The Surprising Reason Why MASH's UK Version Outshone the US Broadcast
The British version of MASH outshined its US counterpart by eliminating the notorious laugh track, making it more authentic and appealing to viewers
Summary
MASH's UK broadcast of the popular TV series removed the laugh track, which was a controversial element in the US version.
Removing the laugh track in the UK improved the show by enabling the audience to fully appreciate the comedy-drama's balance without forced laughter. As MASH gradually transitioned from comedy to more serious narratives, the laugh track became increasingly invasive and inappropriate, making its elimination a wise decision.
The UK's iteration of MASH on the BBC surpassed its American counterpart for one key reason. After a successful movie adaptation in 1970, Richard Hooker's 1968 novel MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors was eventually transformed into a television series on CBS. Led by Alan Alda's Captain Benjamin "Hawkeye" Pierce, MASH debuted in 1972 and enjoyed a successful 11-season run, concluding with an extended finale in 1983. The show centers around Pierce and the other members of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital in Uijeongbu, South Korea, as they work near the front lines during the Korean War.
Even in an era predating streaming platforms, network television shows still had the ability to reach audiences internationally through broadcasting partnerships with media companies beyond their home country. In the case of MASH, it was aired in the UK only a year after its initial debut on CBS. This decision to export the show so early on seemed quite audacious considering its initial struggles. However, it proved instrumental in expanding the fan base of this medical comedy/drama beyond the confines of the United States. While both versions featured the same episodes, the UK's iteration of MASH on the BBC possessed one significant distinction, ultimately making it superior.
MASH's UK Broadcast Removed The US Version's Infamous Laugh Track
When MASH premiered in the UK in 1973, it did not include a laugh track, unlike the US version of the show. The reason behind this decision remains uncertain, but it was undoubtedly an improvement. The show's co-creators, Larry Gelbart and Gene Reynolds, were always opposed to using a laugh track, although it was customary for comedies during that time. Despite their insistence, CBS insisted on its inclusion, resulting in a compromise where the laugh track was omitted during operating room scenes.
Regardless of the rationale, watching MASH without the laugh track is far more enjoyable. While the earlier seasons of the sitcom were undeniably more comedic, the show always balanced between comedy and drama due to its premise. The use of a laugh track may have suited traditional comedies like All In The Family and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which were filmed in front of a studio audience, but MASH was shot in various locations.
Why MASH's Laugh Track Was So Unpopular
In season 11, MASH made the decision to completely remove the laugh track. While Gelbart and Reynolds initially allowed its use in the show's early years, they began to decrease its presence starting in season 6. By that time, MASH was already shifting towards more serious storytelling, relying more on its dramatic elements rather than solely on comedy. Looking back, it would have been preferable if MASH hadn't been obligated to incorporate canned laughter, as it often felt intrusive. There was also a certain contradiction in watching a show about war accompanied by an artificially produced laugh track.
