This was a popular TV show back in the 80s. Trapper John, M.D. aired 151 episodes over seven seasons which should have given it automatic syndication rights, but I can't find it listed anywhere. What's holding this show back? Anybody have any info?
shareIt was rerun a few years ago on The Gospel Music Channel. That was the first time I had seen it in years.
I think the reason it has not been released on home video has to do with the fact that it was the subject of a lawsuit. The creators of the TV series M*A*S*H argued that the character, Trapper, was developed by them and that 20th Century Fox needed to credit them on the spinoff. Fox has kept the show out of circulation. It's a shame, because it was a fantastic series and deserves to be discovered by new audiences.
I've heard about that lawsuit and have a hard time believing it. Who sued who? Both shows were produced by 20th Century Fox. M*A*S*H never mentioned the book or movie in its credits, and I don't think TJMD ever mentioned M*A*S*H or the producers or Richard Hooker in its credits. “Fraiser” credits the creators of “Cheers” for creating the character of Frasier Crane. Even if there had been a lawsuit, it shouldn't interfere with distribution of the series.
shareIn fact, the TV show M*A*S*H lost the suit. Trapper John MD was ruled to be a derivative of the movie MASH, and of the source book by Dr. Hooker, but not the TV series. So there is no such conflict keeping it out of distribution.
I suspect the reason is simpler: It's an old-school medical drama that ended well before the issue of complete series on DVD, it isn't much remembered now (unfortunately, to my mind; I remember it fondly), and it's never been considered a seminal or groundbreaking piece of TV history. So the studio probably figures there's no market, and they may be right. Our best hope is for one of the issuers of "classic" shows on DVD, like Shout! Factory, to decide it's worth their while to acquire.
I would love to see this show on DVD. It was a great show! I hated MASH and found it boring but I loved Trapper John! And Gonzo!
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