McLean Stevenson was way too excited about his flop show that followed M*A*S*H

You'd think he was starring in The Godfather.

Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution

The sophomore slump is a real thing, and not just in music. Sure, tons of bands fail to live up to the lofty standards of their debut. But the phenomenon extends into other mediums as well. How many promising young filmmakers disappoint when they get a bigger budget for their follow-up picture? Better still, how many sequels don't come close to matching the excitement of their predecessor?

As it turns out, the sophomore slump can also hit TV stars pretty badly. Stevenson went from a relatively unknown actor to a globally recognized hot commodity with M*A*S*H.

The wartime dramedy was so hugely popular that Stevenson began to believe he was bigger than the series. While the writers centered co-star Alan Alda as the show's protagonist (and deliverer of the best lines), Stevenson's jealousy sent him seeking greener pastures elsewhere. 

That "elsewhere" came in the form of The McLean Stevenson Show, which is one of the most notoriously unsuccessful shows in sitcom history. While it wasn't his first attempt to capitalize on his M*A*S*H fame, it suffered the same fate as his earlier variety show.

The McLean Stevenson Show produced seven full episodes before NBC executives forced them to stop and start over. The powers that be intended for a different supporting actor to prop up the flimsy show, and hoped the replacement would distract from the thin plot and cheap writing. 

None of this stopped Stevenson from taking to the press as if he had the network's next great golden goose.

"We think we'll be one of the first shows really designed for the whole family," he told The Wichita Eagle in 1976.

The self-praise grows the further one is willing to dive into the interview.

"The thing that's different about our show, I think, is that people are going to like our people. Even though the son may be a pain to me, I still love him. You always love your children, but you don't have to like them. That's the level of reality we're working on." 

Stevenson wasn't content to just commend himself, he also took time to put down a CBS competitor.

"Sure, Phyllis has a Grandma, but to me, she is a caricature. Our Grandma is a real character, trying to deal with the problems of old age with dignity and a sense of humor.

"I had lots of other chances for different roles," said Stevenson, "and I turned them down." No word, though, on how Stevenson's accountant reacted to those decisions.

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12 Comments

nd1irish 8 days ago
Boy the writer of this story really dislikes McLean Stevenson. The negative tone of this story really is different from the positive stories normally found on this website. Mr Stevenson has been dead for almost 30 years. Why besmirch the character of someone not around to defend himself?
Agreed 100%. Very snarky, unnecessary and not a credit to MeTV.
INEEDMOREMASH 18 days ago
too much M*A*S*H i want The - A - team
INEEDMOREMASH Coldnorth 17 days ago
i hope they put on Mama's Family at 5 pm and happy days at 5 30 but yes agreed
Coldnorth INEEDMOREMASH 17 days ago
I have so many programming ideas. I always wonder tho, why has Hogan’s Hero’s been on so long. Don’t get me wrong, I love the show but ATeam would be a good substitute. Of course, it’s only my opinion
INEEDMOREMASH Coldnorth 17 days ago
i want mash to bee a hour and get rev of grren acres
sagafrat69 18 days ago
I don't remember the Stevenson show but unfortunately remember "Hello Larry". Not a good time had by all for sure. He was also a guest host for Carson's "Tonight Show". My mom with her friends went to a taping when Stevenson was hosting. Unfortunately NBC made promises to him that weren't kept. It's a shame he robbed us and himself of more Henry Blake. Should've stayed where he was for at least a few more seasons of MASH.
DocForbin 18 days ago
Let's not forget that other stinker of a show that Stevenson had later on called "Hello, Larry".
Rob DocForbin 18 days ago
Yeah, that one was pretty bad. I've never seen the McLean Stevenson show.
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