Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but NBC’s new musical drama “Smash” is a TV lover’s new weekly must-see.

The show features “American Idol” runner-up Katharine McPhee as Karen Cartwright—a struggling actress who dreams of playing the role of famous bombshell Marilyn Monroe in an upcoming musical. The soon-to-be Broadway spectacle is being written by Julia Houston (Debra Messing), whose pending adoption adds an interesting subplot to the show. Karen is not the only one with her eyes on the main role, however. Longtime chorus member Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty) will do anything to immortalize Marilyn on-stage, serving as Karen’s tough competition. Rounds of call backs, dance routines and sing-offs leave viewers wondering who will be picked to don the blonde pin-curls and red lipstick.

After only a few episodes, “Smash” already shines with originality. Viewers get the opportunity enjoy great singing talent and fresh musical numbers without having to buy a ticket to the theater. The show has its share of drama, however, with a plotting personal assistant and a less-than-trustworthy director that drive an interesting plot. Viewers are left rooting for their demise while speculating on their inner motives. Although their characters seem to fill the typical archetypes, the unpredictability of their actions compels viewers to keep watching.

“Smash” mixes new, promising faces with accomplished actors, such as Anjelica Huston who plays Eileen Rand. Her scenes as the independent producer of “Marilyn: The Musical” will have viewers wincing from the threat of having a Manhattan thrown in their faces. The overall cast was flawlessly chosen, with my personal favorite being Katharine McPhee. After her rendition of the show’s song “Let Me Be Your Star,” I had a hard time believing that Taylor Hicks (aka the man whose career started and ended with an overplayed Ford commercial) could have ever beaten out her strong voice. Not to mention, I wouldn’t mind having access to her character’s closet.

All in all, “Smash” is a fantastic addition to NBC’s Monday line-up. It strays away from the typical detective mystery or comedy to provide viewers with an all-new experience to add to their weeknight guilty pleasure list. If the writers can continue to provide the talented cast with the type of material they need to continue the first few episodes’ success, “Smash” has the potential to be an excellent long-running show with viewers looking for more of the woman in the white dress and the actors who bring her to life.