The Thorn Birds
Series Overview
Follows the Cleary family over several decades, focusing on the central, tragic romance between Meggie and Father Ralph, who is torn between his vows and his love for her.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
1 Season • 4 Episodes
121 min per episode
1983 – 1983
Premiered: Sun, Mar 27, 1983
Carmen CulverLatest Aired Episode
Season 1, Episode 4: “Part 4”
Meggie has repeated the mistakes of her past by favoring her son over her daughter. She finally admits the truth about Dane's paternity to Ralph and reconciles with both her mother Fee and her daughter Justine.
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Richard Chamberlain THE THORN BIRDS Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2009-03-05
Cast & Creators
Explore Star Directory →
Richard Chamberlain
Ralph de Bricassart
Rachel Ward
Meggie Cleary
Christopher Plummer
Archbishop Vittorio Contini-Verchese
Bryan Brown
Luke O'Neill
Brett Cullen
Bob Cleary
Stephanie Faracy
Judy
Barry Corbin
Pete
John de Lancie
Alastair MacQueen
Barbara Stanwyck
Mary Carson
Jean Simmons
Fiona Fee Cleary
Richard Kiley
Paddy Cleary
Piper Laurie
Anne Mueller
Earl Holliman
Ludie Mueller
Mare Winningham
Justine ONeill
Philip Anglim
Dane ONeill
Ken Howard
Rainer Hartheim
Allyn Ann McLerie
Mrs. Smith
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Lee Stanley, Carmen Culver
Colleen McCullough, Lee Stanley
Henry Mancini
Wilmer Butler
David Saxon, Robert F. Shugrue, Carroll Timothy O'Meara
Edward Lewis, David L. Wolper, Stan Margulies
Department Leadership Roster
Stan Margulies
Producer
Wilmer Butler
Director of Photography
David Saxon
Editor
Henry Mancini
Original Music Composer
Robert F. Shugrue
Editor
Carroll Timothy O'Meara
Editor
Travilla
Costume Design
Robert MacKichan
Production Design
Lee Stanley
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
TV-PG: Parental Guidance Suggested — Contains material parents may find unsuitable for younger children.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance — Recommended for mature viewers.
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Parental Guidance Suggested — Contains material parents may find unsuitable for younger children.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Thorn Birds.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Thorn Birds
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is The Thorn Birds about?
Follows the Cleary family over several decades, focusing on the central, tragic romance between Meggie and Father Ralph, who is torn between his vows and his love for her.
How many seasons does The Thorn Birds have?
The Thorn Birds comprises 1 season available to explore.
Who stars in The Thorn Birds?
Key cast members in The Thorn Birds include Richard Chamberlain, Rachel Ward, Christopher Plummer, Bryan Brown, Brett Cullen.
Who created or directed The Thorn Birds?
The Thorn Birds was developed and directed by Lee Stanley, Carmen Culver.