The Thorn Birds

1983 • ABC
4.9
178 reviews
TV-UNRATED
Rating
Eligible
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Season 1 episodes (4)

1 Episode 1
3/27/83
Mary Carson, the owner of a large sheep ranch, becomes enamored of parish priest Ralph de Bricassart – even as he takes notice of Mary's niece Meggie Cleary. When Ralph does not return her ardor, Mary plots to influence his destiny even from the grave.
2 Episode 2
3/28/83
Although drawn to Meggie, Rev. de Bricassart leaves the parish to begin his climb in the Church hierarchy. The Clearys (Jean Simmons and Richard Kiley) agree to run Drogheda, a decision that leads to catastrophe and death.
3 Episode 3
3/27/83
Ordained an archbishop in Rome, Ralph is still tormented by his love for Meggie, who marries Luke (Bryan Brown) in a desperate bid to forget him. Ralph returns to Australia to share his sensuous idyll with Meggie, although they both know their happiness cannot last.
4 Episode 4
3/27/83
Years after Ralph and Meggie consummate their love, Dane (Philip Anglim), the child of that union, enters the priesthood. Meggie is embittered that both the men she loves chose the church over her. But tragedy forces Meggie to make peace with Ralph, her family and herself.

About this show

Winner of six Emmys®, four Golden Globes and countless nominations, The Thorn Birds is the second-highest-rated miniseries ever. With an all-star cast, this epic drama tells of the taboo desires between a beautiful woman and an ambitious priest. Spanning five decades, the seductive saga is based on Colleen McCullough's bestselling novel.

Ratings and reviews

4.9
178 reviews
Tammy Mitchell
January 9, 2016
this is the most amazing series EVER. It shows how raw human desire can affect anyone! The movie has it all: LOVES>>> joys/hardships/desires/tragidies/hate/heartache/forgiveness & it just plain DEALS WITH ALL OF THOSE EMOTIONS. "MY ALL TIME FAVORITE CLASSIC FORBIDDEN LOVE STORY!!!!! A MUST SEE if you never have!!!
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Melissa Ortiz
October 11, 2019
Been one of my top five for nearly 3 decades and i dont see that changing. Love is so many things... This reminds us to cherish love in all its forms.
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Shari Simon
June 2, 2019
I've watched the series SEVERAL times & I've read the book. I'm about to watch it again & I have bought the book so I can read it whenever I want. It's a great "forbidden" love story with the POWER, MERCY & LOVE that can only come from GOD!
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