Which M*A*S*H Character Are You?
As you can see, I'm Hawkeye. Take the MASH Quiz and see which character you are.
A History of M*A*S*H (1972-1983)
M*A*S*H* (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) first aired on CBS on September 17, 1972, and ran for 11 seasons until its finale on February 28, 1983. The series was adapted from the 1970 film of the same name, which itself was based on Richard Hooker's 1968 novel *MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors.* The show was developed for television by Larry Gelbart, who masterfully blended dark humor, biting satire, and heartfelt drama, creating a groundbreaking piece of American television.
Origins and Development
The original film, directed by Robert Altman, set the tone for the series, capturing the absurdity of war through a mix of irreverent comedy and intense medical drama. However, the television adaptation took this concept further, transforming it into a poignant exploration of human endurance and morality under extreme pressure. Gelbart and his team reimagined the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital as a place where laughter served as a critical tool for survival in the chaos of the Korean War.
Key Characters and Cast
The series featured a rotating ensemble cast over its 11-year run, with some of the most iconic characters in TV history:
- Hawkeye Pierce (Alan Alda) – The wisecracking, deeply compassionate chief surgeon.
- Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan (Loretta Swit) – The tough, dedicated head nurse.
- Radar O'Reilly (Gary Burghoff) – The innocent, hyper-aware company clerk.
- B.J. Hunnicutt (Mike Farrell) – Hawkeye's loyal, morally grounded best friend.
- Charles Winchester (David Ogden Stiers) – The arrogant, aristocratic but highly skilled surgeon.
- Henry Blake (McLean Stevenson) – The bumbling but kindhearted commanding officer.
- Frank Burns (Larry Linville) – The inept, self-righteous foil to Hawkeye’s antics.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
M*A*S*H became more than just a TV show; it was a cultural touchstone, reflecting the anti-war sentiments of the 1970s amid the Vietnam War. It deftly balanced moments of absurd humor with powerful commentary on the brutality of conflict. The series was praised for its ability to humanize the cost of war without losing its sharp comedic edge.
Finale and Lasting Influence
The series finale, "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen," remains one of the most-watched television episodes in history, drawing an estimated 105 million viewers. This landmark episode captured the emotional culmination of 11 years of storytelling, providing a heartfelt send-off to beloved characters. Even decades after its final episode, *M*A*S*H* continues to resonate with audiences, its themes of resilience, compassion, and the power of humor as a coping mechanism remaining as relevant as ever.
