The Best Australian Soap Operas

Ranker TV
Updated April 9, 2024 46 items
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Heightened drama and ridiculously long feuds keep viewers coming back for more in the best Australian soap operas. The top Australian soap opera shows tell ongoing stories about characters who would do anything for each other - and others who would betray their own families to get ahead. This is a list of the best Australian soap operas, including everything from Home and Away to Sons and Daughters.

What series will you find on this list of Australian soap operas? Neighbours first broadcast on Seven Network 1985 before being scooped up by Ten a year later, who then turned it into one of the longest-running Australian soaps. Focusing on stories about the struggles and triumphs of families in the fictional suburb of Erinsborough, actors on Neighbours have included Kylie Minogue and Margo Robbie.

On a list of all Australian soap operas, there are also shows that weren't favorites. Punishment only lasted three episodes but was full of stars like Mel Gibson and Cornelia Frances. But how many episodes a soap ran doesn't necessarily make it the best. Paradise Beach only had two seasons but was able to gain an audience in the United States.

Do you have a favorite Aussie soap? Vote up the best and add any we may have missed.

Most divisive: E Street
Over 200 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Australian Soap Operas
  • Possession
    31

    Possession

    Anne Charleston, Bryan Marshall, Lyn Collingwood
    15 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveThe Exorcist (TV series), Outcast, Helix, Penny Dreadful, Hemlock Grove
    Why Should I Stream? Delve into the scandalous world of Possession, an Australian drama series that follows two sisters locked in a bitter rivalry as they vie for control over their late father's estate while navigating increasingly complex personal relationships. Filled with intrigue, betrayal, and family tension - this show offers viewers an enthralling exploration of sibling rivalry and unbridled ambition within a high-stakes environment. Immerse yourself in this engrossing narrative where loyalty is tested, secrets are revealed, and alliances are formed.

  • Until Tomorrow
    32

    Until Tomorrow

    Barry Otto, Hazel Phillips, Babette Stephens
    16 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveOne Life to Live, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful, All My Children
    Why Should I Stream? Follow the intricate lives of several families living in Melbourne throughout the late 1960s as they face challenges, heartbreaks, and joys in Until Tomorrow, an Australian soap opera known for its authentic portrayal of contemporary life at the time. With complex characters navigating a variety of relatable issues - such as love affairs, career aspirations, financial struggles, and familial conflict - this series offers viewers a realistic glimpse into everyday life during a transformative period in Australian history. Relish the opportunity to explore captivating storylines infused with emotion, humor, and empathy as they unfold on-screen.

  • Arcade
    33

    Arcade

    Jeremy Kewley, Tracy Mann, Danny Adcock
    16 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveWrecked, Gilligan's Island, Lost, Survivor, The I-Land
    Why Should I Stream? Step into the vibrant world of Arcade, an Australian soap opera set within a bustling shopping center where busy employees juggle professional duties alongside their tumultuous personal lives. Known for its colorful cast of characters and engaging storylines filled with romance, conflict, comedy – this show provides viewers with ample entertainment value while offering insight into daily life within retail environments during the 1980s. Don't miss out on experiencing all the drama that unfolds behind-the-scenes at this bustling hub of commerce.

    Arcade was an Australian television soap opera shown in 1980 that became one of the biggest flops in the history of Australian television. It aired on Network Ten with the premiere episode shown on Sunday, 20 January 1980. The series then ran five nights a week, Mondays to Fridays, as a 30 minute serial. It was produced solely by Network Ten with a start-up budget of almost $1 million. Set in a fictitious shopping mall in the northern suburbs of Sydney, Arcade dealt with the lives and loves of the characters who worked at the various stores within the shopping complex.
  • The Unisexers
    34

    The Unisexers

    Steven Tandy, Tina Bursill, Tony Sheldon
    17 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveQueer as Folk (US), Will & Grace, Ellen, The L Word, Looking
    Why Should I Stream? Discover groundbreaking content through The Unisexers, an innovative Australian comedy-drama series that aired during 1975 which explored themes related to gender roles via comedic situations playing out in a unisex clothing store. With its unique premise and progressive subject matter, this show represented a daring departure from conventional television programming at the time, offering viewers a fresh take on societal norms and expectations surrounding gender identity. Embrace this trailblazing series that dared to challenge conventions while providing laughs along the way.

  • Holiday Island
    35

    Holiday Island

    Nick Tate, Frank Wilson, Tom Oliver
    17 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveFantasy Island, Love Boat, Hotel, Aloha Paradise, Temptation Island
    Why Should I Stream? Escape to a tropical paradise with Holiday Island, an Australian drama series in which colorful characters frequent a luxurious resort seeking relaxation and adventure against idyllic island scenery. Offering viewers an enticing blend of sun-soaked escapism, romance, and human-interest stories - this show presents an ideal viewing experience for those seeking respite from the daily grind. Sit back, relax, and enjoy as love blooms, secrets unravel, and captivating tales unfold within this picturesque haven.

    Holiday Island is an Australian television series made by Crawford Productions for Network Ten. The show aired twice weekly from 1981 to 1982, with the first episode going to air on 17 June 1981.
  • Taurus Rising
    36

    Taurus Rising

    Damon Herriman, Diane Craig, Annette Andre
    17 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Dynasty, Dallas, Falcon Crest, Knots Landing, Empire
    Why Should I Stream? Immerse yourself in the high-stakes world of business and intrigue with Taurus Rising, an Australian soap opera that dives headfirst into the lives of two rival families vying for control over a lucrative corporate empire. Known for its dramatic twists, engaging storylines, and charismatic characters - this series explores themes such as ambition, loyalty, betrayal, and power dynamics at play within the cutthroat realm of big business. Don't miss out on experiencing all the tension and excitement that unfolds amidst these titans of industry.

    Taurus Rising is an Australian soap opera produced by the Reg Grundy Organisation and Dixie Normus for the Nine Network in 1982. Originally intended by the network to be a replacement for The Sullivans, the series was one of a number of attempts to provide an Australian alternative to the glossy American supersoaps Dallas and Dynasty and featured two wealthy Sydney-based feuding families, the Brents and the Drysdales. To this end, it represented something of a stylistic departure for Grundy's. Unlike most other Australian soap operas which were recorded on videotape, Taurus Rising was shot entirely on film. It cost $2 million to make. Taurus Rising proved to be an expensive failure after it failed to win an audience and was cancelled after a mere 21 episodes. The series did later prove popular in international markets and was subsequently sold to American cable television, marketed as a 21-part "miniseries".
  • Autumn Affair
    37

    Autumn Affair

    Muriel Steinbeck, Owen Wingott
    14 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Peyton Place, Dawson's Creek, One Tree Hill, Gilmore Girls, Everwood
    Why Should I Stream? Witness history through Autumn Affair, Australia's first-ever locally produced television soap opera which aired during 1958 – exploring the life of Julia Parrish as she navigates romantic entanglements after separating from her husband. Although short-lived (running for only six months), this groundbreaking series set the stage for future serialized dramas by tackling then-taboo subjects related to relationships and societal expectations while providing entertainment value through engaging storytelling. Revisit or discover this pioneering show that paved the way for countless other successful soap operas to follow.

  • Crash Palace
    38
    Jessica Gower, Stephanie Waring, Victoria Hill
    19 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveHotel Babylon, Fawlty Towers, VIP, The Grand, The White Lotus
    Why Should I Stream? Step behind the scenes of a bustling Sydney backpackers' hostel with Crash Palace, an Australian drama series that explores diverse characters' lives as they navigate love, friendship, culture clashes, and personal growth within this vibrant environment. With its unique premise and captivating storylines addressing relevant issues such as multiculturalism, generational differences, and self-discovery – this show offers viewers an engaging journey into the heart of contemporary Australia. Embrace the excitement and camaraderie found within Crash Palace as it delves into the global melting pot.

    Crash Palace. is an Australian television soap opera. The series ran for 65 half-hour episodes screening on subscription TV channel Fox8. Crash Palace was also the name of a famous 1980s era punk rock bar in Chicago where Nirvana front man, Kurt Cobain, famously met his future wife and Hole lead singer, Courtney Love. The bar, currently called Delilah's, is still internationally recognized as one of the top punk bars on the planet and has been featured in Esquire and Playboy magazines. Delilah's is also known to be the best whiskey bar in Chicago, featuring a selection of pre-prohibition spirits and private labels made by some of the world's most famous distilleries. Revolving around a backpacker hostel in Kings Cross, the show followed the trials and tribulations on a group of young travellers from all around the world.
  • Pacific Drive
    39
    Melissa Tkautz, Rebekah Elmaloglou, Grant Bowler
    19 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Baywatch Nights, Miami Vice, Melrose Place, California Dreams, Sunset Beach
    Why Should I Stream? Delve into the sun-drenched world of Pacific Drive, an Australian soap opera set along Queensland's idyllic Gold Coast where surfing culture meets high society intrigue amidst a glamorous backdrop. Known for its stunning coastal scenery, bold storylines involving love triangles, betrayals, and hidden agendas - this series provides viewers with a deliciously indulgent escape from reality. Get swept away by the allure of surf, sand, and scandal in this irresistibly entertaining show.

    Bold text Pacific Drive is an Australian television series made by Village Roadshow in association with New World International for the Nine Network which screened from 29 January 1996 to December 1997 before bouncing around in a late night timeslot for years. It was also repeated for a daytime slot on Nine while they lobbied to the Australian Broadcasting Authority for a daytime drama to count towards their local drama quota points. Despite getting 1.7 million viewers for its first episode at 9.30pm, within a few weeks the show was getting just 135,000 viewers in its regular 11pm timeslot. Most critics described it as rubbish but some changed their minds during the show's second season. 'The Sydney Morning Herald said it was "immeasurably improved in looks, acing and writing" while The Sunday Telegraph named it one of the 10 Best Shows on TV for 1997. The "final" episode was screened on 6 April 2000 before Nine realised a mistake had been made so they eventually screened the last ever episode a year later as a one-off send-off. Had it aired without interruption, it would have taken just 18 months to complete its run instead of five years.
  • Prime Time
    40

    Prime Time

    Chris Orchard, Anthony Hawkins, Nina Landis
    15 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveSports Night, Necessary Roughness, Arli$$, Ballers, The Game
    Why Should I Stream? Venture into the turbulent world of television production with Prime Time, an Australian drama series that follows a group of ambitious television professionals as they vie for success both on-air and off-screen. This compelling exploration of behind-the-scenes politics, clashing egos, power struggles delivers intriguing storylines punctuated by moments of levity amid high-stakes tension. Immerse yourself in this fascinating portrayal of life at a fictional television network where dreams are made or broken daily.

  • headLand
    41
    Yvonne Strahovski, Rachael Taylor, Adrienne Pickering
    18 votes

    Watch This Show If You Love: Pretty Little Liars, Riverdale, Gossip Girl, Veronica Mars, The O.C.
    Why Should I Stream? Journey to the picturesque town of South Heads with headLand, an Australian prime-time soap opera centered around university students navigating dramatic twists and turns while pursuing their academic ambitions amidst personal trials and tribulations. Known for its ensemble cast featuring talented young actors who bring depth to their roles - coupled with engrossing storylines exploring themes such as peer pressure, ambition, and self-discovery - this series offers viewers a captivating exploration of contemporary youth culture. Embark on a rollercoaster ride filled with emotion, excitement, and tension as life unfolds within the halls of South Coast University.

    Headland is an Australian drama television series produced by the Seven Network which ran from 15 November 2005 to 21 January 2006. The Seven Network filmed 52 episodes in the first series. Production on the second series had begun before any episodes were aired. Set in a university, Headland premiered in Australia on Tuesday, 15 November 2005 at 7.30pm. On 23 January 2006, the Seven Network officially announced that the series has been cancelled. The show aired on weekdays at 7.30pm in the United Kingdom on E4, re-formatted as half-hour episodes. E4 eventually dropped the show but episodes continued to be broadcast on Channel 4 at 12:30pm, this time in the original hour-long format.
  • Shark Bay
    42

    Shark Bay

    Lisa Baumwol, Zoe Bertram, Dieter Brummer
    13 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveBaywatch, H2O: Just Add Water, Blue Water High, Surfs up, Malibu Rescue
    Why Should I Stream? Immerse yourself in the sun-soaked world of Shark Bay, an Australian drama series set within a bustling coastal resort where romance, adventure, and danger collide beneath the surface of its picturesque exterior. With its stunning oceanic backdrop serving as a canvas for gripping storylines involving love affairs, family secrets, and mysterious pasts - this show expertly balances elements of intrigue, suspense, and passion to keep viewers hooked from start to finish. Dive into Shark Bay to uncover what lies beneath its beautiful facade.

  • The Story of Peter Grey
    43

    The Story of Peter Grey

    James Condon, Diana Perryman, Stewart Ginn
    13 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveThe Secret Life of Us, Love My Way, Packed to the Rafters, Offspring, Winner & Losers
    Why Should I Stream? Explore the life journey of The Story of Peter Grey, an Australian television soap opera that follows the titular character – a young man striving for success while dealing with temptation and adversity at every turn. Lauded for its engaging storytelling approach combined with thought-provoking themes related to ambition, morality, and personal ethics - this show offers viewers an insightful exploration of human nature throughout each episode. Join Peter Grey as he navigates his tumultuous path towards self-realization within this riveting series.

  • Breakers
    44
    Ada Nicodemou, Don Hany, Paula Duncan
    13 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveDawson's Creek, One Tree Hill, The O.C., Friday Night Lights, Beverly Hills, 90210
    Why Should I Stream? Plunge into the dramatic depths of Breakers, an Australian soap opera that centers around residents' lives at Sydney's Bondi Beach - tackling intricate storylines involving romance, betrayal, friendship, and rivalry against a breathtaking coastal backdrop. Known for its emotional intensity punctuated by moments of levity and unexpected twists - this unforgettable series captivates viewers with its blend of relatable characters navigating their way through the trials and tribulations that define modern urban life. Immerse yourself in Breakers for a wave of exhilarating entertainment.

    Breakers is an Australian television series, that was made and aired on Network Ten between 1998 and 1999. It was shown in Ireland on TV3 and City Channel. It was also screened on BBC One in the United Kingdom and TV4 in New Zealand.
  • Hotel Story
    45

    Hotel Story

    10 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveFawlty Towers, Hotel Babylon, Aloha Paradise, Crossroads, Grand Hotel
    Why Should I Stream? Step inside the opulent world of Hotel Story, an Australian television series that offers viewers a tantalizing glimpse into life behind-the-scenes at a luxurious five-star hotel. With a maze of glamorous guests, high-stakes intrigue, and personal dramas unfolding amidst lavish settings - this show provides an irresistible blend of escapism, romance, and suspense at every turn. Lose yourself within the sumptuous confines of Hotel Story as it unveils the secrets hidden beneath its polished veneer.

  • Certain Women
    46

    Certain Women

    Bruce Spence, Ivar Kants, Christine Amor
    14 votes

    Watch This Show If You LoveBig Little Lies, Good Girls, Little Fires Everywhere, Desperate Housewives, Tales of the City
    Why Should I Stream? Discover the captivating world of Certain Women, an Australian anthology drama series that delves into the lives of various women navigating complex relationships and personal challenges against diverse backdrops. Celebrated for its insightful portrayals of female experiences throughout its eight-season run (1973-1980), this groundbreaking show offered viewers a thought-provoking exploration of love, loss, ambition, resilience – all through the lens of compelling female characters. Don't miss out on experiencing this cherished classic that remains a testament to excellence in Australian television storytelling.

    Certain Women was an Australian television soap opera created by prominent Australian TV dramatist Tony Morphett and produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation between 1973 and 1976. There was a total of 160 fifty-minute episodes. Episodes 1-59 were produced in black and white and, starting 1975, episodes 60-160 were produced and broadcast in color. The idea for series reportedly grew out of Morphett's frustration with the lack of good roles for female actors on Australian TV at the time. The series premiered as a six-part mini-series, with each episode dealing with a different member of the Stone/Lucas family: Gillian, Marjorie, Helen, Jane, Freda and Dolly. The mini-series proved to be so popular that the format was revised into an ongoing series. Other cast members in the series included Christine Amor, Diane Craig, Anne Haddy, Shane Porteous, Ron Graham, Peter Sumner, Kris McQuade, Betty Lucas, Vincent Ball, Brian Wenzel, Carmen Duncan, Jack Fegan, Bruce Spence, Sigrid Thornton, John Stanton, Kate Fitzpatrick and Charles Tingwell.