Safran was brought on board to replace show creator Theresa Rebeck as showrunner for the NBC musical drama's new run and told TV Guide that he is aware of the viewer backlash to parts of the first season.
© NBC Universal
"By the time I came to the table, I think everybody had very clearly defined what they felt the pros and cons were of season one," Safran said. "I know that [the executive producers] have talked about how they read the boards, and read Twitter.
"They were abreast of how the audience was feeling, so I think as a member of the audience, when I came here, I think we really were in agreement."
However, despite a substantial cast overhaul, Safran insisted that season two of Smash still shares much of its "DNA" with the show's 2012 episodes.
"There really is not a tonal difference from season one to season two," he insisted. "It might have some younger cast members... and maybe there is a little more humour, but it still is Smash."
Smash returns to US screens tonight (February 5) on NBC, with new episodes airing on Sky Atlantic in the UK from July.
> Jaime Cepero to reprise Ellis role on Smash's second season
Watch a video teaser for Smash season two below:
