The Sullivans

Inspired by Granada Television’s A Family at War, The Sullivans emerged as a defining Australian soap that found remarkable success far beyond its home country. When it arrived in the UK in 1977, taking over the daytime slot from Emmerdale Farm (which had been promoted to primetime), it quickly established itself as a viewer favourite. Its reach extended across continents, gaining loyal audiences in places like the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands, Greece, Malaysia, and New Zealand, and ultimately being sold to more than 45 countries worldwide.

Set against the backdrop of the Second World War, the story begins in 1939 and centres on the Sullivan family at their fictional home in Camberwell, Melbourne. The series balances intimate domestic life with the far-reaching consequences of global conflict, depicting both battlefield action and the emotional toll of war on those at home. Though scenes portrayed campaigns in North Africa, Greece, Britain, New Guinea and Malaya, most were convincingly recreated in and around Melbourne (although some of the exterior scenes in the Netherlands were actually filmed in Amsterdam), a testament to the show’s meticulous production.

That attention to detail became one of its defining strengths. The production team committed to an impressive level of historical accuracy, from carefully timestamped scripts referencing real events to the use of authentic 1930s furnishings and goods. Even weather conditions were researched using archived newspapers, grounding the drama in a vivid sense of time and place that elevated it above typical soap fare.

At the heart of the series is Dave Sullivan, played by Paul Cronin (Matlock Police), a First World War veteran and factory foreman whose pragmatic outlook often clashes with his devout Catholic wife Grace, portrayed by Lorraine Bayly (Neighbours). Their children bring a range of perspectives shaped by the war: John (Andrew McFarlane – The Flying Doctors), a medical student and principled pacifist drawn reluctantly into service; Tom (Steven Tandy - Mortified), eager to enlist; and Terry (Richard Morgan - Stingers), whose youthful innocence gradually erodes into delinquency. Kitty (Susan Hannaford – The Bold and the Beautiful), the sensitive 13-year-old, embodies hope and compassion, while Anna Kaufman (Ingrid Mason – Picnic at Hanging Rock), John’s partner and the daughter of German-Jewish immigrants, highlights the personal cost of prejudice as antisemitism intensifies.

The series does not shy away from tragedy. Terry’s descent into crime and Kitty’s devastating suicide are handled with emotional weight, reflecting the broader scars left by the war. Among the most powerful moments are Grace’s farewells as she sends her sons into danger, scenes that resonate deeply thanks to Bayly’s restrained, heartfelt performance—one she later revealed was inspired by her own mother.

Grace’s eventual death remains one of the show’s most shocking and memorable turning points. After Bayly chose to leave the series, her character was written out in a dramatic bombing in London, following a period of pre-recorded appearances. While the show continued to perform well, her absence was keenly felt. Plans to explore post-war Australia were ultimately abandoned when Cronin also departed, bringing the series to a close despite its ongoing popularity.

Critically acclaimed and widely loved, The Sullivans was one of Australia’s standout dramas of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Its success was reflected in multiple Logie Awards, including wins for both Cronin and Bayly. The series also served as a platform for an impressive roster of guest stars, with appearances from rising talents such as Mel Gibson and Kylie Minogue, alongside memorable turns by Noni Hazlehurst and Michael Caton. Additional guest roles from Sam Neill, Gary Sweet, Sigrid Thornton and Dannii Minogue further underline the show’s enduring legacy as both a cultural touchstone and a launching pad for major careers.

Ultimately, The Sullivans stands out not just as a successful soap opera, but as a richly detailed and emotionally resonant portrait of a family shaped by extraordinary times.