NBC’s musical drama "Smash" has hired a new showrunner to replace the program’s creator, Theresa Rebeck, reports Deadline.com. The show was putting the finishing touches on a deal to bring aboard "Gossip Girl" executive producer Josh Safran for the job, the story reports.

As previously reported, Rebeck’s departure was announced when the series was renewed for a second season after showing some growth in ratings.

Safran, who was picked after a number of showrunners interviewed for the job, has worked for the past five years on "Gossip Girl," the piece adds.