8.0
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The Thorn Birds is included with a subscription to Kocowa in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Thorn Birds
2011·Show
·20Episodes in1Season·
The Thorn Birds fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, no humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Fast Pace4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Deeply moving and romantic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos9
- Romance8
- Melancholy8
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay1
- Situational Comedy0
- Physical Comedy0
World
Everyday modern life, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout characters, storytelling, and dialogue
- Character Depth9
- Narrative Structure8
- Dialogue Quality8
Style
Standout score
- Music Composition8
- Music Centrality8
- Cinematography7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Thorn Birds is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and romantic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, romantic, and melancholic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance8Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay1Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Showbiz8Entertainment industry and performance.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout characters, storytelling, and dialogue
The characters, storytelling, and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout score
Look and sound: the score stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality8Songs central to storytelling.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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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.
About
The Thorn Birds is a 2011 South Korean television series where one woman forsakes her love and family for her ambition while another woman embraces with love all that the former had left behind. Fates of a bit part actress Seo Jung-eun and a film producer Han Yoo-kyung who chose success are intertwined and resolved gradually as their mutual stories progress.
The "thorn birds" of the title refers to Jung-eun's character, who only brings out her best at the cost of great pain. A thornbird is a mythical bird who searches for a thorn tree from the day it is born. When it finds it, the bird impales itself upon the sharpest thorn, and rises above the agony to sing the most beautiful song ever heard.
South Korean DramaMelodramaAmbition vs. LoveIntertwined FatesShowbiz WorldEmotional DepthSacrifice & PainCharacter StudyMorality TaleHeartbreaking
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
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Movies
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
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Questions about The Thorn Birds
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Thorn Birds worth watching?
70
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70/100 (IMDb 8). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How many seasons does The Thorn Birds have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 20 episodes.
When did The Thorn Birds air?
S1
It ran from 2011 to 2011 and has ended.
What language is The Thorn Birds in?
Korean
It was made in Korean. Produced in South Korea.
In how many countries can I watch The Thorn Birds?
28
+14
+14GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Thorn Birds in 28 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Thorn Birds use?
Men Are Better Than WomenAdaptation DistillationMy Girl Back HomeNuns Are SpookyDied on Their BirthdaySeries Continuity ErrorSingle Sex OffspringVow of CelibacyArranged MarriageEmotionless GirlBratty Teenage DaughterDefiled Foreverand 90 more
TV Tropes lists 102 storytelling tropes for The Thorn Birds, including Men Are Better Than Women, Adaptation Distillation, My Girl Back Home.