The Sullivans

The Sullivans tracks a middle class Melbourne family through the upheavals of World War II. The focus is on everyday life under strain: work, school, courtship, and the small choices that keep a household steady. Dave, Tom and Terry Sullivan face rationing and letters from the front, while their mother Alice steadies the home and keeps the family together. A neighborhood friend, Jack Fletcher, adds support and a touch of humor. The result is a grounded portrait of ordinary Australians navigating war without resorting to grand battles. It aired on the Nine Network from 1976 to 1983, produced by Crawford Productions, and found steady audiences at home and abroad.

Created by Jock Blair and Ian Jones, The Sullivans was a Crawford Productions project that aired on Nine Network from 1976 through 1983. It drew on original scripts rather than any single source material and used rotating directors to handle the evolving day to day stories, giving the show a flexible, intimate feel.

Impact wise, The Sullivans became a touchstone of Australian TV in the late 70s, helping popularize home front drama. Its steady performance drew viewers at home and overseas, notably in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Gibraltar, and New Zealand. It also sparked conversations about Australian family life on screen.

Critics appreciated its grounded storytelling and strong ensemble. The show explores how a close knit family handles separation, loss, and changing social roles during wartime, without melodrama. Its depiction of ordinary courage and community ties earned a loyal audience, and helped shape later Australian family dramas.

Awards: Information on major awards for The Sullivans is not readily available. The show is cited for its longevity and audience appeal rather than a trophy haul, yet it stands as a notable example of Crawford Productions' success in the 1970s and as a touchstone of Australian TV form.