NBC execs must be feeling some vindication for the relentless promotion they did for their midseason drama, "Smash."

The new series, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a Broadway musical starring "American Idol" runner-up Katharine McPhee, Debra Messing, Anjelica Huston and Megan Hilty, was watched by 11.5 million in its post-"The Voice" time slot Monday.

With a 3.8 rating in the 18-49 demographic, the new show had the largest rating of any 10 p.m. drama this season.

However, as Entertainment Weekly notes, ratings fell off by the second half-hour, and while the series has certainly earned plenty of praise, some critics acknowledged that this was a gamble for NBC, and that "Smash" does have some problems.

Slate's critic was willing to pay $75 "for an orchestra seat to see the show-within-a-show," should "Smash's" Marilyn Monroe musical ever become a reality.

But, "the way things are going, I would pay $100 if the purchase exempted me from having to watch anymore of the show itself," the review continues. By the third and fourth episodes, "cartoon vibes and copious suds...creep over the series," wreaking havoc on Huston's character especially.

The Washington Post was upfront about "Smash's" shortcomings as well: Debra Messing's performance made the viewer "think of chenille throws and long naps," and then there's the issue with what the critic calls "hacky" dialogue.

While "Smash" "won't convert anyone to the [theater] lifestyle...it will intrigue those who are already deep in it," the WaPo says, concluding that the series may not be perfect, but it's not all bad, either.

The Atlantic had similar issues with "Smash's" dialogue, and pointed out that the show is "riddled with caricatures and cliches." And yet, "that's not to say there isn't promise."

"It's messy, cheesy and a bit of a letdown," the Atlantic says. "But it's more entertaining than it is disappointing."