M*A*S*H

Who it's for

The doctors of the 4077th use pranks, wisecracks and gin to survive endless casualties, which gives viewers a warm, recognisable picture of gallows humour as coping, especially for medical, military and first-responder audiences.

Feelings it meets

• War
• Moral Injury
• Separation from Loved Ones
• Grief
• Burnout

What it is

M*A*S*H is a CBS comedy-drama developed by Larry Gelbart from the 1970 film, which aired for 11 seasons from 1972 to 1983. It follows doctors and support staff at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital in South Korea during the Korean War, led by surgeon Hawkeye Pierce (Alan Alda). The series grew more dramatic in its later seasons, and psychiatrist Sidney Freedman (Allan Arbus) recurs throughout.

Where to find it

Streaming availability rotates; check JustWatch.

Before you start

Heads up: A child's death and war casualties.

Age: TV-PG per Common Sense Media (suggested 13+)

But believe me, my dear boy, there is nothing stronger than those two: patience and time, they will do it all.Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace, Chapter XVI (tr. Louise and Aylmer Maude)