The pilot episode of M*A*S*H, which first aired on September 17, 1972, lays the foundation for what would become one of television’s most beloved and enduring series. Written by Larry Gelbart and directed by Gene Reynolds, the episode immediately establishes the show’s unique blend of sharp humor, satire, and heartfelt moments. With a premise centered around the antics of doctors and nurses at a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War, the series introduces a colorful cast of characters who set the stage for years of clever storytelling.