The Sullivans (1976)
An Australian wartime drama following a Melbourne family through the trials of World War II, beloved across seven seasons on the Nine Network.
The Sullivans - Series Information
- Original Title: The Sullivans
- First Air Year: 1976
- Last Air Year: 1983
- Created by: Jock Blair, Ian Jones
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Soap
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 23
- Number of Episodes: 1114
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: November 15, 1976 (United Kingdom - PG), November 15, 1976 (Australia - PG)
- Networks: Nine Network
- Production Companies: Crawford Productions, Nine Network Australia
The Sullivans - Plot
The Sullivans is an Australian drama television series produced by Crawford Productions which ran on the Nine Network from 1976 until 1983. The series told the story of an average middle-class Melbourne family and the effect World War II had on their lives. It was a consistent ratings success in Australia, and also became popular in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands, Gibraltar and New Zealand.
The Sullivans - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse into the world of the Sullivan family:
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The Sullivans - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Jock Blair
- Ian Jones
Main Cast
- Paul Cronin
- Steven Tandy
- Richard Morgan
- Reg Gorman
- Vikki Hammond
- Norman Yemm
- Andrew McFarlane
- Vivean Gray
- Megan Williams
- Michael Caton
Writers
- Roger Dunn
- Tony Morphett
- Peter Schreck
- Jane Galletly
- Charles Stamp
Executive Producers
- Ian Jones
The Sullivans - FAQs
What is The Sullivans about?
The Sullivans follows an ordinary middle-class Melbourne family navigating the upheaval of World War II. The series blends domestic drama with the wider social and emotional consequences of wartime, exploring themes of family loyalty, sacrifice, and resilience across seven years of Australian television.
When did The Sullivans first air?
The Sullivans premiered on November 15, 1976, on Australia's Nine Network. It ran for seven years, concluding in 1983 after 1,114 episodes across 23 seasons, making it one of the longest-running Australian drama series of its era.
How many seasons does The Sullivans have?
The Sullivans ran for 23 seasons in total. The first 22 seasons each comprised 50 episodes, while the final Season 23 concluded with 14 episodes, bringing the complete series total to 1,114 episodes over its seven-year run on the Nine Network.
Who are the main actors in The Sullivans?
The principal cast includes Paul Cronin as Dave Sullivan, Lorraine Bayly as Grace Sullivan, Steven Tandy as Tom Sullivan, Richard Morgan as Terry Sullivan, Andrew McFarlane as John Sullivan, Michael Caton as Uncle Harry, Vivean Gray as Ida Jessup, Reg Gorman as Jack Fletcher, and Megan Williams as Alice Watkins Sullivan.
Was The Sullivans popular outside Australia?
Yes. Beyond its strong domestic ratings in Australia, The Sullivans attracted a devoted international audience, particularly in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Gibraltar, and New Zealand, establishing it as one of Australia's most successful television exports of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Who created The Sullivans?
The Sullivans was created by Jock Blair and Ian Jones and produced by Crawford Productions for the Nine Network. Ian Jones also served as executive producer throughout the series' run, helping shape its distinctive blend of wartime drama and domestic storytelling.
Where to watch The Sullivans online?
Streaming availability for The Sullivans varies by region. You can check current viewing options, including any subscription, rental, or free streaming platforms carrying the series, by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date availability information across multiple services in your country.
What are shows similar to The Sullivans?
Viewers who enjoyed The Sullivans may also appreciate Combat! (1962), Party of Five (1994), SS-GB (2017), and The Wrong Girl (2016) for their mix of wartime drama, family dynamics, or Australian settings. Bewitched (1964) and 8 Simple Rules (2002) offer lighter domestic drama comparisons.
More About The Sullivans
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