M*A*S*H (1972) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
The 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital is stuck in the middle of the Korean war. With little help from the circumstances they find themselves in, they are forced to make their own fun. Fond of practical jokes and revenge, the doctors, nurses, administrators, and soldiers often find ways of making wartime life bearable.
TV-PG • 1972 • 11 seasons
M*A*S*H, set in a Korean War field hospital, earns its TV-PG rating by blending sitcom humor with the stark realities of war, a combination that grows more dramatic and less comedic in later seasons. Parents should be aware of constant scenes of surgery on wounded soldiers, which can be bloody, though not graphically detailed by modern standards. Alcohol is a major coping mechanism, with main characters frequently drinking from a… Sign up for the full guide
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Is M*A*S*H appropriate for kids?
M*A*S*H, set in a Korean War field hospital, earns its TV-PG rating by blending sitcom humor with the stark realities of war, a combination that grows more dramatic and less comedic in later seasons. Parents should be aware of constant scenes of surgery on wounded soldiers… Read more — free account
Content severity in M*A*S*H Sign up for season-by-season breakdown
Sex and nudity in M*A*S*H
Sexual content is mild and mostly limited to suggestive dialogue, innuendo, and occasional kissing. Hawkeye and B.J. flirt with nurses or local women. In "Comrades in Arms: Part 1" and "Part 2," Hawkeye and Margaret share a kiss and a moment of romantic tension, but it does not progress further. There is no nudity or explicit sexual activity, and attempts at romance are often handled humorously or fall flat.
Violence and gore in M*A*S*H
The violence is primarily implied through the context of war and its aftermath. Battlefield sounds, discussions of casualties, and the sight of wounded soldiers in the operating room are common. Graphic depictions of gore are avoided; blood is generally shown in a medical context and is not sensationalized. While firefights and mortar attacks are referenced, they are rarely shown directly on screen, focusing instead on the characters' reactions and the sounds of conflict.
Language in M*A*S*H
Mild language is used occasionally, including terms like "hell" and "damn." Stronger exclamations such as "son of a bitch" are present but infrequent, typically used for emphasis or in moments of frustration. The language remains consistent with previous seasons, not escalating to frequent strong profanity.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in M*A*S*H
Alcohol consumption is common throughout the season, with characters frequently drinking in the Swamp and Officer's Club. Hawkeye often drinks gin, and other characters consume beer or wine. Characters sometimes drink to cope with the stresses of war, though usually not to extreme intoxication. In "Dr. Winchester and Mr. Hyde," Charles Winchester uses amphetamines to stay awake and focused, initially for work but later for a mouse race, showing signs of dependence and reckless behavior.
Mature themes in M*A*S*H
Themes of the futility of war, moral dilemmas, trauma, and mental health are prevalent. \"War of Nerves\" explores burnout and psychological stress among the staff and soldiers, with a focus on Dr. Sidney Freedman's struggle with patient outcomes. \"In Love and War\" touches on loss and the devastation of war on civilians. \"The Grim Reaper\" deals with a soldier's perspective on command decisions and Hawkeye's role as a surgeon. \"The Smell of Music\" features a storyline about a disfigured patient contemplating…
Read more — free accountFrequently Asked Questions
Is M*A*S*H appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests M*A*S*H is best for ages 12+. It's rated TV-PG. M*A*S*H, set in a Korean War field hospital, earns its TV-PG rating by blending sitcom humor with the stark realities of war, a combination that grows more dramatic and less comedic in later seasons. Parents should be…
What age rating does M*A*S*H have?
M*A*S*H is rated TV-PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 12+.
What is M*A*S*H about?
M*A*S*H, set in a Korean War field hospital, earns its TV-PG rating by blending sitcom humor with the stark realities of war, a combination that grows more dramatic and less comedic in later seasons. Parents should be aware of constant scenes of surgery on wounded soldiers, which can be bloody, though not graphically…
How many seasons does M*A*S*H have?
M*A*S*H has 11 seasons covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.
Is there sex or nudity in M*A*S*H?
Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across M*A*S*H.
How violent is M*A*S*H?
Violence isn't a standout concern across M*A*S*H per our reviewers.
Is the language in M*A*S*H appropriate for kids?
Strong language isn't flagged across M*A*S*H.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in M*A*S*H?
Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across M*A*S*H.
What mature themes appear in M*A*S*H?
Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of M*A*S*H.
Where can I read the full M*A*S*H parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock season-by-season notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your watchlist.
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