Evening broadcasts once brought the harsh realities of the Vietnam War straight into American homes, yet when viewers switched to prime-time TV, the national turmoil faded into a distant background. During the height of the conflict, American networks chose to air shows absent of controversy, steering clear of any mention of the ongoing conflict. However, the tension of the war subtly weaved its way into television narratives in the years that followed. As time moved on, TV began directly engaging with the complexities of Vietnam.
“Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.” emerged on CBS in 1964, just after the Gulf of Tonkin resolution, which sanctioned U.S. military involvement in Vietnam. Despite its comedic nature, this depiction of a clumsy Marine became a leading image of military life for audiences during Vietnam’s peak. The war itself went unmentioned, yet many actors were real Marines, with some later serving in Vietnam, a reality that left a lasting impression on actor Jim Nabors.
“All in the Family” broke new ground in 1971, bringing Vietnam into prime-time conversations on CBS. The iconic show, famous for its heated debates on political topics, crafted an explosive episode in 1976 centered on the arrival of a draft-dodging friend at Christmas dinner. The confrontation forced characters to confront their stances on the war, highlighting the era’s societal divisions.
“M(asterisk)A(asterisk)S(asterisk)H,” despite its Korean War setting, resonated during America’s Vietnam years with its biting anti-war humor. This CBS dramedy channeled the nation’s war fatigue through its character-driven narratives, capturing the era’s sentimentality towards military efforts and the conflict’s exhaustive nature.
During the Reagan era, NBC’s “The A-Team” offered the first routine portrayal of Vietnam veterans. This action-packed series, with its team of charismatic mercenaries, painted a vibrant portrayal of Vietnam veterans caught up in ongoing battles for justice and adventure. Even when the show briefly revisited Vietnam, it maintained its lighthearted essence, tempered by the weight of war memories.
The “Welcome Home Concert” in 1987 reflected the era’s shift toward honoring Vietnam veterans. This HBO charity event emerged as a long-overdue celebration for veterans, featuring an array of artists performing anthems that captured the duality of anti-war sentiment and respect for those who served.
Prime-time finally ventured into combat depiction with “Tour of Duty,” a CBS series directly tackling the Vietnam War narrative in 1987. The show featured intense portrayals of battle and soldierly life, yet it struggled to capture wide audiences, eventually morphing into a more traditionally dramatic series.
ABC’s “China Beach,” debuting in 1988, offered a different perspective on the conflict, capturing the lives of American Army medics and civilians. Despite critical acclaim, the show struggled to attract mass viewership, joining the short-lived roster of Vietnam-themed shows.
“The Wonder Years” tapped into boomer nostalgia, with Vietnam weaving subtly into its storyline. The touching narrative revolved around childhood experiences overshadowed by the tragedies of war, striking a chord with audiences reminiscing the era.
NBC’s miniseries “The ’60s,” though packed with decade stereotypes, drew vast audiences in 1999. The program featured interweaving stories of three siblings with one character’s journey tragically shaped by his Vietnam service, epitomizing the generational impact of the war.
“This Is Us,” airing from 2016-2022, used the Vietnam War as a critical narrative arc, unpeeking the emotional scars registered by the family patriarch and leaving long-lasting impacts on his loved ones. The poignant, dual-era storytelling provided contemporary audiences insight into the lasting impacts of war.
PBS’s “The Vietnam War” docuseries aired in 2017, a Ken Burns production shedding light on the war’s multifaceted stories, including North Vietnamese perspectives. The inclusion of modern soundtrack elements and raw narratives offered a fresh insight into the complexities experienced during the Vietnam conflict.
In 2024, HBO’s “The Sympathizer” dared to present a Vietnamese perspective on the aftermath of Vietnam’s falls, generating mixed views among Vietnamese American audiences. This adaptation of a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel held onto comedic shades while tackling a profound historical narrative. While its portrayal was met with critique, Robert Downey Jr.’s multifaceted performance received significant accolades, including an Emmy nomination.