The Most Popular Soap Opera in Australia, Ranked

Choose the soap opera you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:49
In the dynamic world of television, soap operas hold a special place in the hearts of audiences, especially in Australia where they form a crucial part of the cultural fabric. These shows not only entertain but also mirror the societal changes and everyday dramas, weaving intricate tales that viewers love to follow. Ranking these shows helps highlight which storylines and characters are resonating most with audiences at any given time. By participating in this ranking, viewers have the unique opportunity to voice their preferences, potentially influencing future story arcs and character developments. Each vote helps determine which soap opera rises above the rest, reflecting real-time public sentiment and trends. This continuous input from viewers ensures that the ranking stays current and meaningful, giving new visitors a clear view of what’s trending in the world of Australian soap operas.

What Is the Most Popular Soap Opera in Australia?

  1. 1
    78
    votes
    One of the longest-running and most iconic Australian soap operas, Neighbours has been on the air since 1985 and is beloved by viewers for its relatable characters and engaging storylines.
    Neighbours is an Australian television soap opera that revolves around the residents of Ramsay Street, a residential cul-de-sac in the fictional suburb of Erinsborough. The show explores the daily lives of the families, friendships, and romances of the diverse group of people living in this tight-knit community.
    • Genre: Soap Opera
    • Country of Origin: Australia
    • Language: English
    • First Aired: March 18, 1985
    • Number of Seasons: 37
  2. 2
    24
    votes

    Home and Away

    Alan Bateman
    Another long-running soap opera, Home and Away has been on the air since 1988 and has become a cultural phenomenon in Australia. The show is known for its beautiful coastal setting and its focus on family and community.
    Home and Away is a long-running Australian television soap opera that follows the lives of the residents of fictional coastal town Summer Bay. The show depicts the personal and professional dramas of various families, teenagers, and friends, highlighting both the joyous and tumultuous events that occur in their lives.
    • Genre: Soap opera drama
    • Country of origin: Australia
    • Language: English
    • First aired: 17th January 1988
    • Number of seasons: Currently running in its 35th season
    Home and Away in other rankings
  3. 3
    33
    votes
    While not strictly an Australian soap opera, The Bold and the Beautiful has a huge following in Australia and is one of the most popular daytime dramas on television. The show is known for its glamorous setting and over-the-top storylines.
    The Bold and the Beautiful is a popular daytime soap opera that first premiered on March 23, 1987. It is set in Los Angeles and focuses on the glamorous and tumultuous lives of the wealthy Forrester family. The show explores themes of love, betrayal, family drama, and intrigue within the fashion industry.
    • Year of First Premiere: 1987
    • Setting: Los Angeles
    • Genre: Soap Opera
    • Theme: Love, Betrayal, Family Drama, Fashion Industry
    • Duration: Approximately 30 minutes per episode
    The Bold and the Beautiful in other rankings
  4. 4
    16
    votes
    Originally from New Zealand, Shortland Street has become a cult favorite among Australian soap opera fans for its engaging storylines and relatable characters. The show has been on the air since 1992 and shows no signs of slowing down.
  5. 5
    11
    votes

    Sons and Daughters

    Reg Watson
    A classic 80s soap opera, Sons and Daughters was a huge hit in Australia and is still remembered fondly by many fans. The show focused on the lives of two wealthy families and their various romantic entanglements.
    Sons and Daughters was a popular Australian soap opera that aired from 1982 to 1987. The series revolved around the lives of two wealthy and feuding families, the Hamiltons and the Palmers, residing in the fictional suburb of Westside. The show followed their dramatic encounters, intricate romances, and shocking plot twists.
    • Genre: Soap opera, Drama
    • Original Air Date: 18 January 1982 - 19 August 1987
    • Country of Origin: Australia
    • Language: English
    • Number of Seasons: 6
  6. 6
    9
    votes

    A Country Practice

    James Davern
    Another classic Australian soap opera, A Country Practice was on the air from 1981 to 1993 and was known for its heartwarming and often tear-jerking storylines. The show was set in a rural town and focused on the lives of the local doctors and their patients.
    A Country Practice is a popular Australian soap opera that originally aired from 1981 to 1993. Created by James Davern and based on a book by Judith Colquhoun, the show is set in the fictional town of Wandin Valley and revolves around the lives of the local community and the staff of the Wandin Valley Bush Nursing Hospital.
    • Genre: Soap Opera
    • Original Release: 1981 - 1993
    • Setting: Wandin Valley, Australia
    • No. of Seasons: 14
    • Total Episodes: 1,088
  7. 7
    7
    votes
    All Saints
    Fra Angelico · Public domain

    All Saints

    Dieter Brummer
    A medical drama that ran from 1998 to 2009, All Saints was a huge hit in Australia and was known for its realistic portrayal of hospital life. The show tackled a wide range of medical issues and was beloved by viewers for its strong characters and engaging storylines.
    All Saints is a popular Australian medical drama television series that aired from 1998 to 2009. The show is set in the fictional All Saints Western General Hospital, focusing on the lives of the staff and patients. It follows the personal and professional struggles faced by the doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, offering a mix of medical cases, romantic storylines, and ethical dilemmas.
    • Genre: Medical drama
    • Setting: All Saints Western General Hospital
    • Country of Origin: Australia
    • Original Language(s): English
    • Number of Seasons: 12
  8. 8
    11
    votes

    Blue Heelers

    Hal McElroy
    A police drama that ran from 1994 to 2006, Blue Heelers was a huge hit in Australia and was known for its realistic portrayal of police work. The show was set in a fictional town called Mount Thomas and focused on the lives of the local police officers.
    Blue Heelers is a popular Australian police drama television series set in a fictional town called Mount Thomas. It revolves around the daily lives and work of the local police officers in the town, highlighting both their personal and professional challenges.
    • Genre: Police drama
    • Country of Origin: Australia
    • Original Language(s): English
    • Original Network: Seven Network
    • Running Time: 45 minutes (approx.)
  9. 9
    3
    votes
    A family drama that ran from 2008 to 2013, Packed to the Rafters was a huge hit in Australia and was known for its heartwarming portrayal of family life. The show focused on the lives of the Rafter family as they navigated the ups and downs of life.
    Packed to the Rafters is an Australian television drama series that aired from 2008 to 2013. The show follows the lives of the Rafter family as they navigate the ups and downs of everyday life. Created by Bevan Lee, Packed to the Rafters gained immense popularity and became one of Australia's most beloved soap operas.
    • Genre: Drama
    • Original Network: Seven Network
    • Original Release: 26 August 2008 - 2 July 2013
    • Number of Seasons: 6
    • Number of Episodes: 122
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    A modern take on the classic Australian soap opera Prisoner, Wentworth has become a huge hit in Australia and around the world for its gritty portrayal of life in a women's prison. The show has been praised for its strong female characters and its realistic portrayal of prison life.
    Wentworth is a critically acclaimed Australian television drama series that first aired in 2013. It is a reimagining of the iconic 1980s series 'Prisoner' and is set in the fictional women's prison, Wentworth Correctional Facility. The show follows the lives of the female inmates and the staff who work at the prison, exploring themes of power, survival, and redemption.
    • Genre: Drama
    • Release Year: 2013
    • Number of Seasons: 9
    • Number of Episodes: 105
    • Average Episode Runtime: 60 minutes

Missing your favorite soap opera?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular soap opera

  1. Fan Base
    The size and loyalty of the fan base could be another factor. This includes social media following, fan events, and merchandise sold.
  2. Awards
    Awards and nominations received by the soap opera could also be considered a factor as they indicate critical acclaim.
  3. Length of Show
    The length of time a show has been on the air could also indicate popularity as it shows sustained success.
  4. Cast and Crew
    The popularity of the cast and crew could also be a factor in determining the popularity of the show. This includes the actors, writers, and directors who work on the show.
  5. Cultural Relevance
    The soap opera's relevance to Australian culture and current events could be a factor as well. A show that addresses issues that are pertinent to Australians may have a higher level of popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular soap opera in Australia. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Drama is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2455 views
  • 199 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Drama once every 24 hours. The rank of each Drama is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular soap opera in australia

Soap operas have been a staple of Australian television for decades, capturing the hearts and imaginations of viewers across the country. These long-running dramas, filled with romance, intrigue, and family drama, have become a beloved part of the Australian cultural landscape. With so many soap operas to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which one reigns supreme. From classic favorites like Neighbours and Home and Away to newer hits like Wentworth and The Bold and the Beautiful, there are plenty of contenders for the title of Australia's most popular soap opera. So, which one will come out on top? Let's take a closer look at some of the most popular options and find out.

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