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”

MishM*A*S*H 24: 2009 TV Land Awards (M*A*S*H Reunion)

When we think of award shows, the first ones that come to mind are the Emmy’s, Oscars, Tony’s, and, perhaps, the Golden Globes. These award shows honor television, movies, and theatre from the prior year. Each award ceremony celebrates the current work of actors and production teams across multiple industries. However, from 2003 to 2012Continue reading “MishM*A*S*H 24: 2009 TV Land Awards (M*A*S*H Reunion)”

Script Spotlight 24: “Bug Out”

As we begin September, we are quickly approaching fall. In 1976, this meant it was almost primetime television premiere season, and M*A*S*H began its fifth season that year. That premiere episode was “Bug Out” (05×01), and it was the second season in a row that the season premiered with an hour episode. This episode isContinue reading “Script Spotlight 24: “Bug Out””

From the M*A*S*H Library 13: TV Guide: Fifty Years of Television

What is it? Lasswell, Mark. TV Guide: Fifty Years of Television. New York: Crown Publishers, 2002. Why should M*A*S*H fans care? In the first 50 years of television history, M*A*S*H came right in the middle and lasted for 11 years. The series spanned part of two decades and survived societal changes to go out on top.Continue reading “From the M*A*S*H Library 13: TV Guide: Fifty Years of Television”

From the M*A*S*H Library 12: TV Guide Magazine Puzzler

What is it? Fell, Michael, ed. “M*A*S*H.” TV Guide Magazine Puzzler. July 2022. Why should M*A*S*H fans care? This is another special edition magazine to celebrate the M*A*S*H 50th anniversary, but this issue has a fun twist since it is filled with puzzles! The full color photos and facts throughout make this even more exciting.Continue reading “From the M*A*S*H Library 12: TV Guide Magazine Puzzler”

From the M*A*S*H Library 10: M*A*S*H: The First Five Years: 1972-1977

What is it? Clauss, Jed. M*A*S*H: The First 5 Years, 1972 – 1977. Mattituck, NY: Aeonian Press, Inc., 1977. Why should M*A*S*H fans care? This is a contemporary M*A*S*H book published before the series ended, which makes it more interesting than the flood of books published after the finale. As a M*A*S*H fan, what part(s) shouldContinue reading “From the M*A*S*H Library 10: M*A*S*H: The First Five Years: 1972-1977”

From the M*A*S*H Library 9: All About M*A*S*H

What is it? Herz, Peggy. All About M*A*S*H. New York: Scholastic Book Services, 1975. Why should M*A*S*H fans care? This is an early book written about the series, and it was written for young adults. It is a very interesting part of the early history of the series and was published just as M*A*S*H was beginningContinue reading “From the M*A*S*H Library 9: All About M*A*S*H”

Press Pass 9: “M*A*S*H Cast to Muster Annually for Reunion”

After M*A*S*H ended, fans couldn’t get enough of the show. There was the hugely successful Binding Up the Wounds Smithsonian Exhibit, several books released, and even a LaserDisc of the series finale sold. Meanwhile, the actors, some of whom had worked together for eleven years, vowed to keep the cast together. Following the finale, aContinue reading “Press Pass 9: “M*A*S*H Cast to Muster Annually for Reunion””

M*A*S*H-ish 2: Korean War: The Untold Story

In April, the M*A*S*H Matters podcast (Episode 80) interviewed the filmmakers behind the 1988 documentary Korean War: The Untold Story. Producer Arnold Shapiro worked with writer and director Carol L. Fleisher to tell the story of the Korean War and its aftermath through the eyes of soldiers who were there. The documentary was hosted byContinue reading “M*A*S*H-ish 2: Korean War: The Untold Story”

Press Pass 6: Last-Minute Meeting Put M*A*S*H on Road to Success

Ask most fans what they love about M*A*S*H, and a fair number will say the balance of comedy and drama. The series successfully incorporated a proper amount of humanity and the horrors of war. There have been many stories over the years about how series creator Larry Gelbart ensured that M*A*S*H didn’t forget that warContinue reading “Press Pass 6: Last-Minute Meeting Put M*A*S*H on Road to Success”