I was beyond excited when I got Netflix last January. The days when I would have to scour the Internet for the TV shows that were no longer classified as "mainstream" were long gone. Now, all the choices that I could want are simply a click away. My best find on Netflix was the classic show "M*A*S*H."
"M*A*S*H" was a show that I was familiar with as I grew up. The “dramedy” follows the lives of those in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War and was a show that my father watched in syndication throughout my childhood. The iconic theme song would easily get stuck in my head and is one that I still remember hearing at night.
However, I was surprised when "M*A*S*H" came to Netflix. I had always teased my father about watching a show that, to me, was “so old.” Nevertheless, after watching only a few episodes, I was hooked.
Surely, few people my age or younger would be drawn to "M*A*S*H." Perhaps, I only gave the show a chance because of my childhood nostalgia. The show is undoubtedly dark, despite its comedic overtones, because the lives of these medical professionals during a war would be unrealistic otherwise. Therefore, most people would likely be more inclined to watch a “feel good” show after a long day than one with these themes. However, there are two main reasons why "M*A*S*H" should be given a chance.
Alan Alda is the leading actor in the show. That fact alone should make you type the show into your search bar. His talent and versatility is unparalleled, and he and his fellow cast members can make you laugh and cry more easily than you would initially expect.
The second reason, and in my opinion the most important reason, is because throughout the laughter and the tears, you will learn about a time period that is often overlooked or forgotten. The Korean War is known as “The Forgotten War,” but "M*A*S*H" reminds you that the devastation was real and that the lives of those involved were just as impacted as those who fought in any other war.
Next time you are on Netflix and are about to click on the show that “everybody is talking about,” search for "M*A*S*H" instead. Although the show’s concepts may be unfamiliar at first, the genuine moments more than compensate for any unfamiliarity. I know that I am grateful for giving "M*A*S*H" a chance and to Netflix for broadening my viewing options.