The Thorn Birds, PBS Pioneers of Television Published January 3, 2013 at 600 × 600 in Pioneers of Television Timeline 1983: ”The Thorn Birds” with Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward airs. The series seals Chamberlain’s place as ”The King of the Miniseries.” 1983: ”The Thorn Birds” with Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward airs. The series seals Chamberlain’s place as ”The King of the Miniseries.”