Quick Write
Writer Larry Gelbart wrote the entire pilot script in three days. Looking at how long production takes on some shows, this is lightning fast.
No Laughing
When the series began, the producers wanted to go without a laugh track to emphasize the seriousness of the subject matter. CBS refused, though allowed them to go without one for the operating room scenes. As the series wore on, the canned laughter was mixed lower and lower.
In All Seriousness
When the series aired in the U.K., the controversial laugh track was removed completely. Laugh tracks were not as common in the U.K. as they were in the USA.
Large Audience
The season finale still holds the record for most watched (non-sports) program in American history, with over 77 percent of the population tuning in. Close behind that is the series finale of the Roots at 71 percent audience share.
Based On A Book
M*A*S*H is based on the 1968 book MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors by Richard Hooker.
Need More Actors
Because the talent pool of Korean actors in Hollywood was relatively small while the series was in production, producers would often cast performers of other Asian ethnicities in Korean roles.
The Real Deal
There was one real Korean performer on the series, Soon Tek Oh, who played a variety of roles over the show’s run. Look closely next time you watch the show.
No Guns, Please
Hawkeye never carried a gun on the show, and the one time he was forced to use one, he simply fired it into the air. Alan Alda is known to be very anti-gun in real life.
Nurse Baker
Over the course of the series there were numerous background nurses portrayed by a variety of actresses. However, each and every one was referred to as “Nurse Baker”.
You Can't Always Get What You Want
McLean Stevenson, who ended up playing Henry Blake, initially wanted the role of Hawkeye. You can't always get what you want, I guess.
Longer Than Reality
The Korean War lasted just about three years, but the series lasted 12 years. Talk about stretching time.
Jack Of All Trades
In addition to his starring role, Alan Alda directed 31 episodes and co-wrote 13. Talk about multitasking.
Missed Opportunity
Comedian Robert Klein was offered the part of Trapper John, but turned down the part. He must be kicking himself now!
No Contract
Wayne Rogers, who played Trapper John McIntyre, was able to leave the series at his own discretion because he never actually signed his contract.
Secrets On Set
Only Alan Alda knew before filming that the Henry Blake character was being killed off. What a sneaky little Hawkeye.
Resume Booster
Stars including Ron Howard, Leslie Nielsen, and Patrick Swayze appeared on the series before becoming famous. And don't call me Shirley.
Teddy Bear
Radar’s trademark stuffed bear was thought lost for 30 years before being found and subsequently auctioned off. The winning bidder? Radar himself, actor Gary Burghoff.
Time Capsule
During a final season episode, the characters buried a time capsule. Months after production wrapped, a construction crew found the capsule buried where the set stood.
Long Run
Actress Loretta Swit played the sassy blonde nurse, Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan and was just one of four cast members to stay for all 11 seasons. In that amazing run, she appeared in all but 11 episodes of the 256 total. Swit’s personal favorites were “Hot Lips & Empty Arms,” “Margaret’s Engagement,” and “The Nurses."
Alda For The Win
Alda won Emmys for writing, directing and acting for his work on the series — the first person to win all three for one show. You could say he... mashed them into one.
Significant Names
The names chosen for even the smallest of characters were often significant. For example, one 1977 installment features characters named for that year’s California Angels baseball team.
Change Of Name
Actor Mike Farrell had his character’s daughter’s name changed to Erin as a tribute to his real life daughter of the same name. Now that's fatherly love.
Not The Last Filmed
The legendary final episode was not the last installment to be filmed. The proceeding episode, “As Time Goes By” was actually filmed last. It's a paradox!
No More Hat
In the series’ opening credits, Alan Alda wears the style of hat that Donald Sutherland sported in the movie version. The hat never appeared in any other capacity on the show.
Low Budget
A few exterior shots have visible power lines in the background. Producers were aware they were there, but didn’t have the money to reshoot the scenes.
Inaccurate Medal
Several characters on the series received multiple purple hearts. This is an error, as the military only gives purple hearts for a soldier’s first injury in battle. Any subsequent injuries lead to oak leaf clusters.
Wrong Time
The show goofed when discussing the time difference between New York and Korea. Several times, Radar refers to it as 18 hours when it’s only between 13 and 14 depending on the time of year.
Spinoffs
The series had three spin-offs: W*A*L*T*E*R (whose pilot aired only once), as well as the longer lasting show Trapper John, M.D. and AfterMASH.