While M*A*S*H remains a classic TV show, nothing compares to the experience of watching the finale when it was first released. Having premiered in 1983, season 11, episode 16, "Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen" was a feature-length episode that detailed the end of the Korean War as the 4077th strike camp and prepare to go home. The episode remains the most-watched episode of broadcast TV in history. While discussions of a potential M*A*S*H reboot have been ongoing since its ending, CBS has never revived the franchise, outside of a failed 1983 show.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, 89-year-old actor Alan Alda (Hawkeye) explored his legacy in Hollywood, especially when it came to his 1972 TV show. While Alda is not especially "proud" of his performance in M*A*S*H or of anything in his life, he believes that he "got better" as an actor, director, and writer, and the experience of spending time with the rest of the cast was extremely formative for him. He also reflected on what it was like to know that 120 million people were watching the final episode of M*A*S*H at once. Check out his quotes below:

It was at least half the people in the country watching it at the same time. We had an inkling at the time because we were watching it on a big screen at the studio and then driving to dinner, realizing the streets were empty.

I don’t get “proud” about things. I get “glad I’m able to do things.” I got better at everything I did on M*A*S*H. I got better as an actor, I got better as a director and writer. But I think the thing that I came away with that was the most valuable to me for the rest of my life was what we did between scenes—sitting around waiting an hour for them to light the next shot. We would kid one another and play. Sometimes we would rehearse a scene, but mostly we would just connect.

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

It Was The Perfect Way To Say Goodbye

M*A*S*H's record has held for 42 years, and it is unlikely to ever be ed, given the state of the modern media landscape. While the Super Bowl was able to sur it in 2010, due to the rising population, there are simply more options today for viewers to choose from. Streaming networks, an increased number of broadcast channels, and alternative entertainment avenues mean that viewers are no longer restricted to the same general shows. Issues like Henry Blake's controversial death no longer capture the entire public consciousness in the same way because of that separation.

It is extremely rare for a TV show to cause empty streets, and that was proof of just how much the public loved the show.

The viewership record was proof that M*A*S*H captivated an entire nation in a way that no other show ever has. Viewers followed the show for 11 years and followed four of M*A*S*H's characters for just as long, which meant that they were deeply attached to them. It was so impactful that half the nation remained indoors to watch that final two-hour episode. It is extremely rare for a TV show to cause empty streets, and that was proof of just how much the public loved the show.

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

It Was The End Of An Era

It is no great surprise that the M*A*S*H finale broke records, but it is stunning that the record has held for so long. It was more prominent than the Super Bowl for decades, and it continues to dominate the record books. Knowing that, it is only natural that Alda still recalls the experience fondly, given that it was such a unique experience. No show has ever received the stunning reception of this semi-procedural comedy, and it is unlikely that any will ever manage to do it again. It is just further proof of this franchise's extraordinary legacy.

Source: Vanity Fair