If you’re a fan of MASH* like I am, you probably feel like you’ve seen it all—the laugh-out-loud moments, the heartwarming scenes, and the unforgettable characters.

Celebrated for its brilliant writing, emotional depth, and razor-sharp satire, MASH* became a cultural landmark and one of the most iconic shows in American television history.

But even a show as polished as MASH* had its share of behind-the-scenes hiccups. From continuity errors to historical anachronisms, the series wasn’t without its flaws—many of which went unnoticed by its devoted audience.

Growing up in the ’80s, MASH* was a constant presence in my home. I’d often hear the familiar theme song as bedtime approached. Back then, I never made it past the opening credits before having to turn the TV off. Years later, I revisited the series, and it quickly became one of my favorites.

More than just a television show, MASH* was a cultural phenomenon that brought families together. Its finale in 1983 drew nearly half of the U.S. population and still holds the record as the most-watched prime-time episode in history.

Behind the Scenes of MASH: Mistakes, Trivia, and Hidden Stories*

If you’re a fan of MASH*, you probably think you’ve seen it all—heartwarming moments, hilarious scenes, and unforgettable characters. The series, set during the Korean War, followed the lives of doctors and nurses at a mobile army surgical hospital (MAS*H), using humor and compassion to navigate the chaos of war. But even this cultural phenomenon wasn’t without its flaws, fascinating trivia, and behind-the-scenes secrets.

Father Mulcahy’s Brush with Reality
William Christopher, who played the kind-hearted Father Mulcahy, had a serious bout with hepatitis during season five. The illness nearly forced him off the show, but Alan Alda stepped in to help. Alda wrote an episode titled Hepatitis to incorporate Christopher’s condition into the storyline, ensuring he could remain on the series. It was a clever solution and a testament to the camaraderie among the cast.

Frank Burns’ Eerie Prophecy
In the Hepatitis episode, Frank Burns casually mentions, “I do have a pea-sized tumor under my sternum,” during a checkup with Hawkeye. In a chilling twist, Larry Linville, the actor who portrayed Burns, later passed away from a malignant tumor under his sternum. This unsettling parallel is one of those rare moments where life imitates art in unexpected ways.

Max Klinger’s Evolution
Jamie Farr’s Max Klinger, known for his comedic attempts to be discharged from the army by wearing dresses, was initially intended to appear in just one episode. However, Farr’s charm made him a fan favorite, and he became a series regular. Adding to the authenticity, the dog tags he wore on the show were his actual military tags from his time in the service.

Military Anachronisms
Even a show as well-researched as MASH* had its historical inaccuracies. In the season two episode For the Good of the Outfit, a Bell Huey UH-1 helicopter can be seen in Henry Blake’s office. The problem? The Huey didn’t make its first flight until 1956, three years after the Korean War ended.

Lieutenant Colonel Blake’s Shocking Exit
The death of Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake was one of television’s most shocking moments. When McLean Stevenson decided to leave the show, his character was killed off in a plane crash. The decision stunned fans and critics alike, as such abrupt deaths were rare in primetime television at the time.

The backlash was so intense that the show’s producers vowed never to give another departing character such a tragic ending.

Radar’s Hidden Secret
Gary Burghoff, who played the beloved Cpl. Walter “Radar” O’Reilly, had a condition called Poland syndrome, which caused underdeveloped chest muscles and webbed fingers on his left hand. To keep the focus on his performance, Burghoff often concealed his hand in scenes, using props like clipboards or pockets.

Why Radar Left the Show
Burghoff appeared in every episode for the first three seasons, but the demanding schedule took a toll on his family life. By season seven, he reduced his appearances and eventually departed with a two-part farewell, Goodbye Radar, explaining his character’s discharge from the army.

From touching moments to fascinating trivia and hidden bloopers, MASH* remains a beloved classic that continues to surprise and delight fans with its depth and humanity.

Behind the Scenes of MASH: Trivia, Bloopers, and Iconic Moments*

Gary Burghoff’s Departure
When Gary Burghoff left MASH*, it wasn’t for financial gain.
“I didn’t leave MASH* a wealthy man,” Burghoff told People. “I could’ve renegotiated my contract, but money wasn’t the priority. You either want to be rich and famous, or you want to be a dad—you can’t do both.”

Radar’s Rabies Episode
In the 1974 episode Mad Dogs and Servicemen, Radar is bedridden with a possible case of rabies. To cheer him up, Margaret reads a letter referencing two popular songs: “Diddy Wah Diddy” by Bo Diddley and “The Wayward Wind” by Gogi Grant. However, both songs were released in 1956, years after the Korean War ended.

Fashionable Soldiers
Not all MASH* characters followed military regulations when it came to their hair. While Colonel Potter and Major Winchester sported Army-appropriate styles, many others, like Hawkeye and BJ, were a bit too stylish for a 1950s military unit.

Hawkeye’s Shifting Backstory
Hawkeye Pierce’s backstory changed significantly throughout the series. Initially, he hailed from Vermont, had a sister, and both his parents were alive. Later, he was reintroduced as an only child from Crabapple Cove, Maine, whose mother passed away when he was 10. Alan Alda didn’t mind the inconsistencies, appreciating how the changes allowed his character to evolve.

Alan Alda’s Talent and Humor
Alan Alda made Emmy history as the first person to win for acting, writing, and directing in the same series. A notable example of his humor and skill comes in the Comrades in Arms episode, where Hawkeye quips, “Don’t blame me, I didn’t write this stuff.” The joke? Alda actually did write that episode, blending his character’s wit with his own creative genius.

Hawkeye and Margaret’s Complex Relationship
The dynamic between Hawkeye (Alda) and Margaret Houlihan (Loretta Swit) reflected the series’ evolution from comedy to a more dramatic tone. Early on, their relationship was defined by mutual respect and witty banter. Over time, it deepened into a meaningful friendship with occasional romantic tension.

In the two-part Comrades in Arms episode, their bond took a dramatic turn when they shared a vulnerable night together while stranded in enemy territory. Though it didn’t lead to a romance, Swit called it a pivotal moment, explaining, “Their relationship grew into a deep, loving friendship. That night showcased everything MASH* stood for—tears, laughter, survival, and connection.”

Loretta Swit’s Glamorous Nails
Margaret Houlihan’s character was a head nurse in a war zone, yet her inch-long nails in the Comrades in Arms episode were far from realistic. While it may have added a touch of glamor to the role, it certainly wasn’t practical for a military medical professional.

Swit’s Dislike of “Hot Lips”
Loretta Swit wasn’t a fan of her character’s nickname, “Hot Lips.” In an interview with Fox News Digital, she explained, “I know nicknames can come from affection, but it felt like an insult. She was more than a body part—she was a major in the U.S. Army and deserved respect.”

Lieutenant Colonel Blake’s Shocking Death
McLean Stevenson’s departure from MASH* resulted in one of TV’s most shocking moments: the unexpected death of his character, Lieutenant Colonel Blake, in a plane crash. The decision, meant to highlight the harsh realities of war, sparked widespread backlash. The show’s creators later vowed never to write off another character with such finality.

Radar’s Hidden Condition
Gary Burghoff, who played Radar, was born with Poland syndrome, a condition causing underdeveloped chest muscles and webbed fingers. He skillfully concealed his left hand on-screen, often using props like clipboards or pockets to keep the focus on his performance.

Why Radar Left the Show
Burghoff’s departure stemmed from the demanding schedule, which took a toll on his family life. His exit was marked by the two-part episode Goodbye Radar, giving the beloved character a touching send-off as he returned home to help on his family’s farm.

A Legacy of Drama and Comedy
MASH* balanced humor and drama with perfection, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting legacy. Whether it was Radar’s innocence, Hawkeye’s wit, or Margaret’s complexity, the series resonated deeply, making it one of television’s most enduring classics.

Looking back, Loretta Swit revealed that she took an active role in moving away from the “Hot Lips” nickname that defined her character in the early seasons of MASH*.

“I think my persistence probably became pretty irritating,” Swit admitted. “But I felt it was crucial for the women supporting our country. I kept reminding the writers, ‘She’s so much more than this.’”

Loretta Swit and Plastic Surgery Rumors
Over the years, fans have speculated about Loretta Swit undergoing plastic surgery. While she has never publicly addressed the rumors, some believe her appearance has noticeably changed. In fact, some suggest these transformations might have begun during her time on MASH*.

A Reddit user, bettinafarichild, observed, “I’ve watched all MASH* episodes countless times, but when watching them chronologically, I noticed subtle changes. For example, Loretta Swit seems to have had plastic surgery in the middle of season 6—she suddenly has a cleft chin. Later, possibly around season 9, it looks like she had a nose job.”

Though this remains purely speculative, the topic has sparked ongoing curiosity among fans.

The Longest Kiss in TV History
On a lighter note, MASH* fans may remember the show for its humor and emotional depth, but the finale delivered a surprising record: one of the longest kisses in television history.

In a fitting callback to Comrades in Arms, Hawkeye bids farewell to Margaret with an overly long and awkward kiss, leaving their colleagues visibly uncomfortable. Reflecting on the iconic moment, Swit said, “It’s the longest kiss in television history,” a memorable farewell that perfectly encapsulated the characters’ unique relationship.

Alan Alda, who directed the final episode of MASH*, and Loretta Swit were the only two main cast members to appear in both the series premiere and finale. Their shared journey through the entire run of the show created a unique bond between them.

“The finale was about bringing everyone together and delivering closure for the audience, who each had their favorite characters,” Swit shared. “Alan wrote me a lovely note after the show ended, saying how special it was to see Margaret’s character evolve and grow in a meaningful way.”

If you’re a MASH* fan, why not share this article with your friends and family? It’s a great way to spark some fun conversations and reminisce about the unforgettable characters that made us laugh, cry, and fall in love with the show all over again. Tag someone who’d enjoy this nostalgic trip down memory lane—let’s keep the spirit of MASH* alive!