February 28, 1983, is a date etched in television history. It marks the 41st anniversary of the original broadcast of “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” the monumental two-and-a-half-hour M*A*S*H finale. Leading up to this historic event, the media landscape was saturated with M*A*S*H fever. From national giants like TV Guide and Newsweek to local publications like TV Guide Detroit, the press went all out to cover the end of an era. This article delves into the extensive press coverage, highlighting how publications, including TV Guide Detroit, prepared the nation for the farewell to the 4077th.
National Spotlight: TV Guide and Newsweek
TV Guide magazine, a staple in American households, truly embraced the M*A*S*H phenomenon. The February 12, 1983, edition was a collector’s item, featuring not one, but three articles dedicated to the show, alongside a special fold-out cover showcasing the beloved cast. This wasn’t M*A*S*H‘s first TV Guide cover, but this occasion was undeniably special, signifying the end of its remarkable eleven-year run.
Alan Alda, the star of M*A*S*H, penned “My Favorite Episodes,” sharing personal insights into the episodes that resonated most with him. Alistair Cooke, in his article “M*A*S*H was one of a Kind,” paid tribute to the series’ unique blend of comedy and drama. Burt Prelutsky, who contributed to the show as a writer, offered a unique perspective in “The Troops Scatter – but the Memories Linger,” reflecting on the series from an insider’s viewpoint. For M*A*S*H enthusiasts and TV history buffs, this TV Guide issue remains a prized possession, encapsulating the national anticipation for the finale.
Newsweek magazine, another national heavyweight, dedicated its February 28, 1983, cover to M*A*S*H, further solidifying the finale’s cultural significance. The lead article, “Farewell to the M*A*S*H Gang,” pondered the show’s lasting impact on television, questioning if future shows could match its groundbreaking blend of humor and pathos. Accompanying articles included a diagram of the 4077th camp, a piece on “M*A*S*H Hysteria,” and a profile of Richard Hornberger, the real-life Hawkeye Pierce and author of the original M*A*S*H novel. Newsweek‘s comprehensive coverage underscored the national conversation surrounding the finale, making it another must-have for collectors.
Local Buzz: TV Guide Detroit and Regional Press
The M*A*S*H phenomenon wasn’t confined to national publications; local and regional press outlets also played a vital role in building up to the finale. TV Guide Detroit, specifically The TV Book from the Detroit Free Press, joined the chorus of publications celebrating M*A*S*H. Featuring a cast photo on its cover, TV Guide Detroit included an article titled “M*A*S*H cast is Tired of War and Ready to Move On.” This article, penned by Bettelou Peterson, offered a glimpse into the post-M*A*S*H plans of the cast members, even hinting at the spin-off series AfterMASH, showcasing the immediate speculation surrounding the show’s future. This TV Guide Detroit issue demonstrates the local excitement and engagement with the national TV event.
Another Detroit publication, Television from The Detroit News, also marked the occasion with a cover photo of the M*A*S*H cast in its February 27th issue. While this TV Guide Detroit publication didn’t include a feature article, it prominently listed “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” in its TV schedule for February 28th at 8:30 pm, ensuring Detroit viewers knew exactly when and where to tune in. The combined coverage from TV Guide Detroit publications like The TV Book and Television highlights the city’s participation in the nationwide M*A*S*H send-off.
Beyond Detroit, other regional TV guides joined the M*A*S*H celebration. TV Week from The Philadelphia Inquirer dedicated its cover to the finale, even though it didn’t include a specific article. TV Prevue from the Chicago Sun-Times featured a cover illustration and a short article by Rick Kogan, along with full cast credits for the finale episode. Even smaller-town publications like Tele-View from the Chronicle-Tribune in Marion, Indiana, showcased M*A*S*H, featuring a cast photo and an article titled “So long, 4077th,” praising the show’s humanistic approach.
Television Times, the TV Guide of the Los Angeles Times, went a step further. Alongside cover coverage and an article, it included advertisements for local M*A*S*H-related broadcasts, including the original movie and early episodes leading up to the finale. This demonstrated the comprehensive media blitz surrounding M*A*S*H in major markets like Los Angeles, mirroring the dedication seen in TV Guide Detroit and other local publications.
A Groundbreaking Farewell
The media frenzy surrounding the M*A*S*H finale was undeniable. Publications like TV Guide, Newsweek, and TV Guide Detroit, along with countless others, played a crucial role in amplifying the anticipation. While the record-breaking viewership of “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” wasn’t guaranteed beforehand, the press coverage certainly contributed to the national event. The M*A*S*H finale became a cultural touchstone, uniting viewers across the United States in a shared television experience, the likes of which may never be seen again in today’s fragmented media landscape. The extensive coverage, from national magazines to TV Guide Detroit, underscores the lasting legacy of M*A*S*H and its profound impact on television history.
