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These 10 newspaper headlines prove the M*A*S*H finale was a really big deal
Just about any newspaper you would've picked up on Feb. 28, 1983 had something related to the 'M*A*S*H' finale in it.
Whenever you watch the M*A*S*H finale, just know you're watching what was one of the most impactful episodes in television history when it debuted for the first time in February of 1983.
The records, the stories and the bond M*A*S*H and its cast broke, created and cherished are plain to see, even all these years later. Let us be the proof that the series finale is still a big deal!
Back then, though, it was an even bigger deal than it is today, and headlines in the papers the day the finale aired for the first time prove it.
Here are several newspaper headlines from the day of the M*A*S*H finale. It's safe to say the day was a really big deal to fans, businesses and certainly the television industry.
1. "M-A-S-H finale to be smashing"
Publication: Journal Gazette (Mattoon, Illinois)
With all the success M*A*S*H had for 11 seasons, it was no surprise to know the finale, even before it hit the airwaves would be a big success. Across the nation, parties were held, ratings were smashed and tributes were paid to the series. From big cities to small towns, the smashing success of the M*A*S*H finale was felt.
2. "M*A*S*H Legacy to End"
Publication: United Press International
There's no denying M*A*S*H is a legacy show, and the advertising revenue the finale alone generated is proof of that. The article belonging to this headline states that CBS will charge sponsors $300,000 per 30-second spot, but that number has also been reported to be up to $450,000!
3. "Series Survived Assaults That Do In Lesser Shows"
Publication: The Hartford Courant
The power of M*A*S*H went beyond a strong fanbase. The show had a unique way of blending comedy and the realness that comes with any war; death. The article states, "At first, CBS resisted the underlying seriousness of M*A*S*H and tried to steer the series toward lighter material." Eventually, the article says, the network backed off, resulting in the series everyone came to love. The show also had a way of keeping fans engaged after departures of major characters. "With [Alan] Alda as the cornerstone, and [Loretta] Swit holding place as the series' only prominent woman, M*A*S*H has survived cast departures that would have killed a lesser show."
4. "M-A-S-H is mustered out at last"
Publication: The Washington Post
It was certainly a formal, military goodbye. This Washington Post article from Feb. 28, 1983 states "Newsweek Magazine as much as said the death of M*A*S*H marks the end of network television." When the series was discharged for hundreds of millions of fans, it was an honorable one. The article states even though certain elements from other shows were better executed than M*A*S*H, nothing can compete with father time and the bond the show created. "M*A*S*H is not as well written as All in the Family was, nor nearly as complex and thoughtful as Hill Street Blues. But it has been around long enough... to make itself a member of the national family." The ratings certainly proved it, too!
5. "M-A-S-H Fans Bid a Fond Adieu"
Publication: The Associated Press
And they did it in a lot of different ways. From Hawkeye, Klinger and Hot Lips look alike contests to life-sized statues and endless parties, fans gave the show a "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen" of their own, millions of times over!
6. "M-A-S-H May Set Viewing Record Tonight"
Publication: The Associated Press
Spoiler alert: It did.
7. "Fans planning big salute as M*A*S*H goes home"
Publication: The Associated Press
No matter what headline you use, the message was clear: M*A*S*H had a firm grip on the country and no matter what corner of it you picked up a paper, some form of the finale episode was going to take up a page, and don't be surprised if it was the front page!
8. "U.S. toasts M*A*S*H finale"
Publication: The Associated Press
See what we mean?
9. "A Rash of Bashes Will Cash In On M*A*S*H Finale"
Publication: Combined News Services
The same story from The Associated Press or Combined News Services was floated across several newspapers across the country, but the many different headlines captured the countless different ways one episode of M*A*S*H impacted people nationwide. In this case, "M*A*S*H bashes" were the ticket to a lot of money rolling in, in a lot of different ways. We already mentioned advertising revenue earlier, but think of all the money that poured into restaurants that were hosting watch parties! Plus, "M*A*S*H bashes" is a pretty cool way to announce a get together!
10. "M*A*S*H finale attracts media blitz, megabucks"
Publication: The Arizona Republic
Yes, the M*A*S*H finale drew in loads of cash, and rightfully so, but it also drew in a ton of media coverage, outside of the episode airing itself. The first line in The Arizona Republic article regarding the finale states "Frenzy is found in the media attention M*A*S*H's swan song is drawing." When a network knows it will have success, there's no limit on promotion. "P.M. [Magazine]'s national office gave the stations that carry the show a full half-hour of M*A*S*H interviews, M*A*S*H trivia, Korean War footage and a story on the merchandising of M*A*S*H to use today." The article also points out the obvious by stating, "You can't deny it has been a major force in television."
18 Comments
Well, someone commented that he was stationed in Alaska and missed it, so there's two of us.
