8 Reasons MASH’s Reunion Special Is So Exciting After 40 Years

There are countless movies and television series to look forward to in 2024, but one of the most exciting projects coming in the new year is the 40-year reunion of the hit TV show MASH. First released in 1972, MASH is a comedy drama set in the midst of the Korean War. The series follows the individuals working at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital in Korea, including Capt. Benjamin “Hawkeye” Pierce. Though it has been four decades since MASH came to an end, this reunion is certainly something to get excited about, as it gives audiences an inside look at one of the most important TV series in history.

Because television reunions are quite common, and MASH is not particularly popular with younger generations, many may be wondering why the MASH reunion is something to look forward to. As it turns out, there are plenty of reasons. Even for those who have never heard of MASH before, the reunion is an opportunity to learn about a series that was vital to television at the time of its release. Plus, newcomers have the chance to fall in love with a TV show that they may have never heard of otherwise. Overall, there are many reasons why the MASH reunion is going to be a major event.

8. MASH’s Popularity Is Still Strong, Despite Ending 40 Years Ago

For those who have never heard of MASH, it may seem like another old TV show, however, MASH was and is incredibly popular. A big part of this is the impact it had on audiences during its run. Although MASH had a slow start due to the 1970 MASH movie’s success, the story engaged viewers so much that it remained on the air for 11 seasons. On top of that, MASH’s finale beat the record for the most watched episode of television. These achievements are not something to bat an eye at, as they kept MASH alive for the past forty years.

7. MASH’s Reunion Will Feature New BTS Footage

One significant reason why the MASH reunion will be so exciting is that the special will include new, never-before-seen footage from MASH. This type of behind-the-scenes content doesn’t get put on the air every day, especially for series as old and iconic as MASH, which makes it a big deal. Ultimately, this new footage will be a big reason why audiences tune into the reunion. Although MASH already has so much screen time after 11 seasons, any new content will be much appreciated by fans of the series. Plus, the new footage may give unique insights into the show that have never been revealed before.

6. MASH’s Original Surviving Cast Is Returning

Another major bonus that is coming out of the MASH reunion is that all the surviving members of the cast will be in attendance. This means that Alan Alda (Capt. Benjamin ‘Hawkeye’ Pierce), Gary Burghoff (Cpl. Walter “Radar” O’Reilly), Jamie Farr (Cpl./Sgt. Maxwell Q. “Max” Klinger), Mike Farrell (Capt. B.J. Hunnicutt) and Loretta Swit (Maj. Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan) will all appear in the MASH reunion. Just like the behind-the-scenes footage, the inclusion of the MASH cast is exciting because audiences will be able to get their unique perspectives on making MASH, and furthermore, viewers will be able to learn what happened to the actors after MASH.

5. The Reunion Is A “Definitive” Look Back On MASH

A big aspect of the MASH reunion that makes it especially exciting is the fact that it is going to be the ultimate MASH reunion. While there have been previous reflections on MASH in the past, the upcoming reunion is being billed as the “definitive” look back according to TVLine. In reality, this makes sense considering that EPs Gene Reynolds and Burt Metcalfe will also be in attendance. Ultimately, this one word, “definitive,” is important for the MASH reunion because it means that this is a big project tha presumably nothing else will top. The MASH reunion will answer every question and give information that has never been seen before.

4. MASH’s Reunion Is A Reminder Of Its Greatness

The MASH reunion is not just exciting, but necessary, because of how it reminds audiences of MASH’s influence on television. As previously mentioned, MASH broke records at the time of its release, and it still remains a beloved and influential television series. Aside from just grabbing audiences’ attention, MASH also laid the foundation for series that were both comedy and drama. Famously, MASH bridged the gap between the severity of war with the levity of working alongside your friends in an impossible situation. All in all, the MASH reunion will act as a reminder of just how important MASH was.

3. MASH’s Reunion Will Be Two Hours Long

One final specific detail about the MASH reunion is that it will be two hours long. While these types of specials are often capped at an hour, the MASH reunion will have a full two hours to explore the series and its legacy. This leaves plenty of time for the behind-the-scenes footage, actor interviews, and replays of important moments from the show and real life. The MASH reunion’s runtime is incredibly exciting because there is little chance that the special will feel rushed or that it will leave anything out. Ultimately, audiences will get plenty of content to enjoy and plenty of time to enjoy it.

2. The Reunion Will Introduce MASH To A New Audience

Aside from what the MASH reunion has to offer the fans of the show, the special will be able to bring in an entirely new audience of MASH lovers. Because MASH ended forty years ago, younger generations likely only know of the series from their parents or grandparents. But, with the reunion, those who have never seen MASH will be able to get a full picture of the show and what it meant to people when it aired. The MASH reunion could certainly inspire a new audience to watch MASH and become fans. In this way, the reunion is allowing MASH to live on for an entirely new generation.

1. MASH’s Reunion Will Be Nostalgic

In the end, if the MASH reunion is anything, it will be nostalgic. These types of lookback specials are great because they allow audiences to reminisce on the series that shaped them, and MASH is certainly an impactful piece of media. Furthermore, not only do the series receive the honors they deserve, but their viewers also get to celebrate with them and reflect on their own experiences. Overall, the MASH reunion is exciting because it is a nostalgic peek into history and a celebration of one of television’s most influential series.