Number 96 (TV series)

Number 96
Title card from a 1975 episode of Number 96. Where the cliff-hanger resolution that followed this shot at the start of the episode took place in one of the building's flats, the shot of the building would zoom in on that flat as the title appeared on screen. Where the resolution scene occurred in an exterior location there was no zoom and the entire building would be shown, as seen here.
Genre	Soap opera
Created by	David Sale
Starring	Cast list
Country of origin	Australia
Original language(s)	English
No. of seasons	6
No. of episodes	1,218
Production
Location(s)	Sydney, New South Wales
Running time	30 minute per episode
Production company(s)	Cash Harmon Television
Release
Original network	The 0-10 Network
Picture format	4.3 Black & White (1972-1975) 4.3 PAL (1975-1977)
Audio format	Mono
Original release	13 March 1972 – 11 August 1977

Number 96 was a popular Australian television soap opera/serial set in an inner city, Sydney apartment block. Creators Don Cash and Bill Harmon of the Cash Harmon Television production company, produced the series for what was then known as the The 0-10 Network, (the predecessor of Network Ten) which had requested a Coronation Street-type soap opera serial, and specifically one that explored adult subjects. The premise, original story outlines, and the original characters were devised by David Sale who also wrote the scripts for the first episodes and continued as script editor for much of the show's run. The series proved to be a huge success, running from early 1972 until 1977. Number 96 was so popular it spawned a feature film version, filmed in December 1973, which became one of the most profitable Australian movies ever made. Number 96 was known for its groundbreaking sex scenes and nudity and for its comedy characters. The series was the first in the world to feature an openly gay regular character.

Number 96 was launched amid much controversy on 13 March 1972. Channel 10 had suffered dismal ratings and was almost bankrupt. There was a feeling with executives that "we have nothing to lose - Let's make it or break it." Number 96 was launched out of desperation. Sales Manager Ian Kennon was hopeful that the series would pull the station back from the brink. A simple promotional campaign - each night for several weeks before its debut, the message Number 96 Is Coming would appear on screen during Network 10's advertisements. No explanation was given, and it stimulated curiosity. This was backed up with full-page newspaper advertising with a countdown saying "In 7 days Australian Television Loses Its Virginity." then "In 6 Days" etc. etc. When the series premiered viewers were presented with a level of titillation and taboo subjects that had never been seen on Australian television before, and the event came to be known as The night Australian television lost its virginity.

On the day the first episode of 96 was to air, staff at the Channel 10 studios were alarmed to see hordes of protestors assembling and parading on the front lawn of the studios with signs reading "Ban this Filth", "Protect our Children", "Where has Decency Gone?" etc. The doors of the studios were locked as a security measure. When the publicity Director Tom Greer arrived at his usual 11 AM, there were cries from staff of "what have YOU done? How do we get rid of these people?" Tom in his usual unflappable way said "Get rid of them ... You must be joking ... Send them tea and biscuits ... Send down the news cameras and do live cross overs to the lawn every hour." This massive free publicity ensured all TV sets that night were tuned to Channel 10.