The Sullivans

1976 – 1998 · 45m per ep · PG · English

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.

5.4(884 reviews)

58.9168% popularity

At a glance

Details

First air date: Nov 15, 1976
Last air date: Mar 10, 1983
Status: Ended
Seasons: 23
Episodes: 1114
Episode runtime: 45m
Original language: English
Country: —
Network / platform: Nine Network
Creator / showrunner: Jock Blair, Ian Jones
Certification: PG
Production companies: Crawford Productions, Nine Network Australia

Where to watch

Streaming availability has not been added yet.

Keywords

world war iiaustraliamiddle classmelbourne, australiafamily relationships1940s

Seasons & episodes

Season 1

1976 · 50 episodes

September 1, 1939 to February 17, 1940 War is looming and it poses very special threats to the Sullivans and their friends. Dave is a veteran of WWI and Grace, his wife, fears that he will enlist to fight again - but it is their son Tom who is the first to go off to war. Local German shopkeepers, the Kauffmans, face discrimination and risk internment while amidst the turmoil is John Sullivan’s love for their daughter Anna. With the war preoccupying the adults, 13-year-old Kitty Sullivan embarks on an innocent relationship with a lonely man – much to the consternation of Mrs. Jessup their nosey neighbour.

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Cast

Paul Cronin

Dave Sullivan

Steven Tandy

Tom Sullivan

Richard Morgan

Terry Sullivan

Megan Williams

Alice Watkins Sullivan

Reg Gorman

Jack Fletcher

Vikki Hammond

Maggie Baker / Maggie Hayward

Norman Yemm

Norm Baker

Andy Anderson

Jim Sullivan

Gary Sweet

Leslie 'Magpie' Maddern

Fiona Paul

Maureen Sullivan

Media

Reviews & ratings

5.4

884 community reviews

AR
Alex Rivera5/103/18/2026
Binge-worthy
Every episode leaves you wanting more. The character arcs are exceptional.
52 found helpful
JK
Jordan Kim5.4/103/14/2026
Peak television
One of the best shows in its genre — tightly written and beautifully acted.
44 found helpful
SP
Sam Patel6.4/103/10/2026
Must-watch series
The season finales alone are worth the watch.
36 found helpful
ML
Morgan Lee5/103/6/2026
Brilliant writing
Gripping from the first scene. Already recommending to everyone.
28 found helpful
CW
Casey Wong5.4/103/2/2026
Slow burn payoff
Takes a few episodes to hit stride, then it's unstoppable.
20 found helpful