February 1983 was a month dominated by one television event: the finale of M*A*S*H. “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” the two-and-a-half-hour send-off to the 4077th, was not just a television episode; it was a cultural phenomenon. Forty-one years later, we remember the anticipation and media frenzy that preceded its broadcast. While national publications like TV Guide and Newsweek extensively covered the finale, local TV guides, including those in Detroit, also played a crucial role in building the hype. Let’s delve into how Detroit Tv Guides captured the M*A*S*H mania that swept the nation.
National TV Guide Coverage of the M*A*S*H Finale
National publications like TV Guide were at the forefront of the M*A*S*H finale promotion. The February 12, 1983, edition of TV Guide dedicated its cover and a significant portion of its content to the show. This wasn’t unusual for M*A*S*H, which graced the cover of TV Guide over a dozen times during its eleven-year run. However, this particular issue was special, featuring a fold-out cover with the cast and three dedicated articles.
Alan Alda, who starred as Hawkeye Pierce, penned an article titled “My Favorite Episodes,” sharing his personal highlights from the series. Alistair Cooke contributed a tribute, “M*A*S*H was one of a Kind,” emphasizing the show’s unique blend of comedy and drama. Adding a personal touch, Burt Prelutsky, who wrote eight M*A*S*H episodes, offered his perspective in “The Troops Scatter – but the Memories Linger.” This TV Guide* issue became a collector’s item, showcasing the national anticipation for the finale.
Newsweek Joins the M*A*S*H Farewell
Newsweek magazine also recognized the cultural significance of the M*A*S*H finale, dedicating its February 28, 1983 cover to the event. Their cover story, “Farewell to the M*A*S*H Gang,” explored the show’s legacy and questioned if future television could match its impact. M*A*S*H‘s ability to seamlessly weave together comedy and drama created a broad appeal rarely seen in television.
Alongside the main article by Harry F. Waters and Janet Huck, Newsweek included a diagram of the 4077th camp, a piece on “M*A*S*H Hysteria,” and an article about the real-life Hawkeye Pierce, Richard Hornberger. This comprehensive coverage in Newsweek further cemented the finale’s status as a major cultural moment.
Detroit TV Guides: Local Hype for a National Event
The M*A*S*H finale wasn’t just a national story; its impact resonated deeply in local communities. Detroit, a major television market, saw its own TV guides join the chorus of publications highlighting the event. Both The Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News, prominent newspapers in the city, featured M*A*S*H* on their respective TV books, demonstrating the finale’s widespread appeal even at the local level.
The TV Book (Detroit Free Press)
The Detroit Free Press‘s TV guide, The TV Book, put M*A*S*H on its cover and included an article titled “M*A*S*H cast is Tired of War and Ready to Move On.” This article by Bettelou Peterson offered readers a glimpse into the future plans of the cast members after the series concluded. Interestingly, it already mentioned the spin-off AfterMASH, hinting at the continuation of the M*A*S*H universe with Jamie Farr, Harry Morgan, and William Christopher. Even before the finale aired, anticipation for the next chapter was building, showcasing the enduring popularity of the characters.
Television (The Detroit News)
The Detroit News‘s TV guide, Television, also featured a striking cast photo on its February 27th cover. While this particular Detroit TV guide didn’t include a dedicated article, it prominently listed “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” in its TV listings for February 28th at 8:30 pm. This simple listing served as a crucial reminder for Detroit viewers, ensuring they wouldn’t miss the television event of the year. The cover image alone conveyed the importance of the finale.
Local and Regional TV Guides Across America Celebrate M*A*S*H*
Detroit wasn’t alone in its local M*A*S*H coverage. TV guides across the United States, from major cities to smaller towns, acknowledged the finale. TV Week from The Philadelphia Inquirer, TV Prevue from the Chicago Sun-Times, and Tele-View from the Chronicle-Tribune in Marion, Indiana, all featured M*A*S*H on their covers. Some, like TV Prevue and Tele-View, even included articles, demonstrating the nationwide reach of the M*A*S*H phenomenon. Television Times from the Los Angeles Times went a step further, including advertisements for local M*A*S*H-related broadcasts leading up to the finale, showcasing the extensive programming dedicated to the show in the Los Angeles market.
The Unprecedented Hype and Lasting Legacy of the M*A*S*H Finale
The press coverage leading up to “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” was immense, reflecting the show’s deep connection with audiences. The question wasn’t if people would watch, but how many would tune in. The M*A*S*H finale became a shared national experience, uniting viewers in a way rarely seen before or since. The record-breaking viewership of 60.1 rating solidified its place in television history, a record unlikely to be surpassed in today’s fragmented media landscape. Looking back at the Detroit TV guides and the wider press coverage, we see a moment in time when a television show transcended entertainment to become a cultural touchstone, leaving an indelible mark on television history and how we say goodbye to beloved characters.
