China Beach

Editor Reviews

• Birch Langston

  Rating: -2

  -2

  June 2, 2025

  Premiering in 1988, China Beach offered a poignant and often gritty look at the Vietnam War from a unique perspective: the women who served there. Set at an evacuation hospital and R&R base near Da Nang, the series focused on the lives of doctors, nurses, and USO entertainers. Dana Delany starred as Colleen McMurphy, a nurse whose experiences formed the core of the show. Unlike many war narratives, China Beach delved deep into the emotional and psychological toll of the conflict on its characters, often using contemporary music to underscore the mood. The show was praised for its realism and its complex portrayal of female characters in a challenging environment, earning critical acclaim and several awards, though it wasn't always a ratings giant.