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Blue Heelers was an Australian police drama television series, which aired on the Seven Network from 1994 until 2006. It was produced by Southern Star Entertainment and created by Hal McElroy, who had previously created the successful police drama series, "Matlock Police" and "Division 4".

The series was set in the fictional town of Mount Thomas in Victoria, Australia and followed the day-to-day life of the local police department, which was led by Senior Sergeant Tom Croydon (John Wood) and included his team of officers, including his devoted partner Sergeant Maggie Doyle (Julie Nihill), Constable Wayne Patterson (Grant Bowler), Senior Constable Nick Schultz (Martin Sacks), and Constable Dash McKinley (Tasma Walton).

Each episode of the show was loosely based on real-life events, from domestic violence, to drug trafficking, to gun crime. The stories were handled in a serious and sensitive manner, and often used the characters' personal lives to tie the storylines together. The show was known for its realistic storylines and characters, which became popular with audiences both in Australia and internationally.

One of the key elements of the show was the relationship between Tom Croydon and his officers. Tom was a fatherly figure to his team, often helping them deal with personal issues in their lives, as well as mentoring them in their careers as police officers. Maggie Doyle and Tom had a close relationship, often sharing secrets and confiding in each other. Their relationship grew over time and became one of the central storylines of the show.

Another aspect of the show that drew audiences in was the use of the Australian countryside as a backdrop. The town of Mount Thomas was located in the picturesque Victoria High Country, and the stunning landscapes were frequently featured in the show. The use of regional locations outside the major cities was a unique feature of the show, as most Australian drama series are set in major cities such as Sydney or Melbourne.

Blue Heelers became one of the most successful Australian television dramas of all time, being nominated for and winning numerous awards, including several Logie Awards. It reached its peak in the late 1990s, with ratings that placed it among the most-watched shows on Australian television. The show became so popular that it spawned several other television series, including "Stingers" and "Mcleod's Daughters".

The show explored a wide range of issues, including the treatment of Indigenous Australians, drug addiction, and the complexity of relationships. It was especially known for its frank discussions of domestic violence, which was a taboo subject in Australian society at the time. The show was praised for raising awareness of the issue and for presenting realistic portrayals of the effects of domestic violence on women and their families.

Throughout its 12-year run, Blue Heelers maintained a high level of quality storytelling, thanks to a team of talented writers and directors. It also benefited from the strength of its cast, with John Wood and Julie Nihill becoming Australian television legends for their portrayal of Tom Croydon and Maggie Doyle.

In conclusion, Blue Heelers was a groundbreaking police drama series that tackled a wide range of social issues and established itself as one of the most successful Australian television dramas ever made. It featured realistic storylines, memorable characters, and stunning regional locations, all of which set it apart from other Australian police dramas of the time. The show was a testament to the talent of the writers, directors, and actors, who created a legacy that still resonates with audiences today.

Blue Heelers is a series that is currently running and has 7 seasons (259 episodes). The series first aired on September 9, 1993.