China Beach (1988)
A landmark Vietnam War drama series following Army nurse Colleen McMurphy and the unforgettable lives intersecting near Da Nang.
China Beach - Series Information
- Original Title: China Beach
- First Air Year: 1988
- Last Air Year: 1991
- Created by: John Wells, John Sacret Young
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, War, Politics
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (42 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 64
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: ABC
- Production Countries: United States of America
China Beach - Plot
Dateline: November 1967. Within klicks of Danang, Vietnam, sits a U.S. Army base, bar and hospital on China Beach filled with wounded soldiers and one very lovely but damaged Army Nurse Colleen McMurphy. Many heroes, dead and alive, try to make sense of life and death in between bourbon, bullets and battles.
China Beach - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse into the world of China Beach:
Reflections of the way life used to be.
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China Beach - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- John Wells
- John Sacret Young
Main Cast
- Dana Delany
- Marg Helgenberger
- Michael Boatman
- Robert Picardo
- Concetta Tomei
- Brian Wimmer
- Jeff Kober
- Nancy Giles
- Troy Evans
- Nan Woods
Writers
- Carol Flint
- John Wells
- John Sacret Young
- Lydia Woodward
- William Broyles Jr.
Executive Producers
- John Sacret Young
China Beach - FAQs
Where can you stream China Beach today?
China Beach is currently available to stream on The Roku Channel as part of its free, ad-supported flatrate library. Availability may vary by region. Check JustWatch for a full, up-to-date list of streaming and rental options in your area.
Why is China Beach not available on DVD?
China Beach has never received a complete official DVD release, primarily due to complex music licensing issues. The series featured an extensive soundtrack of period-specific rock and pop songs, and securing the rights for home video distribution proved prohibitively expensive, leaving the show largely inaccessible for decades.
Did Dana Delany win awards for China Beach?
Yes. Dana Delany won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Colleen McMurphy, in 1989 and 1992. The series itself was also nominated for numerous Emmy and Golden Globe awards throughout its four-season run.
What is China Beach about?
China Beach is set near Da Nang, Vietnam, in 1967 and follows Army nurse Colleen McMurphy alongside soldiers, a Red Cross volunteer, a prostitute, and various military personnel. The series explores the emotional and psychological toll of the Vietnam War through deeply personal, character-driven storytelling.
Who are the main actors in China Beach?
The principal cast includes Dana Delany as nurse Colleen McMurphy, Marg Helgenberger as KC Koloski, Michael Boatman as Samuel Beckett, Robert Picardo as Dick Richard, Concetta Tomei as Lila Garreau, Brian Wimmer as Boonie Lanier, Jeff Kober as Dodger Winslow, and Nancy Giles as Frankie Bunsen.
Is China Beach based on a true story?
China Beach is not based on a single true story, but it was heavily inspired by real accounts from Vietnam War veterans, nurses, and Red Cross workers. Co-creator John Sacret Young conducted extensive research and interviews, grounding the series in authentic historical experiences from the conflict.
How many seasons and episodes does China Beach have?
China Beach ran for four seasons and 64 episodes in total on ABC. Season 1 contained 8 episodes, Season 2 had 17, Season 3 expanded to 22 episodes, and Season 4 concluded the series with 17 episodes. The show aired from 1988 to 1991.
Who created China Beach?
China Beach was created by John Wells and John Sacret Young. The series premiered on ABC in April 1988 and ran until July 1991. John Sacret Young also served as executive producer and was a key creative force behind the show's distinctive narrative voice and historical authenticity.
More About China Beach
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