At 89, Alan Alda Reveals The One Co Star He Couldn't Stand On MASH

They called it a comedy, but MASH was never just a comedy. With its mix of sharp humor and haunting drama, it pulled millions of viewers into a Korean War surgical unit that felt all too real. When it first aired in 1972, no one could have predicted that a half-hour dramedy would change the face of television — or that its final episode would draw more than 100 million viewers, becoming the most-watched scripted broadcast in American history.
But behind the laughter and applause were stories few ever heard. Tensions on set, creative struggles, and personal conflicts simmered beneath the surface. And now, after decades of silence, Alan Alda is speaking about it. In a recent interview, Alda opened up about the off-camera dynamics — including one castmate he says he simply couldn’t get along with. It’s a rare glimpse behind the operating curtain, and it reveals that even in one of television’s most beloved ensembles, not everyone got along.
What went on behind the scenes of MASH is just as fascinating as what played out on screen — and for the first time, much of it is finally coming to light.