Josh Safran is leaving Gossip Girl, but sticking around New York City. On screen, at least. TV Guide confirms that Safran is finalizing a deal to take over as the showrunner on Smash.

He'll replace creator Theresa Rebeck - who announced last month that she will step down, but remain as executive producer - on season two of the NBC drama this fall.

Safran started out as a writer on Gossip Girl in 2007 and became its show-runner last year. He is likely to increase Smash's focus on the soap opera aspects of its Broadway production.

He recently chatted with TV Fanatic about the upcoming Gossip Girl season finale.

The fictional play at the center of Smash, meanwhile, will open in Boston on the May 14 season finale. Safran will come on board the series shortly thereafter.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.