Polygon recently published a retrospective claiming that M*A*S*H is the greatest war series in television history, even after five decades since it debuted. The article highlights the show’s unique mix of humor and heartache, its unforgettable characters, and one of the most iconic finales in TV history.
The series first aired on CBS on September 17, 1972. It was based on Richard Hooker’s novel and Robert Altman’s 1970 film, with its comedic storyline set in a surgical unit during the Korean War.
The Korean War lasted around three years. In contrast, M*A*S*H ran for 11 seasons and 251 episodes, outlasting the actual conflict by nearly eight years.
Polygon argues that the show seamlessly intertwined jokes with moments of loss. The same operating room that gave us Hawkeye Pierce’s witty remarks also delivered some of the series’ darkest scenes. According to Polygon, no other war series has managed to replicate that balance.
The finale, titled “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” aired on February 28, 1983. Nielsen ratings indicated that about 106 million viewers tuned in, making it the most-watched broadcast in U.S. television history until the 2010 Super Bowl took the title.
| Premiere date | September 17, 1972 |
| Seasons | 11 |
| Episodes | 251 |
| Finale air date | February 28, 1983 |
| Finale audience (Nielsen) | ~106 million viewers |
Community Pulse
This story didn’t include any community sentiment data, so Explosion isn’t attributing reader quotes here. Polygon describes the show as one that “blended humor and heartbreak to create unforgettable characters.” This fits with how many people talk about the series. The retrospective’s claim that it was “unlike anything else on TV” is sure to spark some debate.
What To Watch
- Reader response: Polygon’s claim of “best war series of all time” is bound to invite challenges from fans of other military dramas, as well as from games that mix comedy and tragedy.
- Related lists: Check out Polygon’s ranked lists of the best Switch 2 games and the best Xbox Game Pass titles in 2026 for more of their “best of” content.
- Anniversary coverage: As key anniversaries approach, expect more retrospectives focusing on the show’s cast, writing, and finale.
Marcus Webb
Marcus Webb covers esports, competitive gaming, and community stories for Explosion.com. A former semi-professional Counter-Strike player, Marcus transitioned to journalism 5 years ago and has since covered major tournaments including The International, League of Legends Worlds, and the Valorant Champions Tour. He brings a player's perspective to competitive gaming coverage and is known for his data-driven analysis of player performance and meta shifts.
