The Shocking Story Behind MASH's Failed Spinoff, AfterMASH!
The MASH show is beloved and had a major impact on MASH tv series history. But do you know what happened when 20th Century Fox attempted to create a spinoff?
What Happened to AfterMASH?
AfterMASH took place in a Veteran's Hospital and hoped to bring back familiar characters, but failed. MASH cast members, like Jamie Farr, Harry Morgan, and William Christopher (actors who voted to keep the series on the air), tried to recapture some of the magic but it fell flat.
What Were AfterMASH Ratings Like?
Fans remember the MASH finale that closed out the show! The MASH ratings for the last episode were record breaking, and so many remember the heartwarming ending. Unfortunately for AfterMASH, its AfterMASH ratings plummeted after the initial premiere!
Who Was Almost Part of the Spinoff, AfterMASH?
In addition to bringing back some of the OG cast members, there was also a wild plan to bring back a beloved character, Major Margaret Houlihan. They wanted to recast iconic character and it turned out the actress, Loretta Swit, was unavailable, and that is when they brought in a crazy suggestion for an unusual Diana Ross Margaret or Diana Ross Margaret Houlihan casting!
Why Was the AfterMASH Spinoff a Disaster?
While AfterMASH did have an interesting setting for MASH characters (a Veteran's Hospital) many people believe that the concept might have been better served by a drama instead of a comedic storyline. The biggest reason for the series' cancellation could also be tied to competition from other shows! This series didn't last very long, so it has only recently become something to be explored in greater detail.
What Are Some Other Popular MASH Spinoffs?
While AfterMASH did not succeed, some shows still got some momentum, like the popular Trapper John MD, which followed a favorite MASH characters.
Is AfterMASH Streaming?
Despite its infamous status as one of television's biggest flops, AfterMASH did receive good reviews when it first released. You can read about it, as there's a large amount of information online. However, you may be surprised to know that AfterMASH is not readily available on streaming platforms!
