M A S*H is an American war comedy-drama television series that aired on CBS from September 17, 1972, to February 28, 1983, spanning 11 seasons and 256 episodes
. The show is set during the Korean War (1950–1953) and follows the lives of doctors and support staff at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital in Uijeongbu, South Korea
. Developed by Larry Gelbart, M A S*H was adapted from the 1970 film of the same name, which itself was based on Richard Hooker's 1968 novel MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors
. The series blends comedy and drama, often described as a "dark comedy" or "dramedy," as it explores the harsh realities of war through humor and character-driven stories
. The ensemble cast originally included Alan Alda as Captain Benjamin "Hawkeye" Pierce, Wayne Rogers as "Trapper" John McIntyre, Loretta Swit as Nurse Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan, and others. Over time, some cast members were replaced, with Mike Farrell, Harry Morgan, and David Ogden Stiers joining the main cast
. M A S*H was critically acclaimed, winning 14 Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award in 1975. Its final episode remains one of the most-watched television episodes in history
. The show is notable for its innovative storytelling, mixing humor with serious commentary on war and American society during the Cold War era
. In summary, M A S*H is a landmark TV series that uses the setting of a military hospital during the Korean War to explore complex themes with a unique blend of comedy and drama, making it a classic of American television
