M*A*S*H: Where Are The Important TV Shows?

THIS IS AN UPDATED ENCORE TIM MOORE BLOG:

It was on this date in 1983 that the most-watched TV show in U.S. history at the time aired—the finale of the TV series M*A*S*H. Over 60% of U.S. households were tuned in, representing a 77 share! Nearly 8 out of every 10 TV sets being watched were tuned to “Goodbye, Farewell & Amen”. The new record belongs to this year’s Super Bowl, but this one stood for a quite a few years!

I know the explosion of cable TV channels has probably negated the possibility of THAT record ever being eclipsed, but the larger question is:

Where are the REALLY good/important TV shows?

OK, there is “Grey’s Anatomy”, “CSI”, “House”…maybe a handful of others—but there seems to be no current equivalent to the mini-series “Roots”. TV series’ like “All In The Family”, “Cheers”, “Seinfeld”, “The Cosby Show”, even “Dallas” and “The West Wing” don’t seem to have counter-parts.

The biggest sitcom today is “Three An A Half Men”---good, but Charlie Sheen is doing his best to torpedo that show as we speak—and alienating his fan base at the same time. Besides, as good as it is, “3.5” is not in the same stratosphere as the above-mentioned shows.

Not even close.

So where are all the cutting edge programs?

I blame the GLUT of reality shows. Some are decent, but most are completely forgettable-and the by-product for TV executives is that, unlike the series, reality shows have NO aftermarket for syndication. For whatever reason I never watched “Seinfeld” or “Friends” in prime time. I did, however, become exposed and addicted to both in syndication-while both were still producing primetime episodes.

Enough with reality! I get plenty of it every day—give me good old-fashioned drama, comedy or action!

Below are three clips –the first a tribute montage, the second is an interview with Alan Alda on the taping of that finale show---and the third is amateur video of moments of that final on-set taping-enjoy!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbrZY4mordU&feature=related




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrZbWZ6Y8Jk&feature=related





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSDYNfmm-ew&feature=related



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