M*A*S*H Finale Dominates 1983 TV Guides: A Detroit Perspective
The MASH finale, “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” aired 41 years ago and captivated a nation. Leading up to the February 28, 1983 broadcast, the finale dominated television guides and magazines across the country, including Detroit television guides. TV Guide, Newsweek, and countless local publications featured MASH on their covers and dedicated extensive articles to the show’s farewell.
TV Guide published a special edition with a fold-out cover featuring the cast and three articles dedicated to the series. Alan Alda discussed his favorite episodes, Alistair Cooke paid tribute to the show’s unique blend of comedy and drama, and former MAS*H writer Burt Prelutsky offered a unique perspective on the series’ impact.
Newsweek also dedicated its February 28, 1983 cover to MAS*H, featuring articles exploring the show’s legacy and its unprecedented ability to combine humor and poignant social commentary. The magazine included a diagram of the 4077th and insights into the real-life inspiration for Hawkeye Pierce.
Local Detroit Television Guides joined in the nationwide farewell frenzy. The TV Book from the Detroit Free Press featured the MASH cast on its cover and included an article speculating on the cast members’ future careers and the potential spin-off series, AfterMASH*.
Television, published by The Detroit News, showcased a striking cast photo on its February 27 cover, highlighting the scheduled airtime for “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” in the Detroit television listings.
Even smaller regional publications, such as Tele-View from Marion, Indiana, celebrated the MAS*H finale with cover photos and in-depth articles praising the show’s enduring appeal and its ability to connect with audiences on a human level.
The Los Angeles Times‘ Television Times went beyond featuring articles and cover photos; it included advertisements for MASH-related programming on local stations, showcasing the pervasive anticipation surrounding the finale. The original movie, reruns of early episodes, and the finale itself were all promoted, ensuring MASH dominated the Los Angeles airwaves.
The extensive coverage in national and local publications, including Detroit television guide listings, reflected the immense cultural impact of the MAS*H finale. The record-breaking viewership numbers proved the effectiveness of this media blitz and solidified “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” as a landmark television event. The finale’s success underscored the show’s lasting legacy and its ability to resonate with audiences across the country.
