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
The Roku ChannelStreaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.
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.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about China Beach — answers are spoiler-safe.
Your verdict
Is China Beach worth watching?
Cast
Episode guide
Spoiler-Safe Browsing Progress
Season 1 · 8 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide & lore primer →- E1 China Beach (1) Mytharc Apr 26, 1988
- E2 China Beach (2) Core Apr 26, 1988
- E3 Home Core Apr 27, 1988
- E4 Hot Spell Core May 4, 1988
- E5 Somewhere Over the Radio Core May 11, 1988
- E6 Waiting for Beckett Core May 18, 1988
- E7 Brothers Mytharc Jun 1, 1988
- E8 Chao Ong Mytharc Jun 8, 1988
Season 2 · 17 episodes
- E1 Lost and Found (1) Mytharc Nov 30, 1988
- E2 Lost and Found (2) Core Dec 7, 1988
- E3 Limbo Core Dec 14, 1988
- E4 X-Mas Chnbch VN '67 Core Dec 21, 1988
- E5 Women in White Core Jan 4, 1989
- E6 All About E.E.V. Core Jan 11, 1989
- E7 Tet '68 Core Jan 25, 1989
- E8 Cherry Core Feb 1, 1989
- E9 Crossing the Great Water Core Feb 8, 1989
- E10 Psywars Core Mar 1, 1989
- E11 Where the Boys Are Core Mar 8, 1989
- E12 Vets Core Mar 15, 1989
- E13 Twilight Core Mar 22, 1989
- E14 After Burner Core Apr 5, 1989
- E15 Promised Land Core Apr 12, 1989
- E16 The World (1) Mytharc Apr 26, 1989
- E17 The World (2) Mytharc May 3, 1989
Season 3 · 22 episodes
- E1 The Unquiet Earth Mytharc Sep 20, 1989
- E2 Skin Deep Core Sep 27, 1989
- E3 Dear China Beach Core Oct 4, 1989
- E4 Who's Happy Now? Core Oct 11, 1989
- E5 Independence Day Core Oct 25, 1989
- E6 Ghosts Core Nov 8, 1989
- E7 With a Little Help From My Friends Core Nov 15, 1989
- E8 China Men Core Nov 22, 1989
- E9 How to Stay Alive in Vietnam (1) Core Nov 29, 1989
- E10 How to Stay Alive in Vietnam (2) Core Dec 6, 1989
- E11 Magic Core Jan 3, 1990
- E12 Nightfall Core Jan 10, 1990
- E13 Souvenirs Core Jan 17, 1990
- E14 Holly's Choice Core Jan 30, 1990
- E15 The Rumor of Peace Core Feb 7, 1990
- E16 Warriors Core Feb 14, 1990
- E17 The Thanks of a Grateful Nation Core Feb 28, 1990
- E18 Skylark Core Mar 14, 1990
- E19 Phoenix Core Mar 21, 1990
- E20 F.N.G. Core Apr 16, 1990
- E21 The Gift Mytharc Apr 23, 1990
- E22 Strange Brew Mytharc Apr 30, 1990
Season 4 · 17 episodes
- E1 History: Part I: The Big Bang Mytharc Sep 29, 1990
- E2 History Part II-She Sells More Than Sea Shells Core Oct 6, 1990
- E3 You, Babe Core Oct 13, 1990
- E4 Escape Core Oct 27, 1990
- E5 Fever Core Nov 3, 1990
- E6 Juice Core Nov 10, 1990
- E7 One Giant Leap Core Nov 17, 1990
- E8 One Small Step Core Dec 1, 1990
- E9 The Call Core Dec 8, 1990
- E10 I Could Have Danced All Night ... But Didn't Core Jun 4, 1991
- E11 100 Klicks Out Core Jun 11, 1991
- E12 The Always Goodbye Core Jun 18, 1991
- E13 Quest Core Jun 25, 1991
- E14 Rewind Core Jul 9, 1991
- E15 Through and Through Core Jul 16, 1991
- E16 Hello, Goodbye (1) Mytharc Jul 22, 1991
- E17 Hello, Goodbye (2) Mytharc 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.
■ Ended / Final Season Complete Renewal tracker
Explore China Beach
Where to watch Episode ratings heatmap How long to watch Facts & FAQ Similar shows More from ABC
What viewers say
No comments yet. Be the first to share your take on China Beach.