For more than three decades, Home and Away has been Australia’s beloved slice of sunshine — a soap built on surf, family, heart, and the unmistakable charm of Summer Bay.

But now, one of the show’s longest-serving legends, Ray Meagher, the man who is Alf Stewart, has stepped forward with a rare — and explosive — critique.
And in true Alf fashion,

he isn’t sugar-coating a single word. As the iconic actor marks an astonishing 38 years on the series, Meagher is raising eyebrows across the entertainment industry with his bold claim:

Home and Away has strayed too far from its roots… and the River Boys may be to blame.

His comments have ignited a firestorm among fans, media commentators, and former cast members — leaving many asking the same question:

Is Home and Away in trouble?

Ray Meagher: The Heart of Summer Bay Speaks Out

At 81 years old, Ray Meagher has earned the right to speak plainly. After all, he has carried the soul of Summer Bay since 1988, shaping Alf Stewart into one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in Australian television history.

In a candid new interview with industry outlet TV Tonight, Meagher pulled back the curtain and shared concerns he has held quietly for years.

The actor, normally modest and diplomatic, spoke passionately about the creative direction of the show — particularly the darker turn it has taken since the introduction of crime-heavy plots and the infamous River Boys.

His words stunned fans:

“There is still a penchant for a River Boy… I mean, that was just a great period. But was it Summer Bay? In my humble opinion, not to that extent.”

If Ray Meagher — the living memory of Home and Away — is calling it out, it’s serious.

The Rise of the River Boys: A Fan-Favorite or a Brand Breaker?

It all began in 2011.
The show introduced a new breed of character:
The River Boys — tough, tattooed, beach-bred criminals from the fictional town of Mangrove River.

Played by Lincoln Younes, Steve Peacocke, and Dan Ewing, the trio exploded onto screens and quickly became one of the most talked-about additions in Home and Away history.

They were bold. Dangerous. Charismatic. And undeniably popular.

But according to Ray Meagher, their arrival marked a shift — a pivot from the show’s original DNA.

Where the show once focused on family struggles, relationships, and the sweetness of coastal life, it began leaning into crime syndicates, drug smuggling, shootouts, and chaos. Ratings climbed at first, but at a cost, Meagher argues.

“Nothing wrong with sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll,” Meagher admitted. “Except it came in too big a dose.”

In other words: the drama overshadowed the heart.

A Show Losing Its Identity? Meagher Thinks So

To longtime fans, Summer Bay has always represented a specific kind of storytelling:
A small coastal town taking in troubled youth, building community, and proving that even the most broken families can heal with compassion.

But with criminal gangs, dangerous outsiders, and high-stakes violence entering the mix, that wholesome foundation has cracked.

Meagher believes the show’s original premise — the Fletcher family fostering children and creating a community of hope — has been buried under years of escalating crime-laced plotlines.

And coming from the man who has anchored the series since day one, the critique carries weight.

The Alf Stewart Standard: A Legacy Built on Heart

Ray Meagher’s portrayal of Alf has always been about more than gruff comments, iconic catchphrases (“Flamin’ heck!”, anyone?), and good-natured banter.

It’s about stability.
Consistency.
Tradition.

He represents the moral backbone of Summer Bay — a character grounded in the show’s origins. So when he speaks about the essence of Home and Away, people listen.

And he’s not just criticizing — he’s reflecting, reminiscing, and urging the show to remember where it came from.

A Surprising Revelation: Ray Meagher Never Thought the Show Would Last

In a separate interview with the Scottish Sun, Meagher dropped another unexpected bombshell:

He never believed Home and Away would survive past the pilot.

“We’d done the pilot, and to be honest, I was older and more cynical and convinced it would crash and burn like most shows do.”

He even refused the show’s first offer — a two-year contract — before being convinced to try just six months.

Nearly four decades later, he’s still here.

That fact alone speaks to his dedication, and it adds emotional weight to his critique. Someone who didn’t even expect to remain on the cast has now become its compass.

Why Meagher Stayed: “It’s the People.”

For all the controversy Meagher’s comments stirred, his love for the show remains undeniable.

When fans ask why he continues year after year, he answers with one word:

“The people.”

The cast.
The crew.
The community behind the cameras.

Some crew members have been working alongside him nearly as long as he has been playing Alf Stewart — a rare feat in the world of television.

And despite his misgivings about some creative choices, Meagher recently signed a new five-year contract, securing Alf’s presence well into the future.

That alone signals hope for fans worried about the show’s direction.

Is Home and Away in Trouble? Fans Are Split

Ray Meagher’s comments have sparked a heated debate.

Supporters say:

• The show has become too dark
• The River Boys era changed the tone
• The charm of 80s and 90s Summer Bay is fading
• Family-focused storylines feel neglected

Others argue:

• The River Boys revitalized the show
• Modern audiences need higher stakes
• Crime plots are part of television’s evolution
• Change keeps the series fresh after 38 years

Either way, the controversy has put Home and Away right back in the spotlight — a place it thrives in.

What Happens Next?

With Meagher’s words echoing through the industry, insiders believe the show’s producers may lean back toward nostalgia in upcoming storylines.

There are whispers of:

• More family-centric arcs
• A return to fostering narratives
• Fewer high-stakes criminal plots
• More focus on beloved long-term characters

Whether these changes occur remains to be seen, but one thing is certain:

Ray Meagher’s voice carries influence — both on screen and behind the scenes.

Final Word: A Legend Protecting Summer Bay’s Legacy

Ray Meagher didn’t speak out to attack the show.
He spoke out because he loves it.

His message is clear:

Home and Away is strongest when it remembers who it is.
A show born from heart, not havoc.
From community, not chaos.
From family, not fear.

The River Boys may have shaken Summer Bay.
But Alf Stewart — and Ray Meagher — are here to steady it.

And with a new five-year contract and a fanbase standing firmly behind him, Ray’s voice might just guide Home and Away back toward the heartwarming stories that made it a global phenomenon.