Alan Alda Reflects on MH Finale’s Record-Breaking Viewership 42 Years Later

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Even though M*A*S*H continues to be a timeless TV series, nothing can compare to the impact of watching its finale when it originally aired back in 1983 during season 11, specifically episode 16 titled “Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen.” This episode served as a concluding chapter for the Korean War as the 4077th camp was preparing to depart. To this day, it remains the most-watched broadcast TV episode ever. Despite ongoing talks about a potential M*A*S*H reboot, CBS has not yet resurrected the franchise, with only one unsuccessful attempt in 1983.

In a conversation with Vanity Fair, 89-year-old actor Alan Alda (known as Hawkeye) discussed his impact on Hollywood and particularly his 1972 TV show. Although Alda doesn’t feel “proud” of his performance in M*A*S*H or any aspect of his life, he acknowledges that he improved as an actor, director, and writer throughout the years. The time spent with the rest of the cast was a significant and formative experience for him. Additionally, Alda shared thoughts on the unique sensation of knowing that 120 million people were tuned in simultaneously to watch the final episode of M*A*S*H. Here are some of his insights:

(For quotes below, you can find them directly from the original interview or article.)

Alan Alda: At least half of the nation was tuned in simultaneously. We suspected this since we were viewing it on a large studio screen and later noticed that the roads were deserted as we drove to dinner.

Vanity Fair: What’s a subtle thing about how you played Hawkeye Pierce that makes you proud?

Alan Alda expresses that he doesn’t experience “pride” about things; instead, he feels “grateful I’m capable of doing things.” His skills improved in every aspect during his time on M*A*S*H, including acting, directing, and writing. However, the skill that proved to be the most beneficial for my entire life was the camaraderie we shared off-camera—spending hours waiting for the next shot to be lit. We would joke with each other, play games, sometimes rehearse scenes, but mostly we would bond.

What The Record-Breaking Finale Meant For M*A*S*H

It Was The Perfect Way To Say Goodbye

The TV series “M*A*S*H” has maintained its record unbeaten for a staggering 42 years, and it seems unlikely that this record will ever be broken, given the dynamic nature of today’s media industry. Although the Super Bowl managed to surpass it in viewership numbers in 2010, thanks to population growth, the abundance of viewing choices available today makes it a challenge for any single show to capture the attention of the public in the same way. With an explosion of streaming networks, a multitude of broadcast channels, and a variety of entertainment options, viewers are no longer limited to watching the same type of shows. Pivotal moments like Henry Blake’s controversial death, which once held the entire nation’s focus, no longer have the same impact due to the increased diversity in public interests.

The unprecedented viewership numbers demonstrated that M*A*S*H had an extraordinary ability to engage an entire nation like no other television series before it. For a decade and more, viewers stayed loyal to the program and formed strong emotional bonds with four of its characters. So powerful was this connection that half the country chose to stay home to witness the final two-hour episode. Such a phenomenon, where a TV show results in deserted streets, is exceptionally uncommon, underscoring the immense affection the public had for the series.

Our Take On M*A*S*H*’s Record-Breaking Finale

It Was The End Of An Era

It’s not surprising at all that the finale of M*A*S*H shattered records back then, but what’s astonishing is how long its record-breaking status has endured – nearly as if it outranked the Super Bowl for decades! Considering this, it comes as no surprise that Alda still cherishes those memories, given the singular nature of the experience. In truth, few shows have ever been greeted with such an extraordinary response, a semi-procedural comedy reception like no other. It’s highly unlikely any future production will match or surpass its achievement, serving as yet another testament to M*A*S*H’s remarkable legacy.

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2025-05-04 22:18