Number 96 (1972)
The groundbreaking Australian soap opera that shocked, charmed, and captivated a nation across six seasons and over 1,100 episodes.
Number 96 - Series Information
- Original Title: Number 96
- First Air Year: 1972
- Last Air Year: 1977
- Created by: David Sale
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 1100
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: 10
Number 96 - Plot
Number 96 was a popular Australian soap opera set in a Sydney apartment block. Don Cash and Bill Harmon of the Cash Harmon Television production company, produced the series for Network Ten, which requested a Coronation Street-type serial, and specifically one that explored adult subjects. The premise, original story outlines, and the original characters were devised by David Sale who also wrote the scripts for the first episodes and continued as script editor for much of the show's run. The series proved to be a huge success, running from 1972 until 1977. Number 96 was so popular it spawned a feature film version, filmed in December 1973. Number 96 was known for its sex scenes and nudity, somewhat risque at the time, and for its comedy characters. The series was the first Australian soap opera to feature an openly gay character.
Number 96 - Trailer
Take a look at what made Number 96 one of Australia's most talked-about television series:
The nude, rude goings-on at Australia's most outrageous and infamous address...
Where to Watch Number 96
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Number 96 - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- David Sale
Main Cast
- Tom Oliver
- Ray Meagher
- Anne Charleston
- Abigail
- Rowena Wallace
- Bettina Welch
- Pat McDonald
- Paula Duncan
- Judy McBurney
- Joe Hasham
Writers
- David Sale
Number 96 - FAQs
Was Number 96 the first Australian soap with a gay character?
Number 96 holds a genuine place in television history as the first Australian soap opera to feature an openly gay character. This was a bold and progressive move for early 1970s television, and it helped the show stand out as a culturally significant series well beyond its entertainment value.
Did Number 96 spawn a feature film?
The show's enormous popularity led to a feature film adaptation, filmed in December 1973. It was a rare achievement for an Australian television series of that era, reflecting just how deeply Number 96 had captured the public imagination during its peak years on Network Ten.
What was Number 96 known for?
Number 96 became famous for pushing boundaries — its sex scenes and nudity were considered quite daring for early 1970s Australian television. Alongside the risqué content, the show balanced genuine comedy and memorable characters, creating a mix that kept audiences hooked across six seasons and over 1,100 episodes.
How many episodes does Number 96 have?
Number 96 ran for an impressive 1,100 episodes across six seasons. Season 1 had 200 episodes, Season 2 had 243, Season 3 had 223, Season 4 had 241, Season 5 had 188, and Season 6 wrapped up with 5 final episodes before the series concluded in 1977.
Who created Number 96?
David Sale devised the original premise, story outlines, and characters for Number 96. He also wrote the scripts for the early episodes and served as script editor for much of the series' run. The show was produced by Don Cash and Bill Harmon of Cash Harmon Television for Network Ten.
Where can I watch Number 96 in Australia?
Streaming availability for Number 96 varies by region and platform. Your best option is to check JustWatch, which aggregates current viewing options across all major streaming services and digital storefronts in Australia, giving you an up-to-date picture of where the series can be found.
What genre is Number 96?
Number 96 blends Comedy, Crime, and Drama into a distinctive soap opera format. Set in a Sydney apartment block, it combined neighbourhood intrigue and comedic characters with more serious storylines, giving it a broad appeal that helped sustain audience interest across its five-year run on Australian television.
Who are the main actors in Number 96?
The cast of Number 96 featured Tom Oliver, Ray Meagher, Anne Charleston, Abigail, Rowena Wallace, Bettina Welch, Pat McDonald, Paula Duncan, Judy McBurney, and Joe Hasham, among others. Several cast members, including Ray Meagher, went on to have long careers in Australian television after the series ended.
More About Number 96
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