“Take M*A*S*H’s Weakest Characters…”: Insights from the Creator on the Failure of the M*A*S*H Sequel Series

The co-creator of M*A*S*H‘s ill-fated sequel, AfterMASH, offered a humorous yet stark analysis of why the show failed to resonate with audiences. Despite M*A*S*H itself being a monumental success for CBS over its 11-season run, the network’s decision to launch spinoffs—most notably AfterMASH—was misguided. The show featured familiar characters like Potter (Harry Morgan), Klinger (Jamie Farr), and Father Mulcahy (William Christopher) in a Veterans’ hospital setting post-war, but it quickly turned into a significant disappointment. Another spinoff, W*A*L*T*E*R, followed the same fate.

Interestingly, AfterMASH initially enjoyed solid ratings, aided by the goodwill generated from M*A*S*H’s groundbreaking finale. However, the show crumbled in popularity so drastically that its final episode was never aired, leading to its reputation as one of television’s most misguided concepts. A critical flaw was its lack of a leading star like Alan Alda; none of the main trio—including the fan-favorite Klinger—was able to capture viewer interest consistently.

Feedback from AfterMASH’s Creator on Its Downfall

Ken Levine’s Candid Critique

Ken Levine, a veteran television writer known for his work on M*A*S*H, The Simpsons, and Cheers, was drawn to AfterMASH due to his desire to collaborate with Larry Gelbart, the original showrunner for M*A*S*H. Levine, credited as one of AfterMASH’s co-creators, reflected on the show in his blog By Ken Levine. He humorously highlighted the show’s fundamental flaws and summarized its disastrous premise succinctly:

Take the three weakest characters of M*A*S*H, put them in the hilarious confines of a Veteran’s Hospital and you have a recipe for classic comedy. I thought at least I’d make a fortune in merchandising on those AfterMASH Action Figures.

Although Potter, Father Mulcahy, and Klinger each boast charm as part of an ensemble, AfterMASH mistakenly thrust them into leading roles where they struggled to engage viewers. IMalthis shift in focus weakened the show, as a character like B.J. (Mike Farrell) could have injected more vitality into the series. The Veteran’s hospital backdrop also failed to set the stage for comedic moments. Levine postulated that AfterMASH might never have seen the light of day if not for the established M*A*S*H brand:

A period comedy set in a Veteran’s Hospital with no real star, and a patient population made up exclusively of elderly men? Not a chance in hell. Chuck Lorre couldn’t sell that series.

The Case for AfterMASH as a Straight Drama

Larry Gelbart on the Genre Misfire

While AfterMASH showed potential, its execution as a comedy proved to be a misstep. Gelbart later expressed regret about pursuing a half-hour comedic format set in a Veterans’ hospital, acknowledging that the concept was flawed from the outset. In a candid conversation with FoundationINTERVIEWS, he admitted that the project would have benefitted from being crafted as a straightforward drama with longer episodes:

Gelbart asserted that populating the cast with familiar faces from M*A*S*H was a terrible decision. He believed there lay an opportunity for a compelling narrative, but transforming it into a sitcom with supporting characters from the original series proved disastrous. Levine echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the mere connection to M*A*S*H was what secured the show’s development, as CBS aimed to capitalize on its legacy.

Additionally, the show faced tough competition, notably from The A-Team, which easily claimed higher ratings, further sealing AfterMASH’s fate.

The Silver Lining of AfterMASH’s Disappointment

Closure for the M*A*S*H Franchise

The series M*A*S*H legitimately should have concluded with the emotional 1983 finale “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” which provided a satisfying closure for its beloved characters. One silver lining to the failures of AfterMASH and W*A*L*T*E*R (which never progressed beyond the pilot) is that it effectively dissuaded CBS from continuing to exploit the franchise. After AfterMASH was canceled, the network ceased any further attempts at spinoffs or revivals, preserving the legacy of the original show.

M*A*S*H’s legacy endures partly due to its substantial influence on future television shows, which is why it retains a devoted fanbase even after nearly 50 years. In stark contrast, AfterMASH remains largely overlooked, absent from both home media and streaming platforms. The network’s attempts to prolong the show’s life ultimately fell flat without the presence of its primary cast.

Returning to Levine’s critique, it’s clear that AfterMASH squandered a potentially remarkable premise. If it had been structured as a medical drama that examined pressing societal issues, it might have thrived. As it stood, with a cast of M*A*S*H‘s secondary characters assigned to lead roles, its eventual cancellation was almost predestined.

Sources: Ken Levine, Ken Levine, FoundationINTERVIEWS