Aussie TV series Number 96 was the first show in the world to feature a regular gay character, and is available to stream from next month.
Aussie prime time soap Number 96 ran for six seasons from 1972 to 1977.
With nudity and racy storylines that pushed boundaries worldwide, Number 96 will soon be available on the ad-supported streaming platform Brollie.
Created by David Sale, the 1,218 episodes of the series aired on the forerunner of Network 10, 0-10 Network.
Number 96 was the #1 rated show from 1973 and 1974, taking eight Logie Awards for its groundbreaking characters and storylines.
While the series’ LGBTQ+ characters and storylines were often about pushing boundaries, it also broke the mould.
“In the history of gay liberation in this country, Number 96 should always be remembered and celebrated,” said former High Court judge Michael Kirby.
“I have always thought that Number 96 made a bigger contribution to queer equality in Australia than all of the learned lectures and arguments advanced by people like me.
“Young people today need to know how TV contributed to equality and human rights.”
In 1973, transgender showgirl Carlotta played the character of ‘blonde bombshell’ Robyn Ross.
Robyn was attractive, capable, and taken seriously as a romantic partner.
As well as being one of the earliest transgender characters on Australian television.
At a time when we are still discussing the validity of cisgender actors in trans roles, the fact that Carlotta played Robyn makes it even more groundbreaking and compelling.
Groundbreaking gay representation
Set in an inner-city apartment building in Sydney, Number 96 shared an unfiltered look at Aussie life in the ’70s.
Filled with taboo storylines that continually pushed the envelope against its suburban backdrop.
There was nothing else like it at the time, and Aussie soaps like Chances and Pacific Drive that have tried to recapture its spirit have never quite hit the mark.
Number 96 was the first series to depict a gay character in a regular role in the world.
It was also the first to be portrayed as a sympathetic character and in a positive light.
On March 13, 1972, Australia’s Number 96 became the first TV show in the world to feature a regular gay character.
Upon the series premiere, Brisbane’s Courier-Mail teased the characters with one-line descriptions.
But there was no description on the picture of shy law student Don Finlayson, played by Joe Hasham.
Only a question mark.
Don’s homosexuality was only revealed when sexy next-door neighbour Bev Houghton, played by Abigail, fell in love with him.
When she tried to seduce him, an uncomfortable Don told her the truth.
The shocked Bev called him a “filthy, dirty little queer”.
But two nights later, she said something revolutionary.
“I want to apologise for the way I acted last night, it was unforgivable.
“I’ve been a stupid fool.
“Everyone’s got their own way of life, I realise that now.”
“Don’t apologise,” said Don.
“It’s just one of those terrible situations that guys like me find themselves in sometimes.”
For the next five-and-a-half years, Australian audiences embraced Don along with everyone else at Number 96.
Deeply embedded within the fabric of the show.
Only he and two other original characters stayed with the show till the very end.
So, how can we stream it?
Having only ever been able to read about the series and watch clips on YouTube, I cannot be more excited to stream Number 96.
Only 18 of the original 584 black and white episodes remain in existence.
Streaming service Brollie will premiere all 18 black and white episodes on May 16th.
This will be followed by a special bridging episode featuring TV historian Andrew Mercado.
Then, five at a time, all colour episodes will drop weekly onto the platform each Friday from May 30.
Mercado took to social media last night to share his excitement at the news.
“My life’s work is now complete …” he said on Facebook,
“I am beyond thrilled to announce that the most groundbreaking TV show of all time can finally be seen again on the free streaming platform Brollie.
“Sign up to Brollie now so you don’t miss out, let’s do this!”
You can access Brollie through the Apple and Google Play Store and relive all the scandal and drama.
Or through Apple TV, Google TV and Android TV, through Chromecast with Google TV and on a browser.
And if you still aren’t convinced, check out his iconic bomb countdown sequence, much better than when Melrose Place blew up.
This article was co-written with interview excerpts from the late Destiny Rogers.
For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
