China Beach 1988
“Reflections of the way life used to be.”
What is China Beach?
China Beach is a television series that premiered in 1988. The narrative is set in November 1967 at a United States Army base, hospital, and bar located near Danang, Vietnam.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1988
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 64
- Runtime
- 42 minutes
- First aired
- Apr 26, 1988
- Last aired
- Jul 22, 1991
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- US
- Networks
- ABC
- Genres
- Drama, War & Politics
- Updated
Where to watch
Stream
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How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 64 episodes and an average 42-minute runtime.
Trailer
Overview
China Beach is a television series that premiered in 1988. The narrative is set in November 1967 at a United States Army base, hospital, and bar located near Danang, Vietnam. The story focuses on the experiences of those stationed at the facility during the Vietnam War. Central to the drama is Colleen McMurphy, an Army nurse described as lovely but damaged. The series explores the lives of various individuals, including both living and deceased heroes, as they struggle to process the realities of life and death. The environment is characterized by a mix of military conflict and personal coping mechanisms, with the characters navigating their surroundings amidst the constant presence of bourbon, bullets, and battles. By depicting the daily existence of personnel within this specific wartime setting, the program examines the profound human impact of the conflict on those serving at the base. The series provides a look at the challenges faced by medical staff and soldiers stationed at China Beach during this period of history.
Should you watch it?
“Army medical personnel navigate the harrowing realities of the Vietnam War at a base near Danang.”
- compelling character studies
- authentic depiction of wartime service
- heavy subject matter
- intense emotional themes
Watch it if you enjoy historical dramas that focus on the personal lives of those serving in war zones.
The series contains mature themes related to the realities of combat and medical care in a war environment.
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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 8 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide →- E1 China Beach (1) Apr 26, 1988
- E2 China Beach (2) Apr 26, 1988
- E3 Home Apr 27, 1988
- E4 Hot Spell May 4, 1988
- E5 Somewhere Over the Radio May 11, 1988
- E6 Waiting for Beckett May 18, 1988
- E7 Brothers Jun 1, 1988
- E8 Chao Ong Jun 8, 1988
Season 2 · 17 episodes
- E1 Lost and Found (1) Nov 30, 1988
- E2 Lost and Found (2) Dec 7, 1988
- E3 Limbo Dec 14, 1988
- E4 X-Mas Chnbch VN '67 Dec 21, 1988
- E5 Women in White Jan 4, 1989
- E6 All About E.E.V. Jan 11, 1989
- E7 Tet '68 Jan 25, 1989
- E8 Cherry Feb 1, 1989
- E9 Crossing the Great Water Feb 8, 1989
- E10 Psywars Mar 1, 1989
- E11 Where the Boys Are Mar 8, 1989
- E12 Vets Mar 15, 1989
- E13 Twilight Mar 22, 1989
- E14 After Burner Apr 5, 1989
- E15 Promised Land Apr 12, 1989
- E16 The World (1) Apr 26, 1989
- E17 The World (2) May 3, 1989
Season 3 · 22 episodes
- E1 The Unquiet Earth Sep 20, 1989
- E2 Skin Deep Sep 27, 1989
- E3 Dear China Beach Oct 4, 1989
- E4 Who's Happy Now? Oct 11, 1989
- E5 Independence Day Oct 25, 1989
- E6 Ghosts Nov 8, 1989
- E7 With a Little Help From My Friends Nov 15, 1989
- E8 China Men Nov 22, 1989
- E9 How to Stay Alive in Vietnam (1) Nov 29, 1989
- E10 How to Stay Alive in Vietnam (2) Dec 6, 1989
- E11 Magic Jan 3, 1990
- E12 Nightfall Jan 10, 1990
- E13 Souvenirs Jan 17, 1990
- E14 Holly's Choice Jan 30, 1990
- E15 The Rumor of Peace Feb 7, 1990
- E16 Warriors Feb 14, 1990
- E17 The Thanks of a Grateful Nation Feb 28, 1990
- E18 Skylark Mar 14, 1990
- E19 Phoenix Mar 21, 1990
- E20 F.N.G. Apr 16, 1990
- E21 The Gift Apr 23, 1990
- E22 Strange Brew Apr 30, 1990
Season 4 · 17 episodes
- E1 History: Part I: The Big Bang Sep 29, 1990
- E2 History Part II-She Sells More Than Sea Shells Oct 6, 1990
- E3 You, Babe Oct 13, 1990
- E4 Escape Oct 27, 1990
- E5 Fever Nov 3, 1990
- E6 Juice Nov 10, 1990
- E7 One Giant Leap Nov 17, 1990
- E8 One Small Step Dec 1, 1990
- E9 The Call Dec 8, 1990
- E10 I Could Have Danced All Night ... But Didn't Jun 4, 1991
- E11 100 Klicks Out Jun 11, 1991
- E12 The Always Goodbye Jun 18, 1991
- E13 Quest Jun 25, 1991
- E14 Rewind Jul 9, 1991
- E15 Through and Through Jul 16, 1991
- E16 Hello, Goodbye (1) Jul 22, 1991
- E17 Hello, Goodbye (2) Jul 22, 1991
Frequently asked questions
Where is the series set?
The show takes place at a U.S. Army base, bar, and hospital located near Danang, Vietnam.
When does the story begin?
The narrative begins in November 1967.
Who is the central character?
The story centers on an Army nurse named Colleen McMurphy.
What is the primary setting?
The series is set at a location known as China Beach.
What is the tone of the show?
The show explores the experiences of soldiers and medical staff as they process life and death during the war.