How to watch

M*A*S*H Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch M*A*S*H and its spin-offs in order

Last updated: November 7 2026

Written by: ChronoBob

M*A*S*H began as a satirical war film and became one of the most celebrated TV series ever, with a record-setting finale and several spin-offs. Here's the complete watch order.

Set in a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War, M*A*S*H blended slapstick comedy with heartbreaking drama. Robert Altman's 1970 film, based on Richard Hooker's novel, won the Palme d'Or, and the TV series that followed ran for eleven seasons β€” far longer than the war itself. Its 1983 finale, Goodbye, Farewell and Amen, remains one of the most-watched broadcasts in American TV history.

πŸ• Release Order

Release order covers the film, the landmark series and its spin-offs.

  1. MASH (1970)
  2. M*A*S*H (1972–1983)
  3. Trapper John, M.D. (1979–1986)
  4. AfterMASH (1983–1985)
  5. W*A*L*T*E*R (1984)

The film and series cover the same war with different casts. AfterMASH follows Colonel Potter, Klinger and Father Mulcahy at a veterans hospital after the war, while Trapper John, M.D. jumps decades ahead to the surgeon's later career.

πŸ“– Story Chronology

Ordered by setting, the Korean War stories come first, followed by the post-war AfterMASH, then the pilot W*A*L*T*E*R about Radar, and finally Trapper John's present-day San Francisco hospital.

  1. MASH (1970)
  2. M*A*S*H (1972–1983)
  3. AfterMASH (1983–1985)
  4. W*A*L*T*E*R (1984)
  5. Trapper John, M.D. (1979–1986)

Which Order Should You Choose?

The TV series is the essential experience β€” start there and watch it in broadcast order. Altman's film is worth seeing for its sharper, darker satire. AfterMASH is a decent coda for fans who can't say goodbye, while Trapper John, M.D. works as an independent medical drama. Be prepared for the tone shift in later seasons as the show leans further into drama.

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Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!