---
title: "Home and Away"
year: 1988
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/home-and-away-1988"
media_type: "tv"
tmdb_id: 2354
imdb_id: "tt0094481"
status: "Returning Series"
seasons_count: 39
episodes_count: 8735
runtime_minutes: 22
community_rating: 6.3
vote_count: 77
content_rating: "TV-14"
---

# Home and Away (1988) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/home-and-away-1988

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Home and Away is an Australian television soap opera that premiered in 1988. The show is set in the fictional coastal town of Summer Bay, located in New South Wales, and explores the personal and professional lives of its residents. When it began broadcasting on the Seven Network, the series initially centered around the Fletcher family, including Pippa and Tom Fletcher and their five foster children. These characters, such as Frank Morgan, Carly Morris, Steven Matheson, Lynn Davenport, and Sally Keating, played key roles in establishing the show's early storylines. Over time, the focus expanded to include other families, such as the Stewart family, who became central to the series. Created by Alan Bateman, the show quickly gained popularity in Australia upon its debut. The program was developed after Bateman conceived the idea during a visit to Kangaroo Point, New South Wales. As a long-running series, it has continued to chronicle the interconnected lives, relationships, and dramas of the Summer Bay community.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A long-running Australian soap opera exploring life in the coastal town of Summer Bay."

### Why Watch
- Strong ensemble cast with long-standing characters
- Explores personal and professional relationships in a close-knit community
- Consistent storytelling since 1988

### Caveats & Content Note
- Slow pacing may not suit all viewers
- Focus on long-term storylines can be challenging for new viewers
- Tone & Suitability: Suitable for general audiences, though storylines can involve mature themes.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: dramatic, emotional, character-driven, small-town, ongoing

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Sky Go | None | None |
| **Canada (CA)** | Crave | CTV | None |

## Season Architecture & Lore Primers

### Season 1 (228 Episodes)
## Filler vs. Essential Episode Classifier

- **Total Tracked Episodes**: 1145
- **Crucial Mytharc Episodes**: 7 (1%)
- **Character Core Episodes**: 1138 (99%)
- **Side Quest / Filler Episodes**: 0 (0%)

## Creative Credits

- **Created by**: Alan Bateman
- **Networks / Studios**: Seven Network

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Ray Meagher** as *Alf Stewart*
- **Lynne McGranger** as *Irene Roberts*
- **Ada Nicodemou** as *Leah Patterson-Baker*
- **Shane Withington** as *John Palmer*
- **Emily Symons** as *Marilyn Chambers*
- **Georgie Parker** as *Roo Stewart*
- **James Stewart** as *Justin Morgan*
- **Sophie Dillman** as *Ziggy Astoni*
- **Penny McNamee** as *Tori Morgan*
- **Dieter Brummer** as *Shane Parrish*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: When did Home and Away premiere?
The show premiered on January 17, 1988.

### Q: Who created Home and Away?
The show was created by Alan Bateman.

### Q: What network originally aired Home and Away?
It originally aired on the Seven Network in Australia.

### Q: Where is Home and Away set?
The show is set in the fictional coastal town of Summer Bay in New South Wales, Australia.

### Q: Which families were introduced in the first year?
The first season introduced major families including the Fletchers and the Stewarts.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Raleigh NC Real Estate & Homes For Sale - Zillow](https://www.zillow.com/raleigh-nc/?msockid=1997635e1a686db71d2b74dc1b8a6ce3)
- [Home and Away (TV Series 1988- ) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094481/)
- [Home and Away - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_and_Away)
- [New Homes and Neighborhoods in Raleigh/Durham, NC](https://www.stanleymartin.com/north-carolina/raleigh-durham)
- [Raleigh, NC homes for sale & real estate - realtor.com](https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Raleigh_NC?msockid=1997635e1a686db71d2b74dc1b8a6ce3)
- [Home And Away in 1988 | Home And Away Soap Opera Wiki | Fandom](https://home-and-away-soap-opera.fandom.com/wiki/Home_And_Away_in_1988)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*