Question: when did the first episode of mash aired
Answer: of episodes 251 ( list of episodes ) Production Location ( s ) Los Angeles County , California ( Century City , Malibu Creek State Park ) Camera setup Single - camera Running time 30 minutes ( plus commercials ) , except `` Goodbye , Farewell , & Amen '' ( 2 hrs plus commercials ) Production company ( s ) 20th Century Fox Television Distributor 20th Television Release Original network CBS Original release September 17 , 1972 ( 1972 - 09 - 17 ) -- February 28 , 1983 ( 1983 - 02 - 28 ) Chronology Followed by AfterMASH W * A * L * T * E * R Related shows Trapper John , M.