AfterMASH (1983)
The beloved CBS spin-off that reunited three M*A*S*H veterans for life after the Korean War.
AfterMASH - Series Information
- Original Title: AfterMASH
- First Air Year: 1983
- Last Air Year: 1984
- Created by: Larry Gelbart
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 31
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: CBS
- Alternative Titles: M*A*S*H - Co bylo potom (CZ), After M*A*S*H (US)
- Production Companies: 20th Century Fox Television
AfterMASH - Plot
AfterMASH is an American situation comedy that aired on CBS from September 26, 1983, to December 11, 1984. A spin-off of the series M*A*S*H, the show takes place immediately following the end of the Korean War and chronicles the adventures of three characters from the original series: Colonel Potter, Klinger and Father Mulcahy. M*A*S*H supporting cast-member Kellye Nakahara joined them, albeit off-camera, as the voice of the hospital's public address system. Rosalind Chao rounded out the starring cast as Soon-Lee Klinger, a Korean refugee whom Klinger met, fell in love with and married in the M*A*S*H series finale "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen." AfterMASH premiered in the fall of 1983 in the same Monday night 9:00 P.M. EST. time slot as its predecessor M*A*S*H. It finished 10th out of all network shows for the 1983-1984 season according to Nielsen Media Research television ratings. For its second season CBS moved the show to Tuesday nights at 8:00 EST., opposite NBC's top ten hit The A-Team, and launched a marketing campaign featuring illustrations by Sanford Kossin of Max Klinger in a nurse's uniform, shaving off Mr. T's signature mohawk, theorizing that AfterMASH would take a large portion of The A-Team's audience. The theory, however, was proven wrong. In fact, the exact opposite occurred, as AfterMASH's ratings plummeted to near the bottom of the television rankings and the show was canceled nine episodes into its second season, while The A-Team continued until 1987, with 97 episodes.
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AfterMASH - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Larry Gelbart
Main Cast
- Harry Morgan
- Jamie Farr
- William Christopher
- Brandis Kemp
- Rosalind Chao
- David Ackroyd
- John Chappell
- Barbara Townsend
- Peter Michael Goetz
- Anne Pitoniak
Writers
- David Isaacs
- Larry Gelbart
- Dennis Koenig
- Ken Levine
AfterMASH - FAQs
Is AfterMASH a direct continuation of M*A*S*H?
AfterMASH picks up immediately where M*A*S*H left off, following the end of the Korean War. Three beloved characters — Colonel Potter, Klinger, and Father Mulcahy — carry their stories forward into civilian life, making it a true narrative continuation rather than just a thematic spin-off.
Why was AfterMASH cancelled after only two seasons?
AfterMASH struggled badly in its second season after CBS moved it to Tuesday nights opposite NBC's hit The A-Team. Despite a bold marketing campaign, ratings collapsed to near the bottom of the rankings, and the show was cancelled just nine episodes into Season 2.
Who are the main characters in AfterMASH?
The central trio consists of Colonel Sherman T. Potter (Harry Morgan), Max Klinger (Jamie Farr), and Father Mulcahy (William Christopher). Rosalind Chao also stars as Soon-Lee Klinger, the Korean refugee Klinger married in the M*A*S*H series finale.
Where can you watch AfterMASH online?
Streaming availability for AfterMASH varies by region. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your area, including any streaming, rental, or purchase platforms currently carrying the series.
How did AfterMASH perform in the ratings?
AfterMASH had a promising debut, finishing 10th overall in the 1983–1984 Nielsen ratings. However, its second season saw a dramatic collapse after a tough scheduling move against The A-Team, sending it from a respectable performer to one of television's lowest-rated shows almost overnight.
Did any other M*A*S*H cast members appear in AfterMASH?
Yes — Gary Burghoff reprised his iconic role as Radar O'Reilly in a guest appearance. Kellye Nakahara also returned, providing the voice of the hospital's public address system, a nod to her recurring role in the original series.
Who created AfterMASH and wrote for the show?
AfterMASH was created by Larry Gelbart, the same creative force behind the original M*A*S*H series. The writing staff included Gelbart alongside David Isaacs, Dennis Koenig, and Ken Levine, all of whom brought sharp comedic sensibilities to the show.
What shows are similar to AfterMASH?
Fans of AfterMASH often enjoy M*A*S*H (1972) itself, as well as other ensemble workplace comedies like Scrubs (2001) and The Bob Newhart Show (1972). For military-flavored humor, The Phil Silvers Show (1955) and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. (1964) are classic companions.
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