MASH is one of the longest-running television series in American history. It ran for a total of 11 seasons on American primetime television, between the years 1972 and 1983. It was shown on the CBS Television Network, and was one of the most popular television series during its run. The mash complete dvd set boxed contains all the 251 episodes of MASH, including episode, entitled 'Abysinnia, Henry' which was known and acclaimed as one of the most popular television episodes of all time.

MASH is unique as a television series for taking a topic (the Korean War) and making it into a black, sometimes macabre comedy. In spite of the potentially divisive nature of its content, MASH found its way into the mainstream mentality and quickly developed a cult following despite its dark backdrop. During its run in the 70's and 80's, there was another war (the Vietnam War) ongoing, and the producers of MASH had to be careful not to appear as if they were protesting the war with the content in the show.

MASH maintained an ensemble cast throughout its eleven seasons, with (relative to other comparable television series) experienced almost no turnover. Notable members of this ensemble cast were Alan Alda as Benjamin Franklin 'Hawkeye' Pierce, Loretta Swit as Margaret 'Hot Lips' Houlihan, and McLean Stevenson as Henry Braymore Blake. Viewers wanting an alternative viewpoint on the ongoing war in Vietnam often tuned in to MASH, which had dark comedy takes on war in general.

However, while the show first started off as a comedy, as the seasons went by MASH started to develop a conscience, so to speak. Episodes started becoming more serious, and also involved commentaries and opinions on the war in Korea. These would sometimes be interpreted as the MASH producers' own viewpoints on the ongoing war in Vietnam, but were never to be verified. However, despite this darker outtake on the show, the overwhelming public opinion on MASH is that of a comedy, and the series contained several hallmarks of a comedy series, such as canned laughter.

The more serious tone of MASH was also further developed with the producers interviewing actual Korean War veteran doctors, and incorporating their experiences into MASH episodes. Three characters in MASH also died - from a plane shot down, in a traffic accident, and blown up by a land mine - hardly content suitable for a regular comedy.

While MASH had been dipping in popularity in the seasons prior to its last, the CBS Television Network did not let its opportunity to have a big ratings win with the last episode of MASH go to waste. Protracted preparations for the screening of the series' last episode (including special arrangements to have US military personnel able to watch it while on duty overseas) resulted in this episode garnering the highest number of viewers ever for a television programme, 125 million. This record is still unbroken to this day, and further cements MASH's permanent place in the American culture and conscience. 'Goodbye, Farewell and Amen' showed the days after the ceasefire in the Korean War, as the MASH camp is finally taken down for the last time. It still remains one of the most unforgettable moments in American television history.

As MASH ran into its latter seasons, it grew apparent that its writers were running out of creative ammunition - it had run almost 200 episodes, after all, and there was only so much one could write about a hospital in a war. Today, however, you can obtain your own copy of mash complete dvd set boxed - this will allow you to relive the memories of one of the iconic American television series of the past century.