In January 1981, PBS aired a 90-minute documentary called Making M*A*S*H. Filmmaker Michael Hirsh followed the production of M*A*S*H, talked to cast members, and offered a behind the scenes look at how the series was produced (in 2022, I wrote about a press release announcing the documentary). The documentary was successful, but this post isContinue reading “Press Pass 40: Gary Deeb Column (January 1981)”
Tag Archives: release
Press Pass 39: “M*A*S*H Heading Stateside”
In December 1982, 42 years ago, M*A*S*H was winding down. It had been announced that the eleventh season would be the last for the series, and the end was near. Publications were gearing up for the anticipated finale with articles, and in late December 1982, Associated Press (AP) Television Writer Jerry Buck penned an articleContinue reading “Press Pass 39: “M*A*S*H Heading Stateside””
Press Pass 36: “Cameras Rolling on Eleventh M*A*S*H Season”
As I mentioned last week, September is when all the new network shows began airing in the early 1980s. Each network would publicize their fall lineup and highlight the new and returning shows. For new episodes to be ready to air in September, production for a new season typically began in July. However, in SeptemberContinue reading “Press Pass 36: “Cameras Rolling on Eleventh M*A*S*H Season””
Press Pass 33: “M*A*S*H Trivia Time”
There was a variety of press material sent out by both 20th Century Fox and CBS to promote M*A*S*H. There were actor biographies, episode previews, season previews, feature stories, press kits, and more. One of the more unique materials that was sent out by Fox was M*A*S*H trivia. The trivia press release was sent multipleContinue reading “Press Pass 33: “M*A*S*H Trivia Time””
Press Pass 31: M*A*S*H Finale Ratings Top Dallas
In a post last month about photos from a collection of “M*A*S*H Bash” photos from the night of the finale, I said that was the final post in a series celebrating the 41st anniversary of “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” on February 28. I was mistaken. This week’s post is the final post in that series!Continue reading “Press Pass 31: M*A*S*H Finale Ratings Top Dallas”
Press Pass 29: “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” Press Photo Collages
UPDATE: 2/12/2024: Thanks to Dan Harrison, I have added another reason why “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” was aired once again on CBS in September 1983. On February 28, 1983, an estimated 60% of American households gathered around their TV sets to watch the finale of M*A*S*H. It was a huge ratings success for CBS, andContinue reading “Press Pass 29: “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” Press Photo Collages”
Press Pass 28: “Alda tells why M*A*S*H was a Success”
February 28, 2024 will mark the 41st anniversary of the M*A*S*H finale, “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen.” There was a lot of anticipation for the two and a half hour finale, and over the next several months, I am going to use the Press Pass posts to highlight a few ways that the finale was previewed and celebrated.Continue reading “Press Pass 28: “Alda tells why M*A*S*H was a Success””
Press Pass 27: “M*A*S*H Bash to Benefit MDA”
February 28, 2024 will mark the 41st anniversary of the M*A*S*H finale, “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen.” There was a lot of excitement and anticipation for the two and a half hour finale, and over the next several months, I am going to use the Press Pass posts to highlight a few different ways that theContinue reading “Press Pass 27: “M*A*S*H Bash to Benefit MDA””
Press Pass 26: Season 9 Premiere
By the premiere of season nine, M*A*S*H had moved to Monday nights on CBS. It was a tentpole series for the network, and the start of a new season was a major event. In a press release, CBS announced the season nine premiere episode would air on Monday, November 17, 1980. The episode, “The BestContinue reading “Press Pass 26: Season 9 Premiere”
Press Pass 25: Alda, Swit Win Emmys (1982)
M*A*S*H is a highly regarded series by its fans and in television history, but it was also a widely awarded series during its eleven year run. The series, its cast, and its production staff all won awards on many stages including at the Emmys, Golden Globes, Peoples’ Choice, and even the Peabody Awards. Following itsContinue reading “Press Pass 25: Alda, Swit Win Emmys (1982)”
The M*A*S*H Historian 