as Derek Wills in "Smash."

• Debra Messing

  Debra Messing as Julia in "Smash."

• Raza Jaffrey

  Raza Jaffrey as Dev in "Smash."

• Brian d'Arcy James

  Brian d'Arcy James as Frank in "Smash."

• Christian Borle

  Christian Borle as Tom in "Smash."

• Megan Hilty

  Megan Hilty as Ivy Lynn in "Smash."