"Last year, 30 Rock got an average of 4.6 million viewers. Parks and Recreation got an average of 4.4 million viewers, opening with 4.11 million. Community got 4.04 million viewers on average, opening with 3.93 million. NBC renews shows with bad ratings sometimes, because it's what they have."
The difference is that those shows have prestige. They're critical darlings with strong, dedicated followings. And 30 Rock has a wheelbarrow full of awards, both nominated and won.
Smash is not sincerely beloved by very many.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."