‘The show that changed our lives’: M*A*S*H cast members celebrate beloved show’s 50th anniversary

Beloved cast members of the anti-war sitcom MASH, conventionally known as M*A*S*H, came together recently to celebrate the show’s 50-year anniversary.

The 1972 sitcom is based on the medical personnel of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital stationed in Korea during the 1950s Korean war and was so well-loved that it ran for a full 11 years, eight years longer than the war itself.

Half a century on, two prominent cast members, Alan Alda and Mike Farrell, reunited to toast the show’s milestone anniversary. The pair played witty but loveable surgeons and bunkmates – Alda as Benjamin “Hawkeye” Pierce and Farrell as BJ Hunnicutt.

Mike Farrell and I today toasting the 50th anniversary of the show that changed our lives – and our brilliant pals who made it what it was. MASH was a great gift to us. pic.twitter.com/FGd8ZwBgIq

— Alan Alda (@alanalda) September 17, 2022

In celebration of the show’s impressive milestone, fans of the timeless classic shared tributes to the cast members, thanking them for years of entertainment.

I’ll drink to that, Doctor. Great work at M.A.S.H. for all these years, peoples, it kept me happy & laughing & still does for many many years.
The wit is outstanding, the lessons are real, the point is a success, & maybe the entire cast & crew is still around always. ✌️Henry❤️???? pic.twitter.com/if0ro6a0J5

— 1 Count to ten – Martial Art School (c)1,P1MEU (@1P1me) September 18, 2022

I remember this line…

“There are certain rules about a war. And rule No. 1 is young men die. And rule No. 2 is, doctors can’t change rule No. 1.”

True then. True now.
Such an impactful show.

— JBN RN (@JNelsonRN) September 18, 2022

It wasn’t just a show, it was something that made people think about the futility of war. For that a great debt is owed to you, Mike and the rest of the team. Thank you.

— ???? Senior Junior ???? (@TabularasaMMXIX) September 18, 2022

February 28 1983 105.9 million viewers amazing tv show pic.twitter.com/eu0vWNkzJY

— douglas V (@vargas9) September 18, 2022

You two, along with the rest of the cast, were medicine for what ailed us. You still are.

I will never meet you – but you live in my heart, so you are only so far away as the next heartbeat, the next laugh, & the next soft tear. I hug you both with deep affection & gratitude.

— Scampbell (@AccountableRep) September 18, 2022

Starting off as a commentary and an open critique of the Vietnam war, the sitcom brought humour to overcoming hardships and put a spotlight on the importance of camaraderie.

MASH soared in popularity and continues to be an audience favourite through re-runs. The show’s final episode holds the record for the most watched finale, with 105.9 million tuning in to say goodbye to their favourite misfits.