7.9
Where can I stream The Thorn Birds legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Thorn Birds
1983·Show
The Thorn Birds fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension5
- Spectacle4
- Fast Pace3
Heart
Deeply romantic and deeply moving
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Romance9
- Pathos9
- Family Dynamics9
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Situational Comedy1
- Physical Comedy1
World
History, family, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters and performances
- Character Depth9
- Acting8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition7
- Music Centrality7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Thorn Birds is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighDeeply romantic and deeply moving
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply romantic, deeply moving, and melancholic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Romance9Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumHistory, family, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, family, and growing up. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty3Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout characters and performances
The characters and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchPure Escapism
Skip it if
You want fast pacing
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.
Episode ratings
| Season | Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode | |
|---|---|
| Episode 1 | |
| Episode 2 | |
| Episode 3 | |
| Episode 4 |
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.
Epic Historical RomanceMulti-Generational SagaForbidden LoveAustralian Outback SettingFamily DramaTragic Love StoryCharacter-Driven NarrativePeriod PieceSweeping Emotional Arc
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Thorn Birds
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Thorn Birds worth watching?
50
MediocreGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 50/100 (IMDb 7.9). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Thorn Birds rated?
TV-PGSexual content
It's rated TV-PG in the United States. Content advisories: sexual content.
How many seasons does The Thorn Birds have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 4 episodes of about 121 minutes each.
Is The Thorn Birds based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
When did The Thorn Birds air?
S1
It ran from 1983 to 1983 and has ended.
What language is The Thorn Birds in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in Australia, United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Thorn Birds?
10
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Thorn Birds in 10 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Thorn Birds use?
Aw, Look! They Really Do Love Each OtherParental FavoritismGeneration XeroxLove TriangleClingy Jealous GirlIrish PriestStar-Crossed LoversHypocriteSecretly WealthyUnnecessarily Cruel RejectionHot for PreacherDefiled Foreverand 92 more
TV Tropes lists 104 storytelling tropes for The Thorn Birds, including Aw, Look! They Really Do Love Each Other, Parental Favoritism, Generation Xerox.