The Thorn Birds Season 1 Episodes

Episode 1

Episode 1

Tue, Dec 11, 2012 60 mins

This 10-part miniseries, based on Colleen McCullough's bestseller, is set mainly in the Australian outback, 1920-62. As it opens, Mary Carson (Barbara Stanwyck) holds sway over both a ranch and an extended family, while lusting after an ambitious priest (Richard Chamberlain). Fee: Jean Simmons. Paddy: Richard Kiley. Frank: John Friedrich. Young Meggie: Sydney Penny.

Episode 2

Episode 2

Wed, Dec 12, 2012 60 mins

Part 2. Ralph (Richard Chamberlain) persuades Mary to send young Meggie to a convent school; Frank has a violent argument with Paddy (Richard Kiley). Fee: Jean Simmons. Mary: Barbara Stanwyck. Jack: Stephan Burns.

Episode 3

Part 3

Fri, Dec 14, 2012 60 mins

Part 3. At her 75th birthday party, Mary (Barbara Stanwyck) tells Father Ralph of her love for him. Later, Father Ralph must make a decision that will shape the rest of his life. Meggie: Rachel Ward. Fee: Jean Simmons. Paddy: Richard Kiley.

Episode 4

Part 2

Tue, Jul 10, 2018 60 mins

Episode 5

Episode 5

Sat, Dec 15, 2012 60 mins

Part 4. Ralph is made secretary to the papal legate (Christopher Plummer); the Cleary family moves into Mary's mansion at Drogheda. Richard Chamberlain, Rachel Ward. Fee: Jean Simmons. Frank: John Friedrich. Paddy: Richard Kiley.

Episode 6

Episode 6

60 mins

Part 5. A fire that kills Paddy and Stuart (Dwier Brown) and nearly destroys Drogheda briefly unites Meggie and Ralph (Rachel Ward, Richard Chamberlain). Luke: Bryan Brown. Bob: Brett Cullen. Archbishop Contini-Verchese: Christopher Plummer. Fee: Jean Simmons.

Episode 7

Part 3

Wed, Jul 11, 2018 60 mins

Episode 8

Episode 8

60 mins

Part 6. Ralph (Richard Chamberlain) is ordained a bishop; Meggie, embittered and desperate, marries a ranch hand (Bryan Brown). Luddie: Earl Holliman. Anne: Piper Laurie. Fee: Jean Simmons.

Episode 9

Episode 9

60 mins

Part 7. Hoping that Luke will quit his nomadic existence, Meggie (Rachel Ward) becomes pregnant; Ralph is appointed papal legate in Sydney. Luke: Bryan Brown. Luddie: Earl Holliman. Anne: Piper Laurie. Doc Wilson: Rance Howard.

Episode 10

Part 4

Thu, Jul 12, 2018 60 mins

Episode 11

Episode 11

60 mins

Part 8. After her reunion with Ralph, Meggie (Rachel Ward) leaves Luke, returns to Drogheda and gives birth to Ralph's son Dane. Fee: Jean Simmons. Justine: Mare Winningham. Dane: Philip Anglim. Bob: Brett Cullen.

Episode 12

Episode 12

60 mins

Part 9. Dane finishes school and travels to Rome to visit De Bricassart; Justine (Mare Winningham) pursues her acting career in London. Rachel Ward, Richard Chamberlain. Rainer: Ken Howard.

Episode 13

Episode 13

60 mins

In the conclusion, Meggie reveals the truth about Dane to Ralph (Richard Chamberlain), and reconciles with Fee and Justine. Philip Anglim, Rachel Ward. Justine: Mare Winningham. Fee: Jean Simmons. Rainer Hartheim: Ken Howard.

Episode 14

Part 5

Fri, Jul 13, 2018 60 mins