"History Is Made at Night" is an original song introduced in the fourth episode of the first season of the musical TV series Smash, entitled "The Cost of Art".
In episode 4, The Cost of Art, Karen Cartwright (Katharine McPhee) is forced to sit out of "History Is Made at Night" and another workshopped number after Ivy claims she can't hear herself sing.
[4] Michael Slezak of TV Line infers that this is due to Ivy's influence over the musical from sleeping with the director, and notes the "downright vicious" smile she gives Karen after she is asked to sit out the numbers.
In episode 6, Chemistry, Julia is shown to have writer's block on "History is Made at Night", due to her personal life (specifically her affair with Michael) impeding on her work.
[10] On March 16, 2012, a few days after the 6th episode Chemistry aired, Broadwayworld.com explained that by listening to the "late-50s-styled gem" they "were treated to one of the most memorable and sonically alluring original BOMBSHELL songs to date".