Trapper John, M.D. ran for seven seasons. The CBS medical drama premiered on September 23, 1979, and ended on September 4, 1986, with 151 episodes produced.
The series followed an older Trapper John McIntyre, played by Pernell Roberts, working as chief of surgery at San Francisco Memorial Hospital. It was a spin-off of the 1970 M*A*S*H film rather than a direct continuation of the television series, which created a complicated continuity around the character and his wartime history.
The show remained a strong performer for much of its run, often ranking in the top 30. Its seventh season brought major cast and scheduling changes, including Gregory Harrison’s departure as Gonzo. Ratings declined, and CBS canceled the series by the end of that final season. The number seven therefore refers to completed broadcast seasons, not simply the years between premiere and finale.