---
title: "M*A*S*H"
year: 1972
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/m-a-s-h-1972"
media_type: "tv"
tmdb_id: 918
imdb_id: "tt0068098"
status: "Ended"
seasons_count: 11
episodes_count: 251
community_rating: 7.9
vote_count: 750
content_rating: "TV-PG"
---

# M*A*S*H (1972) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/m-a-s-h-1972

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

MAS*H is an American war comedy drama television series that aired on CBS from September 17, 1972, to February 28, 1983. Developed by Larry Gelbart, the show ran for 11 seasons and served as the first original spin-off adapted from the 1970 film of the same name, which was based on the 1968 novel by Richard Hooker. The series is set in a mobile army surgical hospital in South Korea during the Korean War. The plot follows the staff of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, including doctors, nurses, administrators, and soldiers. Faced with the difficult circumstances of wartime life, the personnel find that laughter and practical jokes are the best ways to cope with their situation. The cast of the series includes Alan Alda, Loretta Swit, Wayne Rogers, and Jamie Farr. By creating their own entertainment, the members of the 4077th manage to make their environment more bearable while stationed in the middle of the conflict.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "Medical personnel stationed in South Korea during the Korean War find humor amidst the chaos of conflict."

### Why Watch
- witty character dynamics
- blend of humor and drama

### Caveats & Content Note
- depicts wartime medical settings
- Tone & Suitability: The series depicts life in a mobile army surgical hospital during wartime.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: comedy, drama, war, ensemble

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Hulu | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Disney Plus | None | Apple TV Store |
| **Australia (AU)** | Disney Plus, BINGE, Foxtel Now | None | Apple TV Store |

## Season Architecture & Lore Primers

### Season 1 (24 Episodes)
## Filler vs. Essential Episode Classifier

- **Total Tracked Episodes**: 120
- **Crucial Mytharc Episodes**: 15 (13%)
- **Character Core Episodes**: 105 (88%)
- **Side Quest / Filler Episodes**: 0 (0%)

## Creative Credits

- **Created by**: Larry Gelbart
- **Networks / Studios**: CBS

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Alan Alda** as *Hawkeye Pierce*
- **Loretta Swit** as *Margaret Houlihan*
- **William Christopher** as *Father Mulcahy*
- **Jamie Farr** as *Maxwell Klinger*
- **Harry Morgan** as *Sherman Potter*
- **Mike Farrell** as *B. J. Hunnicutt*
- **Gary Burghoff** as *Radar O'Reilly*
- **Larry Linville** as *Frank Burns*
- **David Ogden Stiers** as *Charles Winchester*
- **Wayne Rogers** as *Trapper*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the setting of the series?
The series is set in a mobile army surgical hospital in South Korea during the Korean War.

### Q: Who developed the television series?
The series was developed by Larry Gelbart.

### Q: When did the series air?
The series aired on CBS from 1972 to 1983.

### Q: What is the source material for the show?
The show was based on the 1970 film of the same name and the 1968 novel by Richard Hooker.

### Q: Who are some of the stars of the series?
The cast included Alan Alda, Loretta Swit, Wayne Rogers, and Jamie Farr.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Credit Card, Mortgage, Banking, Auto | Chase Online | Chase.com](https://www.chase.com/)
- [M*A*S*H (TV series) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M*A*S*H_(TV_series))
- [Chase Account login](https://secure.chase.com/web/auth/logonbox)
- [M*A*S*H (TV Series 1972-1983) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068098/)
- [Chase Mobile®: Bank & Invest - App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/chase-mobile-bank-invest/id298867247)
- [M*A*S*H | Cast, Characters, Synopsis, & Facts | Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/topic/M-A-S-H)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*