By Kayla DeKraker
The classic TV show M*A*S*H grew to be one of the most loved drama series of all time, but it was almost canceled after only one season until an unlikely fan saved the day.
M*A*S*H’s 8 p.m. Sunday time slot put it in competition with WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISNEY. Plus the network wanted a more traditional sitcom. The ratings were disappointing, and executives struggled to understand the show’s unusual blend of comedy and wartime drama.
“We went to [creators] Gene [Reynolds] and Larry [Gelbart]: We’re not a situation comedy. We’re talking about a real war. It’s not about funny ha-ha,” said M*A*S*H actor Gary Burghoff.
Although the series didn’t seem like it would last long, thankfully one fan was married to the CEO of CBS at the time.
“Babe Paley [the then-wife of CBS founder William S. Paley] supposedly saved us by telling her husband that M*A*S*H could be the crown jewel for the network,” showrunner Jamie Farr told The Hollywood Reporter. “By the end of the third season, Larry came up to me and said, ‘You know what, I think we’re the next I LOVE LUCY.’”
Related: Do You Know the Story Behind M*A*S*H’s Iconic Theme Song?
Actor Alan Alda told the outlet that although some people were negative about the show, the cast just kept making good television.
“I used to joke that we were in the top 78 [shows on television]. It didn’t bother us, though, because we were too busy doing what we did,” he said.
Barbara Christopher, the widow of actor Bill Christopher, recalled the uncertainty the cast felt in Season 1.
“The end of the first season, Bill and I went to the closing-night party, but had to leave early. Alan walked us to the door and said to Bill, ‘It’s been such a wonderful year. What if I never see you again?'” she recalled.
Thankfully the show went on to become very successful. It moved to a Saturday night time slot between ALL IN THE FAMILY and THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW. Also, co-creators Gene Reynolds and Larry Gelbart kept the show’s tone just right, avoiding straying into the comedic too much, TV Line said.
“Gene and Larry were at a point in their careers that they were going to do things their way or not do it,” said writer Dennis Koenig. “They believed, what’s the point of doing the show if it’s going to be like every other one?”
The series ran for 11 seasons and ended in 1983. Over the course of it’s run, M*A*S*H secured 14 Emmys. It ended when Alda, the show’s actor, writer and director, felt there was no more story to tell.
“I felt that we were running out of steam, and repeating ourselves. And I personally wanted to go out on a high note, artistically,” he told the National Museum of American History.
It sounds like M*A*S*H fans have Babe Paley to thank for their favorite show.
Read Next: Alan Alda Reveals M*A*S*H Secrets From Set
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