This show almost got canceled during its first season. With a gradual change in tone and its writers, the show successfully made a place in the viewers’ hearts. Here are certain facts about this show that are probably unknown:

1. Some of its actors had real military experience

Ever wondered why the mindset and discipline of the characters looked so authentic on screen? Well, it was largely owing to the real military experience that some of them went through. The lead actor, Alan Alda, had served as a reserve during the Korean War. This helped him shine as ‘Captain Hawkeye Pierce’, fitting perfectly into the character. He was a gunnery officer during the actual war.

2. Jamie Farr was never intended to last for more than an episode

Jamie Farr played Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger in M*A*S*H. The purpose of his character in the series initially was to merely crack some quick jokes. They didn’t intend to continue with him for more than a single episode, but something clicked.

The writers and the audience loved his unique way of traversing the war effort. This opened up some fresh ideas and new avenues. He was often shown as an opportunistic individual and his acts drew laughs and admiration from the audience.

3. The numerous challenges that the producers faced

The producers didn’t achieve the massive success of this famous television series that easily. They constantly faced a number of challenges. To begin with, they had to express their opinions about war rather subtly. The cast had to be clever in their innuendos that were under the cover of a dark comedy. During the first year, the show was a flop because it was not relatable for many viewers.

Because of the show’s low ratings, M*A*S*H almost got canceled. If they wanted to survive, they had to appeal to a wider audience. The producers then decided to change certain things. They made an arrangement to air the show on Saturday nights. Surprisingly, this arrangement worked and the show gained massive popularity in the days that followed.

4. Tensions between writers and actors

During the early days of M*A*S*H, everyone had the opportunity to contribute towards the further progression of the series. This gradually became a headache for the writers. It was because of all those notes and letters that they received from the actors. Then, the writers began thinking of ways to get back at the cast. They were writing too many details in their scripts that were not necessary.

This created a growing division between the actors and the writers. Soon, both the sides were making each other’s life difficult. One of the actors had to wear heavy parkas in a tropical scene according to the script. This happened in Malibu on a hot summer day. This irked McLean Stevenson and he left the show. Things began to simmer down after that episode, thankfully.

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The same can be said about television, as there were several new series being aired. Some were giving the right doses of fun, while others raised a few eyebrows. Here, we’ll take a look at the most popular television shows from that exciting decade:

1. M*A*S*H

This immensely popular Korean War comedy-drama series was adapted from the feature film with the same title. You’ll be amazed at its photography and filming even today. It actually makes you feel that you’re right there with the actors. The show revolves around a few key American personnel who are a part of the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital.

In the series, Alan Alda played the role of Benjamin ‘Hawkeye’ Pierce, the chief surgeon. David Ogden Stiers was seen in the role of Charles Emerson Winchester III after he replaced Frank Burns.

2. All In The Family

This television show never left its number one position on CBS for five seasons. It was mainly because its actors were talking about some real issues, such as racism, religion, and abortion. During those times, this comedy-drama was a bit controversial as it was not that family-friendly.

It talked about some uncomfortable topics that were a taboo in those days. This show from the 70s was able to discuss such issues and also find humor in them. This series features a family living in Queens with two couples under the same roof.

3. Saturday Night Live

Some of the actors who starred on the show during the 70s include Bill Murray and John Belushi. This television show used comedy sketches as a means to mock the contemporary American politics and culture. Saturday Night Live still creates a lot of moments that make you laugh out loud.

If you’re a fan of slapstick with a mixture of American wit, this is a show you must watch. Many of the performers who appeared in the show went on to achieve stardom.

4. Sanford and Son

Many consider Sanford and Son to be among the first African-American sitcoms. It was a groundbreaking comedy series. Some called it the answer of NBC to All In The Family, which had an all-white cast. This show centers on a father and his son who live in South Central Los Angeles.

Fred, the father, is always looking for new ways to get rich quick. This often leads to several mishaps. Thankfully, his son Lamont is always there to help his father. This television series finished its six-season run in 1977 and paved the way for more such sitcoms.

5. Three’s Company

One of the top shows from the 1970s, this comedy series revolves around misunderstandings. What would make you laugh are the things that follow after the misunderstandings have taken place. Janet, Jack, and Chrissy are the three most notable characters in the show. They live as platonic roommates in a flat in Santa Monica. Things get more interesting with the presence of their landlords Helen Roper and Stanley Roper.

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It was picked up by USA Network after UPN dropped the show. The series got canceled in 2007 on a major cliffhanger. The reasons were the producers’ fear of low ratings and financial concerns. However, this television series gave us some memorable characters. Let’s take a look at some of them:

1. Johnny Smith

He is the protagonist of the series. A retired schoolteacher, Smith has developed psychic abilities after he had a car accident. The first episode hints at his psychic abilities during his encounter with a carnival trickster. After the car accident, he goes into a coma.

When he comes out of his coma, his intuition changes into visions. Whenever he has such visions, he is capable of manipulating time. His new psychic abilities allow him to examine details from the past, present, and future. Anthony Michael Hall plays the role of Johnny Smith in the series.

2. Sarah Bracknell Bannerman

Nicole de Boer plays the role of Johnny’s former fiancé, Sarah Bannerman. She had a son with him named J.J. When Johnny was in his coma, Sarah had married Walt Bannerman. Now, the husband and wife are raising J.J. together. She knew Johnny right from the time when they were children.

Sarah had also taught at the same school where he was a schoolteacher. Her mother died when she was in her teens. This had resulted in a strained relationship with her father. She gives birth to Walt’s daughter at the beginning of season 6 and gives her the name ‘Hope’.

3. Reverend Gene Purdy

David Ogden Stiers plays the original character in the series. He is a religious leader and heads a prestigious university. Reverend Purdy is also the head of foundations that have been funded by Johnny’s mother, Vera Smith. The newly acquired powers of Johnny allows him to know the fact that Purdy loved Vera. He was in love with her for over 35 years.

After Vera committed suicide, Purdy covered up the incident. He made everyone believe that the reason for her death was a heart attack. Thus, he manages to preserve her dignity among the public. Although he has always been in constant service of God, he has an involvement in shady dealings.

4. Sheriff Walt Bannerman

Chris Bruno plays the role of Sarah’s husband, Walt Bannerman. His relationship with Johnny is initially quite rocky. This is because Johnny often feels that Walt deliberately stole Sarah from him. As Johnny uses his powers more than ever before in situations of law enforcement, Walt begins to value him. Soon, the two become friends.

In the novel, the man Sarah married was Walt Hazlett and George Bannerman was the sheriff. Walt dies in a fire that occurs at the Faith Heritage Chapel at the beginning of season 6. Nevertheless, he continues to pop up in flashbacks, visions, and as a ghost throughout the season.

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