There are few television programs as famous as M*A*S*H. Few sitcoms have run as long, won as many awards, or garnered so much critical praise. But M*A*S*H did all these things and it did them in a special way: combining comedy with drama to make viewers not only laugh but feel. For eleven seasons M*A*S*H broadcast its unique blend of humor and emotion to the viewing public before wrapping up with a movie-length series finale that remains to this day the highest-rated program in the history of broadcast television in the United States of America. M*A*S*H surely is the finest kind.
This website is dedicated to preserving and exploring the history of M*A*S*H, from the original fall preview for the series broadcast in September of 1972 to the obscure animated parody and everything in between. Researched articles on a variety of topics are complemented by rare photographs and video footage only found here. Additionally, a detailed broadcast history recounting every premiere, pre-emption and repeat aired during M*A*S*H's original run on CBS is available.
The site is broken into four main sections. The Articles section contains lengthy articles on topics ranging from AfterMASH to the iconic M*A*S*H signpost. In the Features section you'll find a hodgepodge of items including an in-depth look at the Nurses of the 4077th, M*A*S*Hback and an illustrated guide to the 4077th compound. The Interact section is where you -- the fans -- can volunteer your knowledge of M*A*S*H. And the Episodes section holds an episode guide, broadcast histories for each season and more. Feel free to simply explore and enjoy what you stumble upon.
Join other M*A*S*H fans to talk about the show at the Television Obscurities forums, where M*A*S*H, Finest Kind has its own discussion forum.
Latest News & Updates
Thursday, September 4th, 2008
M*A*S*H Starts On ION Monday, September 8th
M*A*S*H will start airing on the ION television network next week, beginning Monday, September 8th. Two episodes will be shown back-to-back from 4-5PM ET, Monday through Friday, and from 6-7PM ET Saturday and Sunday. Check the ION website to see if you get ION in your area. I have updated M*A*S*H On TV to reflect this change.
Monday, September 1st, 2008
Developer Of MASH Unit Passed Away July 11th
Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, the man most responsible for the creation of what eventually became the MASH unit, passed away on Friday, July 11th at the age of 99. According to a list of his accomplishments found at the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center website:
Additionally, this timeline states that, in 1945, DeBakey was "awarded Legion of Merit for developing MASH units." According to his obituary, Dr. DeBakey performed over 60,000 heart surgeries during his career, which lasted more than 70 years and he is called "the greatest surgeon of the 20th century."
Thanks to Eric for notifying me of Dr. DeBakey's passing and his role in the creation of the MASH unit.
Although the television series M*A*S*H was and is fictional, the novel it was based on was written by H. Richard Hornberger, who served at a MASH unit during the Korean Conflict. Dr. DeBakey's role in the development of the MASH unit saved countless lives during the Korean Conflict and beyond, and his subsequent career helped save even more. In the words of Dr. Peter G. Traber, "As Baylor College of Medicine’s first President, he set a standard for preeminence and never let anyone here forget the importance of leadership in academic medicine. We have lost a man who was a great physician, educator, leader and above all, a great friend."
Thursday, August 21st, 2008
Videos Full Screen, M-U-S-H Updated
All of the Flash video files on the site can now be seen in full screen, although the quality suffers somewhat. Just click on the little icon in the bottom right next to the volume control. Also, I have updated the article on M-U-S-H with some information from a fan.
Sunday, August 17th, 2008
AfterMASH Ratings and More
I have added a new section about M*A*S*H's ill-fated spin-off, AfterMASH: Ratings, a chart of the weekly Nielsen rankings for both seasons of AfterMASH. I also made some minor updates to AfterMASH: Main Article and AfterMASH: Broadcast History.
Thursday, August 7th, 2008
What Is M*A*S*H on Jeopardy?
I've added four more M*A*S*H related Jeopardy! clues to the M*A*S*H on Jeopardy! page.
Friday, August 1st, 2008
Repackaged Season Sets Coming In November
Although the complete series has already been released twice -- once as individual seasons and then again as a complete set -- as of November 11th, the season sets will be available again in new, slimmer packaging. These repackaged seasons have been available at Costco since June but will be offered in other stores in a few months. Check TVShowsOnDVD.com for the complete story.
Thursday, July 10th, 2008
My First M*A*S*H
Another fifteen entries -- a third page -- have been added to My First M*A*S*H. It is interesting that so many of the fans who have sent in stories were born either around the time M*A*S*H ended its run or up to a decade later. Obviously, the series has reached a whole new generation of viewers.