Debra Messing plays Julia Houston in "Smash." (Mark Seliger/NBC/HO)

Smash, the highly publicized “Glee for adults” that you probably have seen advertised over the past several months, finally debuts Monday, Feb. 6 on NBC and CTV.

But according to one of the stars of Smash, Debra Messing, the Glee comparison goes only so far.

“I am a huge fan of Glee, I think it’s a tremendous original show that is groundbreaking, but the only thing that really ties them together is there’s signing in both of them,” Messing said. “But Smash is a completely naturalistic world.”

Smash is a behind-the-scenes look at a group of Broadway professionals trying to put together a stage show based on the life of Marilyn Monroe.

“Part of the joyousness of watching (Glee) is that it’s sort of an elevated reality,” continued Messing, who first became famous for her role on Will & Grace. “(Glee) has a tone, it has a universe that is elevated and they sort of wink at the audience. They make fun of themselves as well.

“Smash is earnest, naturalistic, organic. Hopefully we’ll be as much fun to watch as Glee, but the shows are totally different.”

Smash also stars Katharine McPhee and Megan Hilty as duelling Marilyn Monroe wannabes, as well as Christian Borle, Jack Davenport and Anjelica Huston.