31 years ago today the series finale of M*A*S*H — the feature length “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” — aired on CBS. More than 60 percent of all television households in the country tuned in. Although the episode is no longer the most-watched television broadcast in the United States, it remains by a wide margin the highest-rated.
Last year, to mark the 30th anniversary of the series finale, I posted video from eight contemporary news programs relating to the final day of filming and the day the finale was aired, which you can find here.
When was the last time you watched “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen?” Personally, I don’t think I’ve watched in seven or eight years.
The last time I sat down and really watched GFA was last year for the 30th anniversary article I wrote for this site. I did catch a good chunk of it on TV Land toward the end of the show’s run on that channel as well. I’ve seen all the ‘big’ classic TV finales, and I still consider GFA to be the best. Such an amazing end to an amazing show, and the final scenes always, ALWAYS knock me out.
I wrote up a little 31st anniversary post on my blog, detailing some of the M*A*S*H promos seen during the original broadcast: http://neovideohunter.wordpress.com/2014/02/28/wtvj-tv-4-mash-series-finale-related-promos-february-28-1983/
It’s not much, but I wanted to do something for the 31st anniversary.
I watched GFA on TV Land in the past year for the first time since it’s original airing. I enjoyed reminiscing about a show which has been part of my life since 1974 (I was too young to watch the first two seasons except in re-runs).
GFA has aged fairly well, I think the fact that it has rarely been shown in syndication has helped keep it ‘fresh’
I didn’t see GFA till I had the Martinis and Medicine Collection in 2006. I knew there had to be a conclusion to the series and knew that it was the highest rated series finale of all time but it blew every expectation I had of it out of the water. Excellent to say the least.
The final scene with the ‘GOODBYE’ left me a blubbering mess and even today, brings a tear to my eye whenever I watch it….just beautifully shot…perfect music…and most of all, respect for the audience from the cast and crew like they were saying thank you and goodbye to us for being with the show for the 11 years it was on air.