Sons and Daughters (Australian TV series)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | January 18, 1982 |
| Founder | Reg Watson |
| Defunct | December 27, 1987 |
| Fate | Ended |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia, United Kingdom, Western Europe |
Key people | Reg Watson (executive producer), Rowena Wallace (actress), Belinda Giblin (actress), Normie Rowe (actor) |
| Products | Soap opera television series |
| Parent | Reg Grundy Organisation |
Sons and Daughters is an Australian soap opera and drama series that earned a Logie Award, airing on the Seven Network from January 1982 until December 1987. The show was produced by the Reg Grundy Organisation and created by executive producer Reg Watson. Distribution rights are held by Fremantle.
The program gained recognition for its suspenseful season finales and the memorable character Patricia "Pat the Rat" Hamilton, first portrayed by Rowena Wallace. In 1983, Wallace became only the second soap actress to receive the prestigious Gold Logie award. Following her departure in 1985, the role was taken over by Belinda Giblin, who returned as Alison Carr after a storyline involving plastic surgery in Rio de Janeiro.
Later in the series, Australian pop vocalist Normie Rowe joined the cast, marking his debut in a major television drama after a background in musical theatre.
Broadcast
The show’s extended pilot episode debuted on 18 January 1982 during the non-ratings period in Sydney and Melbourne, with Brisbane and Adelaide following suit shortly after. Initially, episodes were broadcast as four half-hour segments from Monday to Thursday for approximately ten months each year, though this schedule varied depending on the region. After 1984, the format transitioned predominantly to two one-hour episodes per week. The series was officially cancelled in November 1986; production ceased in March 1987. The final episode aired on 27 December 1987 in Sydney and on 10 January 1988 in Melbourne. Adelaide’s ADS7 station concluded the series earlier by airing the last episodes as a two-hour special on 16 November 1987.
Internationally, Sons and Daughters achieved success with broadcasts on Britain’s ITV starting February 1983. Episodes were not networked uniformly across regions, resulting in staggered storyline developments. In the late 1980s, it was also shown throughout Western Europe, generally occupying daytime slots except for prime-time broadcasts in countries like the Netherlands and Belgium.
History and synopsis
Produced by the Reg Grundy Organisation and aired nationally on the Seven Network, Sons and Daughters was created in 1981 by television executive Reg Watson, who had previously developed British soap Crossroads as well as Australian dramas such as The Young Doctors, The Restless Years, and Prisoner. The concept was influenced by American prime-time soaps like Dallas and Knots Landing, both enjoying strong ratings on CBS.
Watson intended to bring this style of storytelling to Australian prime-time audiences. In 1982, two of his projects received commissions: Taurus Rising for Nine Network, which centered on rival wealthy families, and Sons and Daughters for Seven, which depicted life among the affluent Hamiltons and working-class Palmers. Seven ordered 174 half-hour episodes scheduled Monday through Thursday at 7 pm. While Taurus Rising failed to gain traction, Sons and Daughters quickly became a ratings powerhouse, emerging as Australia’s top-rated series. Its appeal was enhanced by featuring characters based in both Sydney and Melbourne, catering to audiences across these major cities—a strategic decision reflecting regional viewing habits. Critics likened it to popular Latin American telenovelas known for their high domestic popularity.
The show maintained strong ratings for three years but experienced a decline following lead actress Rowena Wallace’s exit in early 1985. Attempts to boost viewership with new additions—including Abigail as Caroline Morrell and former pop icon Normie Rowe playing Doug—did not reverse this trend. To reinvigorate interest, producers recast Wallace’s character Patricia Hamilton with Belinda Giblin portraying Alison Carr—a fresh identity created through a plastic surgery plotline involving clearing her name from a murder charge. Giblin’s performance helped stabilize ratings, preventing cancellation during 1985–1986.
In early 1986, a cast revamp aimed at attracting younger viewers introduced comedic elements but failed to halt falling ratings. Later that year saw Wallace return as Pamela Hudson, Patricia/Alison’s long-lost twin sister. Production wrapped up in March 1987, with weekly one-hour episodes continuing until the end of that year.
Known for its heightened melodrama and cliffhanger endings—such as the dramatic 1986 season finale featuring snake bites, shark attacks, and horse kicks—the series employed sensational tactics to boost audience numbers without lasting success. Despite its downturn, Sons and Daughters cultivated a devoted fan base through reruns both domestically and abroad. Between 2020 and 2022, ViaVision Entertainment released comprehensive DVD box sets of the entire series, highlighting its enduring popularity.
Theme tune
The series' theme music was created by the duo Peter Pinne and Don Battye, with vocals delivered by Mick Leyton alongside Kerrie Biddell. Two principal arrangements were featured during the closing credits: a 3/4 time signature version predominantly heard from 1982 to 1983, and a 4/4 time arrangement used between 1984 and 1987. The complete theme was issued as a 7-inch single in the United Kingdom in 1984, achieving a peak position of number 68 on the charts for a three-week duration, released under the A1 record label (catalogue number 'A1 286').
Season 1
The narrative commenced with a Romeo and Juliet-inspired love story involving two families from contrasting social backgrounds: the affluent Hamiltons based in Sydney and the working-class Palmers residing in Melbourne. John Palmer (Peter Phelps) encounters Angela Hamilton (Ally Fowler), a privileged young woman, while he is on the run from authorities accused of a murder he did not commit. Unaware of their true identities as twins separated at birth due to an affair between their parents—David Palmer (Tom Richards) and Patricia (Rowena Wallace)—they fall deeply in love. Early episodes uncover their shared lineage and the ensuing tensions affecting both their relationship and their families. John, sheltered in Sydney by Fiona Thompson (Pat McDonald), a former madam turned boarding house proprietor, adopts the alias Scott Edwards with assistance from Fiona and Jill Taylor (Kim Lewis), another ex-prostitute.
Following the revelation of John and Angela’s sibling connection, the two families become increasingly intertwined. Susan Palmer (Ann Henderson-Stiers) uncovers that her spouse Bill Todd was behind the murder for which John was initially blamed; Bill is subsequently convicted and imprisoned. Kevin Palmer (Stephen Comey) and his partner Lynn Hardy (Antonia Murphy) confront obstacles when Lynn becomes pregnant despite familial disapproval. The relationship between David and John deteriorates, while David’s renewed affair with Patricia causes both of their marriages to collapse—David’s union with homemaker Beryl (Leila Hayes) and Patricia’s marriage to businessman Gordon (Brian Blain). Amidst this family upheaval, corporate intrigue intensifies through Gordon’s business ventures, ownership of the rural estate Woombai, and his manipulative son Wayne (Ian Rawlings).
Patricia emerges as a pivotal character whose neurotic manipulations drive much of the storyline; she gained popularity among viewers as 'Pat the Rat'. Additional characters introduced include Patricia’s socialite acquaintance Charlie Bartlett (Sarah Kemp), Rob Keegan (Noel Hodda)—Beryl Palmer’s younger brother who weds Angela—and Paul Sheppard (Mark Ferguson), Patricia’s ethically conflicted grandson who inherits a substantial fortune from her former lover James Sheppard.
Season 2
During season two, Patricia's mental health declines following an overdose on sleeping medication, leading Susan to become her live-in caretaker before departing to be near her incarcerated husband Bill. Wayne seizes control over his father Gordon by manipulating Patricia into granting him power of attorney. John discovers his biological father is Air Force officer Martin Healy, along with Patricia’s estranged sister Margaret Dunne, triggering dramatic developments as family secrets resurface. Martin ultimately commits suicide due to past transgressions, but suspicion falls on David after Margaret removes the suicide note.
Other story arcs include Jill marrying Brian O'Donnell, an illegal immigrant, to help him obtain a visa; Fiona’s boarding house being destroyed by fire nearly killing Jill; and a romantic triangle involving Angela, Rob Keegan, and Paul Sheppard—all three characters eventually exit the series. Jill endures a shocking assault by drifter Terry Hansen, later revealed as Fiona’s long-lost son; despite this dark storyline, Terry is portrayed with some sympathy by the writers. Gordon marries neighbor Barbara Armstrong, leading to a business alliance with her entrepreneurial brother Stephen Morrell. Stephen’s abrupt marriage to Patricia introduces the affluent Morrell family—his ruthless mother Dee and scheming daughter Amanda—whose relationships undergo significant change following Dee’s death and the discovery of her will. Seeking a male heir to sustain her enterprise, Stephen embarks on a search for his presumed son Andy Green.
Season 3
The third season begins with Fiona taken aback by the unexpected return of Scott Thompson. Meanwhile, Patricia’s short-lived marriage to Stephen dissolves as she finds comfort in psychiatrist Matt Kennedy and mends her relationship with sister Margaret following a bushfire crisis.
This season introduces notable cast departures: original twin John exits; Stephen Morrell takes a temporary hiatus; and Doug and Rosie Palmer leave the series. To fill these vacancies, the working-class O'Brien family from Melbourne moves in next door, consisting of parents Mike and Heather and their children Katie and Jeff, later joined by Mike’s brother Jim. David’s affair with Margaret results in the end of his marriage to Beryl, who subsequently dates Jim. Tragedy unfolds as Margaret dies in a plane crash, and Jim is killed by a bomb on David’s booby-trapped vehicle. Lynn develops feelings for Andy Green while Kevin works abroad; after a suicide attempt, she decides to reunite with Kevin and depart with him and their child.
Patricia becomes involved with corrupt entrepreneur Roger Carlyle and his son Luke. When Luke embezzles funds from Patricia’s company and is later found murdered by Beryl, Patricia becomes the main suspect amid several attempts on her life orchestrated by Roger. New characters introduced this season include GP Irene Fisher, who co-manages a boarding house with Fiona; manipulative businesswoman Karen Fox, who disrupts relationships while entangled with Wayne; Ross Newman, a surgeon battling gambling addiction under Roger’s sway; and Bob 'Mitch' Mitchell, an ex-convict who starts a romance with Amanda while clashing with Karen and Wayne.
Season 4
Season four brings significant changes marked by the early exit of Patricia Hamilton Morrell Palmer Dunne, the series’ most beloved character. Following Rowena Wallace’s departure, producers introduced new female antagonists—Karen Fox (Lyndel Rowe), Leigh, and Caroline Morrell—though none matched Patricia’s influence. This led to Patricia’s comeback, now portrayed by Belinda Giblin as "Alison Carr," after undergoing facial reconstruction surgery in Rio de Janeiro. The season also sees the O'Brien family leave following Jeff’s fatal house fire and original cast member Jill O'Donnell’s departure, all occurring amid Patricia’s disappearance in episode 584.
The season opens with Patricia marrying David before fleeing to Rio to escape Roger Carlyle’s pursuit. Wayne is duped by Karen into marriage under the false belief that he covered up Mitch's murder—when in fact Mitch was paid to vanish. Karen is later found dead after an altercation with escort Liz Smith, who harbors feelings for Gordon. Beryl gives birth to a son named Robert, who is kidnapped twice: initially by Dr. Ross Newman and nurse Gloria Dutton, then later by Leigh. Fiona struggles to publish her late fiancé Barney Adams’ confidential wartime diaries but faces opposition from Colonel Bainbridge and his son Chris; the Colonel ultimately takes his own life, prompting Chris to seek vengeance against Fiona.
Karen manipulates Wayne into marrying her by convincing him he killed Mitch; Wayne then disappears fearing imprisonment. Meanwhile, an impersonator assumes his identity, with Ian Rawlings portraying both Wayne Hamilton and Gary Evans.
A central plot involves a fraudulent redevelopment plan threatening Woombai led by the cunning Bill Ashley. Amanda Morrell goes missing after overhearing sensitive information, causing distress for her family and prompting Caroline to search for her. Caroline rekindles ties with ex-husband Stephen while clashing with his new partner Jenny Turner. Leigh Palmer faces threats from Richard Crampton, father of her child, who hires Neil Duffy to purchase custody rights and later employs hitman Nick Stafford; Crampton is ultimately killed by Stafford after David fires at him first.
David and Fiona travel to Rio in search of Patricia after David receives suspicious funds. Following plastic surgery to conceal injuries sustained during an assault in Rio, Patricia returns as Alison Carr and works to exonerate "her" name concerning Luke Carlyle's murder. Mary Reynolds arrives at Woombai claiming that Patricia is her mother.
Season 5
Season 5 represents a deliberate pivot from corporate drama toward more relatable, humorous narratives, incorporating a host of younger characters. A revised production strategy resulted in the sudden departure of long-standing cast members such as Barbara Hamilton and Irene Fisher, reportedly aimed at minimizing the presence of older "aunty" archetypes within the ensemble.
Several characters—Leigh Palmer (who dies early), Tim Palmer, Donna Palmer, Spider Webb, Brett Keegan, Adam Tate, Samantha Morrell, and Mary Reynolds—were phased out shortly after their introductions. New faces included Fiona’s niece Janice Reid; tenant May Walters; Craig Maxwell, a runaway who initially confuses Beryl Palmer for his mother; and Doug Fletcher, who becomes Caroline’s new romantic interest. The season also brought in younger roles like Glenn Young, Debbie Halliday, Ginny Doyle, and reintroduced Susan Todd Palmer with a different actress.
Central plots featured Samantha Morrell uncovering distressing information about her missing sister Amanda; Leigh Palmer’s suicide concluding a long-standing storyline; Fiona undergoing kidney surgery while campaigning alongside May Walters to preserve an old mansion; and a severe car accident caused by a dispute between Caroline and Alison that leaves Barbara disfigured and Gordon suffering from amnesia. Alison manipulates the situation to distance Barbara from Gordon, while Caroline faces jail time.
Craig Maxwell arrives searching for his biological mother Ruby Hawkins—who looks identical to Beryl Palmer—and eventually accepts that Beryl is not Ruby. Both roles are portrayed by Leila Hayes. The season concludes with Ned Parker and Micky Pratt taking hostages at the mansion following Ned’s prison break; Micky dies in an accident during the standoff. The siege ends with Patricia implicated through fingerprints on a weapon and Alison’s true identity being exposed.
Season 6
The season saw the exit of original cast member David Palmer (Tom Richards), May Walters, Owen Brooke, as well as newer characters Ginny Doyle and Glen Young—both killed in a car crash involving Wayne. Debbie Halliday departed but returned for the finale. Fresh additions included feuding siblings Nick (John Hannon) and Michael Benson (Phillip Spencer-Harris); twins Greg (Tom Jennings) and Sarah Hudson (Melissa Docker); and to boost viewership, Rowena Wallace reprised her role as Pamela Hudson, twin sister to Patricia—a plotline that failed to rejuvenate ratings.
Caroline discovers that Susan is alive but hiding from Wayne. After Wayne drives off intoxicated, Glen and Ginny chase him, resulting in their fatal accident. Wayne alienates those around him, and when he is shot, suspicion falls on multiple characters. Beryl is incarcerated for the shooting after shielding her daughter Susan. While imprisoned, Beryl encounters Pamela Hudson—Patricia’s twin who was separated at birth and had a more difficult upbringing.
Andy learns he has a daughter named Madonna from a past relationship with Jodie Frazer. When Jodie abandons Madonna, Andy embraces fatherhood responsibilities. Gordon teams up with Bill Sanders at Sanders' Air Charter until sabotage threatens their operation. A mysterious investor rescues the company—later revealed as Wayne—hinting at potential transformation. Settling in Melbourne with Beryl and her son Robert, Gordon finds peace.
Psychiatrist Benson assists Wayne in recalling who shot him. Nick and Michael share a tense relationship; Nick courts both Alison and Pamela, igniting fierce competition. Ultimately, Nick chooses Pamela, and they depart together.
Doug marries Caroline; she authors My Sister My Love, based on the Hamiltons and Palmers families. Despite Doug’s warnings about alienating friends, she publishes a sequel. Caroline learns her unborn child may have Down's Syndrome and initially considers abortion but changes her mind without informing Doug. Planning to leave, she is persuaded by Doug to keep the baby; they relocate to Melbourne where Doug purchases a fish shop.
Charlie meets fitness coach Todd Buckley (Paul Dawber) and quickly becomes engaged despite Alison’s interference. Charlie expels Alison due to her manipulations and marries Todd in an idyllic ceremony.
Sarah Hudson catches Wayne’s eye as he schemes to ruin Alison’s life. Alison uses Susan against Wayne but Susan ends up dead—apparently strangled by Wayne—prompting him to contact authorities. Facing financial ruin, Alison reconciles with David.
The series concludes by echoing its beginning: at Fiona's mansion boarding house, a heavily pregnant woman arrives with her partner and gives birth to twins—signifying the narrative coming full circle. The final episode features a montage blending past and present cast members.
Cast
At the beginning of Sons and Daughters, the principal cast was presented in the closing credits organized by family units (Hamilton, Palmer, Morrell, O'Brien). Characters such as Fiona Thompson and Jill Taylor, who did not belong to these family groups, were shown on separate credit slides. Guest performers were acknowledged individually in each episode as "guest artists."
Starting from episode 737, the main cast was credited in alphabetical order.
Throughout the series, some irregularities appeared, including actors being credited after their departure or characters being identified by incorrect married surnames.
| Actor | Character | Appears in |
|---|---|---|
| The Hamilton family | ||
| Rowena Wallace | Patricia "Pat the Rat" Hamilton Morrell Palmer / Pamela Hudson | series 1–4, episodes 2–536; series 6, episodes 905–944 |
| Brian Blain | Gordon Hamilton | series 1–6, episodes 2–972 |
| Ally Fowler | Angela Hamilton Palmer Keegan | series 1–3, episodes 2–424 |
| Ian Rawlings | Wayne Hamilton Morrell | series 1–6, episodes 2–972 |
| Cornelia Frances | Barbara Armstrong Hamilton | series 1–5, episodes 13–736 |
| ... | ||
| Pat McDonald | Fiona Thompson | series 1–6, episodes 1–972 |
| Kim Lewis | Jill Taylor O'Donnell | series 1–4, episodes 1–584 |
| Noel Hodda | Rob Keegan | series 1–6, episodes 74–896 |
| Mark Ferguson | Paul Sheppard | series 1–3, episodes 112–443 |
| Paul Sonkkila | Martin Healy | series 2, episodes 186–252 |
| Grant Piro | Tony Parker | series 2–3, episodes 255–462 |
| Danny Roberts | Andrew Green | series 2–6, episodes 342–982 |
| Sarah Kemp | Charlie Bartlett | series 1–6, episodes 43–972 |
| The Palmer family | ||
| Leila Hayes | Beryl Palmer Hamilton | series 1–6, episodes 1–972 |
| Tom Richards | David Palmer | series 1–6, episodes 1–972 |
| Peter Phelps | John Palmer | series 1–3, episodes 1–424 |
| Ann Henderson-Stires Oriana Panozzo |
Susan Palmer Todd Hamilton | series 1–2, episodes 1–212; series 5–6, episodes 731–972 |
| Stephen Comey | Kevin Palmer | series 1–3, episodes 1–466 |
| Antonia Murphy | Lynn Hardy Palmer | series 1–3, episodes 5–466 |
| Syd Conabere | Doug Palmer | series 1–3, episodes 10–398 |
| Anne Haddy | Rosie Andrews Palmer | series 1–4, episodes 30–534 |
| Lisa Crittenden | Leigh Palmer | series 4–5, episodes 534–699 |
| The Morrell family | ||
| Michael Long | Stephen Morrell | series 2–4, episodes 267–651 |
| Alyce Platt | Amanda Morrell | series 2–4, episodes 286–594 |
| Abigail | Caroline Morrell Fletcher | series 4–6, episodes 554–971 |
| Sally Tayler | Samantha Morrell | series 4–5, episodes 587–740 |
| The O'Brien family | ||
| Ken James | Mike O'Brien | series 3–4, episodes 387–584 |
| Rona Coleman | Heather O'Brien | series 3–4, episodes 387–692 |
| Jane Seaborn | Katie O'Brien | series 3–4, episodes 387–584 |
| Craig Morrison | Jeff O'Brien | series 3, episodes 387–507 |
| ... (post-episode 737 cast listed alphabetically) | ||
| Belinda Giblin | Allison Carr | series 4–6, episodes 630–972 |
| Jared Robinson | Craig Maxwell | series 5–6, episodes 731–971 |
| Mark Conroy | Glen Young | series 5–6, episodes 735–887 |
| Angela Kennedy | Ginny Doyle | series 5–6, episodes 789–887 |
| Rima Te Wiata | Janice Reid | series 5–6, episodes714-972 |
| Shannon Kenny | Debby Halliday | series5-6,episodes750-971 |
| Normie Rowe | Doug Fletcher | series5-6,episodes734-971 |
| Phillip Spencer-Harris | Michael Benson | series5-6,episodes858-970 |
| Haydon Samuels | Tick McCarthy | series5-6,episodes863-952 |
| John Hannon | Nick Benson | series6,episodes903-944 |
| Paul Dawber | Todd Buckley | series6,episodes945-972 |
| Melissa Docker | Sarah Hudson | series6,episodes945-972 |
| Tom Jennings | Greg Hudson | series6,episodes942-972 |
Opening titles sequence
The introduction of each episode showcases sepia-hued images of the principal cast members, which are refreshed from time to time. Throughout her two-year involvement, Judy Nunn is prominently credited as a "guest artist," appearing alongside and occasionally above some regular cast members. The main cast, listed in order of their appearance, includes:
- John Palmer portrayed by Peter Phelps (series 1–3, episodes 1–434)
- Angela Hamilton Keegan played by Ally Fowler (series 1–2, episodes 1–292)
- Patricia Hamilton Morrell enacted by Rowena Wallace (series 1–4, episodes 1–545)
- David Palmer depicted by Tom Richards (series 1–5, episodes 1–860)
- Fiona Thompson performed by Pat McDonald (entire series)
- Gordon Hamilton represented by Brian Blain (entire series)
- Beryl Palmer Hamilton embodied by Leila Hayes (entire series)
- Jill Taylor O’Donnell acted by Kim Lewis (series 1–4, episodes 1–584)
- Wayne Hamilton Morrell played by Ian Rawlings (entire series)
- Susan Todd portrayed by Ann Henderson-Stires (series 1, episodes 1–174)
- Kevin Palmer represented by Stephen Comey (series 1–2, episodes 1–352)
- Rob Keegan performed by Noel Hodda (series 2, episodes 277–292)
- Barbara Hamilton enacted by Cornelia Frances (series 2–5, episodes 293–736)
- Lynn Palmer played by Antonia Murphy (series 2–4, episodes 293–500)
- Andy Green depicted by Danny Roberts (series 3–6, episodes 353–972)
- Amanda Morrell acted by Alyce Platt (series 3–4, episodes 425–596)
- Katie O’Brien portrayed by Jane Seaborn (series 3–4, episodes 493–596)
- Charlie Bartlett Buckley represented by Sarah Kemp (series 4–6, episodes 546–972)
- Caroline Morrell Fletcher performed by Abigail (series 4–6, episodes 585–972)
- Leigh Palmer played by Lisa Crittenden (series 4, episodes 597–696)
- Stephen Morrell enacted by Michael Long (series 4, episodes 601–652)
- Irene Fisher portrayed by Judy Nunn (series 4–5, episodes 653–736)
- Alison Carr acted by Belinda Giblin (series 5–6, episodes 697–972)
- Glen Young played by Mark Conroy (series 5–6, episodes 737–868)
- Craig Maxwell represented by Jared Robinson (series 5–6, episodes 737–972)
- Doug Fletcher performed by Normie Rowe (series 5–6, episodes 861–972)
- Susan Hamilton depicted by Oriana Panozzo (series 6, episodes 893–972)
Notable guest artists
| Actor | Character | Appears in |
|---|---|---|
| Gaynor Martin | Prue Armstrong | series 1, episodes 62–103 |
| Ilona Rodgers | Margaret Dunne | series 2–3, episodes 181–422 |
| Katie Brinson | Wendy Armstrong | series 2, episodes 183–216 |
| Brett Climo | Peter Healy | series 2, episodes 201–276 |
| Jodie Yemm | Jennifer Healy | series 2, episodes 219–257 |
| Mary Ward | Dee Morrell | series 2, episodes 305–337 |
| Sean Scully | Jim O'Brien | series 3–4, episodes 401–609 |
| Judy Nunn | Irene Fisher | series 3–5, episodes 422–738 |
| Lyndel Rowe | Karen Fox Hamilton | series 3–4, episodes 461–562 |
| Robert Mammone | Tim Palmer | series 4–5, episodes 552–746 |
| Joanna Lockwood | Jenny Turner Morrell | series 4, episodes 572–651 |
| Tony Ward | Roland Armstrong | series 4, episodes 588–639 |
| Brett Partridge | Brett Keegan | series 4, episodes 619–671 |
| Simone Buchanan | Donna Jackson Palmer | series 4–5, episodes 646–728 |
| Nick Tate | James Hamilton | series 4–5, episodes 671–708 |
Airing timetable
The series debuted on the Seven Network with a 90-minute special broadcast on 18 January 1982 in Sydney and Melbourne during a non-ratings period. It consists of 972 episodes, each originally 30 minutes long, although later installments were presented in hour-long formats, which varied depending on the region. Initially, the program was shown four times weekly from 19:00 to 19:30. In 1984, Sydney switched to airing one-hour episodes on Sundays and Mondays between 19:30 and 20:30. Over time, most stations transitioned to broadcasting two hour-long episodes per week, followed by a single one-hour episode weekly. It achieved the highest ratings in its time slot and became Australia's most popular soap opera throughout the 1980s. Due to a drop in viewership, the show was cancelled in early 1987; the final episode aired on Channel Seven Sydney on 27 December 1987, with Melbourne broadcasting its conclusion two weeks later.
During the 1990s, the series was rerun across Australia in early morning and daytime slots, initially at 9:30 am before moving to a 5:30 am timeslot.
Nationally, the show has been rebroadcast four times: on Foxtel from 1997 until mid-2000; on Seven Network weekdays at 10:00 am starting October 2006 (which ceased early in 2007 but resumed late nights from July 2008); and again from October 2013 with early morning airings. Between 2014 and 2018, Seven aired Sunday morning repeats in HD, concluding with episode number 972 on 11 August 2019.
7TWO has aired complete reruns twice: initially from November 2009 through October 2013; and again starting January 2022 to commemorate the show's 40th anniversary, showing four consecutive episodes each weekday mid-afternoon before moving to an early afternoon slot. The final episode was broadcast on Friday, 16 December 2022.
Episode guide
Although Sons and Daughters was broadcast across all Seven Network stations and regional affiliates, each station programmed the series independently, alternating between half-hour and hour-long episodes. The following table displays original air dates for ATN7 (Sydney) and HSV7 (Melbourne). During the first two seasons, both stations aired episodes simultaneously; however, scheduling diverged after Sydney adopted hour-long episodes a year ahead of Melbourne. Melbourne led broadcasts for two seasons before Sydney resumed leadership, ultimately finishing the series two weeks earlier.
| Season | Original air dates
(ATN7 and HSV7 Australia) |
Episode count | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season premiere | Season finale | ||||
| 1 | 18 January 1982 (SYD/MEL) | 11 November 1982 (SYD/MEL) | 174 | 1–174 | |
| 2 | 31 January 1983 (SYD/MEL) | 11 November 1983 (SYD/MEL) | 178 | 175–352 | |
| 3 | 6 February 1984 (MEL)
26 February 1984 (SYD) |
9 November 1984 (MEL)
14 January 1985 (SYD) |
176 | 353–528 | |
| 4 | 13 January 1985 (MEL)
20 January 1985 (SYD) |
4 November 1985 (MEL)
8 November 1985 (SYD) |
168 | 529–696 | |
| 5 | 13 January 1986 (SYD) 20 January 1986 (MEL) | 6 November 1986 (SYD) 10 November 1986 (MEL) | 172 | 697–868 | |
| 6 | 4 January 1987 (SYD)
18 January 1987 (MEL) |
27 December 1987 (SYD)
10 January 1988 (MEL) |
104 | 869–972 | |
Ireland
The series made its initial appearance on RTÉ One in October 1984, scheduled for Fridays at 2pm. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, it was frequently rebroadcast during afternoon time slots.
New Zealand
Sons and Daughters launched on TVNZ 2 with a feature-length telemovie combining the first three episodes, airing Sunday, 9 February 1986 at 7:25pm. Following this premiere, the show was presented as five half-hour episodes each week, Monday through Friday at 6:00pm, airing continuously throughout the year—unlike Australia's shorter seasonal format—until 22 July 1988. After the show's cancellation in Australia, cast members Kim Lewis, Antonia Murphy, and Ian Rawlings appeared as international guests on Telethon in June 1988.
On 25 July 1988, the series moved to TV One, airing at 5:25pm as a lead-in to the evening news broadcast. The final episode was shown on 13 December 1989.
United Kingdom
Broadcast across four British television networks, Sons and Daughters first premiered on ITV through Central Independent Television on 6 February 1983. By July of that year, Yorkshire Television had started airing the series, and within two years all mainland ITV regions were screening it, primarily as daytime filler programming. Despite attracting strong daytime viewership, media attention was limited, with only one significant interview taking place on TV-am in January 1988 following its Australian cancellation.
Initially, most ITV regions scheduled three episodes per week from Wednesday to Friday between 15:30 and 16:00 throughout the year. Some variations included TVS broadcasting at 17:15-17:45 (1984-1987) and Granada starting at 18:00-18:30 before shifting to daytime slots. Towards the series' conclusion, several regions such as Central, Ulster, TSW, and Yorkshire increased their weekly episode count to four or five, whereas others like Thames, Anglia, and TVS reduced their frequency to one or two episodes per week, reflecting varied programming strategies. The last ITV broadcast occurred on STV on 27 July 1995. During the 1980s, consolidated viewership figures across ITV reached approximately six million.
Additionally, the show was aired on Super Channel from January 1987 until January 1989 and was fully broadcast on the newly launched UK Gold channel in November 1992. Following the launch of Channel 5 in March 1997, Sons and Daughters was rerun nationally on weekdays from 13:30 to 14:00 between March and December 1998, ending midway through the second season at episode 212. The series returned in January 2002 for early-morning weekend slots and continued until its final episode in November 2005.
Home media
As of July 2021, all episodes became accessible for free streaming on 7plus.
Between November 2020 and December 2022, Via Vision Entertainment issued all six seasons on DVD.
Compilation DVD
| Title | Format | Episodes # | Discs | Region 4 (Australia) | Special Features | Distributors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sons and Daughters – The Best of Pat The Rat | DVD | Selection of 12 Episodes | 02 | Released on 9 October 2006 | Includes audio commentary for Episode 693 by Tom Richards (David Palmer) and Belinda Giblin (Alison Carr)
Gallery of still photographs Both complete versions of the Sons and Daughters theme song |
Umbrella Entertainment |
| The Sons and Daughters Interviews | DVD | Documentary Feature | 01 | August 2007 | None listed | Video Solutions |
| Sons and Daughters – The Classic Cliffhangers Collection | DVD | Selection of 12 Episodes | 02 | Released on 4 February 2008 |
|
Umbrella Entertainment |
Via Vision Entertainment (Season Collections)
| Season | DVD Title | Format | Number of Episodes | Number of Discs | Region 4 (Australia) Release Date | Special Features | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:Center | Sons and Daughters – Collection One | DVD | 174 (Episodes 001-174) | 25 | 18 November 2020 | Includes both complete versions of the Sons and Daughters theme song | |
| Template:Center | Sons and Daughters – Collection Two | DVD | 178 (Episodes 175-352) | 26 | 3 March 2021 | No special features included | |
| Template:Center | Sons and Daughters – Collection Three | DVD | 176 (Episodes 353-528) | 25 | 20 October 2021 | No additional content provided | |
| Template:Center | Sons and Daughters – Collection Four | DVD | 168 (Episodes 529-696) | 24 | 23 March 2022 | Audio commentary on Episode 693 featuring Tom Richards and Belinda Giblin | |
| Template:Center | Sons and Daughters – Collection Five | DVD | 172 (Episodes 697-868) | 25 | 26 October 2022 | No bonus features included | |
| Template:Center | Sons and Daughters – Collection Six | DVD | 104 (Episodes 869-972) | 15 | 7 December 2022 | Audio commentaries on Episode 868 by Ian Rawlings, Episode 972 by Normie Rowe; includes a Stills Gallery | |
| Template:Center | Sons and Daughters: Years One & Two | DVD | Episodes 001-352 | 51 | 5 April 2023 | Both complete versions of the Sons and Daughters theme included |
|} |- |
| Sons and Daughters: Years Three & Four | DVD | style="text-align:center;" | Episodes 353-696 | 49 |7 June 2023 | Features audio commentary on Episode 693 with Tom Richards and Belinda Giblin | |}
Streaming Platforms
| Title | Format | Number of Episodes Covered | Release Date on Platform | Distributor/Platform Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sons and Daughters (Season One) | Streaming | Episodes 01-174 | 17 February 2021 | 7plus |
| Sons and Daughters (Season Two) | Streaming | Episodes 175-352 | 12 April 2021 | 7plus |
| Sons and Daughters (Season Three) | Streaming | Episodes 353–528 | 5 May 2021 | 7plus |
| Sons and Daughters (Season Four) | Streaming | Episodes 529-696 | 26 May 2021 | 7plus |
| Sons and Daughters (Season Five) | Streaming | Episodes 697–868 | 9 June 2021 | 7plus |
| Sons and Daughters (Season Six) | Streaming | Episodes 869–972 | 12 July 2021 | 7plus |
Sons and Daughters: Cast Recording
During the early 1980s, Australia's Seven Network leveraged the popularity of both Sons and Daughters and A Country Practice by issuing a cast album entitled All My Friends. This record showcased performances from the Sons and Daughters ensemble on the A-side, while the B-side featured the cast of A Country Practice.
A-side tracklist:
- "Sons and Daughters Theme"
- "Some Kind of Friend" (performed by Ian Rawlings)
- "Bosom Buddies" (sung by Pat McDonald and Rowena Wallace)
- "The More I See You" (Peter Phelps and Kim Lewis)
- "Behind Closed Doors" (Tom Richards and Leila Hayes)
- "Sometimes When We Touch" (Stephen Comey)
- "Help Me Make It Through the Night" (Leila Hayes)
- "Friends" (Rowena Wallace)
Adaptations
The original narrative and characters of the series served as the foundation for seven official international adaptations: Verbotene Liebe (Germany, 1995–2015); Skilda världar (Sweden, 1996–2002); Apagorevmeni agapi (Greece, 1998); Cuori Rubati (Italy, 2002–2003); Zabranjena ljubav (Croatia, 2004–2008); Zabranena lubov (Bulgaria, commencing in 2008); and Belahan Hati (Indonesia, 2001–2002).
Honours and Recognitions
| Year | Award Event | Category | Recipient | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Logie Awards | Most Popular Drama Series | Sons and Daughters | Won |
| Most Popular Lead Actress in a Series | Rowena Wallace | Won | ||
| Most Popular New Talent | Stephen Comey | Won | ||
| 1984 | Logie Awards | Most Popular Lead Actress in a Series | Rowena Wallace | Won |
| Best Lead Actress in a Series | Rowena Wallace | Won | ||
| 1985 | Logie Awards | Most Popular Personality on Australian Television | Rowena Wallace | Won |
| Best Lead Actress in a Series | Rowena Wallace | Won | ||
| Best Supporting Actor in a Series | Ian Rawlings | Won |
External links
- Comprehensive series review including cast interviews and documentary details
- DVD featuring interviews with cast members, produced by Tom Richards who portrayed David Palmer
- Aussie Soap Archive: Sons and Daughters – Detailed overview and critique
- National Film and Sound Archive entry for Sons and Daughters
- Articles with short description
- 1982 Australian television series debuts
- 1987 Australian television series endings
- Australian television soap operas
- Seven Network original programming
- Television series produced by The Reg Grundy Organisation
- Television series set in the 1960s
- Television shows set in Sydney
- Australian English-language television shows