The Australian soap opera that broke global television taboos before anyone else dared

Cultures · Published 9 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 1972, Number 96 launched with the provocative promise that Australian television was losing its virginity. While it became a massive local hit, its daring exploration of homosexuality, transgenderism, and social taboos meant it remained largely unseen abroad, obscuring its status as a pioneer of groundbreaking, inclusive television drama.

Created by David Sale and produced by Cash Harmon Television, Number 96 debuted on 13 March 1972. The series was a desperate gamble for the 0-10 Network, which was then on the verge of bankruptcy and lagging behind its rivals. By focusing on the residents of a fictional four-story apartment block in Sydney, the show aimed to replicate the success of British soaps like Coronation Street but with a significantly racier edge. The strategy worked; by 1974, the network reached number one in the ratings, fueled by the show's immediate popularity and advertising revenue.

The series became infamous for its willingness to tackle subjects that were then considered untouchable, including abortion, drug use, and interracial romance. It was notably the first television program globally to feature a diverse range of LGBTQ characters as regulars. Actor Joe Hasham played Don Finlayson, the first sympathetic, regular gay character on television. Unlike the stereotypical, effeminate portrayals common in other media, Finlayson was depicted as a dependable, masculine man who lived openly and honestly. The show eventually featured the first male gay kiss on a television drama, performed by Hasham and John McTernan.

Beyond its LGBTQ milestones, the show was a microcosm of Australia's era of mass immigration. It featured a multicultural cast, including actors from the UK, South Africa, New Zealand, and Greece, and characters of various backgrounds, including Aboriginal and African American roles. While the series was a cultural juggernaut in Australia, its controversial content prevented it from finding international markets. Today, much of its legacy is preserved in the memories of those who witnessed its daring, often censored, storylines—such as the introduction of the first transgender character, played by the transgender performer Carlotta, or the dramatic reveal of a benign breast lump, which remains the show's highest-rated episode.

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