Packed to the Rafters is an Australian family-oriented comedy drama television program which premiered on the Seven Network on Tuesday 26 August 2008 at 8:30 pm. The show continued on Tuesdays in this timeslot for its entire run. The drama series features a mix of lighthearted comedy woven through the plot. It revolves around the Rafter family facing work pressures and life issues, while also tackling serious social issues. The Logie award winning series was the highest rating to screen on the Seven Network in 2008, and the show was consistently among the top 5 shows of the year throughout its run in Australia.

Packed to the Rafters
Genre
Created byBevan Lee
Developed by
  • Jo Porter
  • Anthony Ellis
Narrated byVarious
Country of originAustralia
Original languageEnglish
No. of series6
No. of episodes122 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
  • John Holmes
  • Julie McGauran
Producers
  • Jo Porter (Seasons 1–4)
  • Chris Martin-Jones (Seasons 4–5)
  • Bill Hughes (Seasons 6)
Running time42 minutes
Production companySeven Productions
Original release
NetworkSeven Network
Release26 August 2008 (2008-08-26) –
2 July 2013 (2013-07-02)

TV Week announced 2013 that the sixth series of Packed to the Rafters would be the last, with Hugh Sheridan stating, "It's emotional letting go of Rafters – for all of us. It was such an amazing chapter in Aussie TV. I'm really proud we all came back together to send it off."[1] The two-hour finale of Rafters aired on 2 July 2013, and saw the return of Hugh Sheridan, Jessica Marais, Ryan Corr, Jessica McNamee and James Stewart. Rebecca Gibney said, "The cast, writers and producers have always said that we wanted to keep Rafters as one of the most-watched shows on TV. If we ever felt like we were losing too many cast members, we needed to end it on a high. We can say season six winds up an aspect of the Rafter family and there is a sense of finality to it."[2]

A sequel series Back to the Rafters was released on Amazon Prime Video in 2021.

Overview

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The first season (2008)

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The first season premiered on 26 August 2008. The season finale aired 24 March 2009. Season one's storylines included:

  • Julie and Dave's 25th wedding anniversary
  • Rachel and Nathan & Sammy moving back home
  • Ben moving in with Carbo and getting a new flatmate, Mel
  • An amateur porn video of Rachel and Daniel released
  • Ben and Mel sleeping together and eventually dating
  • Rachel's pregnancy and subsequent abortion
  • Carbo and Chrissy's forbidden relationship
  • Ted moving on from late wife Louise
  • The discovery that Julie is pregnant

The second season (2009)

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The second season premiered on 30 June 2009. The season finale aired 24 November 2009. Season two's storylines included:

  • Julie's pregnancy and the birth of baby Ruby
  • Ben's heart problems
  • Dave meeting his birth mother Chel
  • Rachel's romance with electrician (“sparky”) Jake Barton
  • Carbo's relationship with his mother's best friend's daughter, Artie
  • Chrissy's crush on Dave, the demise of her friendship with Julie, and her departure
  • Nathan's infidelity and gambling problems
  • Ben and Mel's engagement and marriage
  • Dave's vasectomy
  • Sammy leaving Nathan

The third season (2010)

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The third season premiered on 29 June 2010. The season finale aired 16 November 2010. Season three's storylines included:

  • Dave meeting his biological father, Tom Jennings
  • Nathan and Sammy's separation and her subsequent departure
  • Rachel's jealousy of baby sister Ruby
  • Nathan donating a kidney to HIV-positive grandmother Chel
  • Rachel's new job
  • Ben and Mel's fertility troubles
  • Carbo meeting a girl, Retta
  • Julie making friends with Hamish, who develops a crush on her
  • The Rafters meeting Tom's grandson, Coby
  • Mel's death
  • Chel's departure
  • Ben and Nathan's holiday around Australia

The fourth season (2011–2012)

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The fourth season premiered on 8 February 2011. The season finale aired 20 March 2012. Season four's storylines included:

  • The return of Ben and Nathan
  • Coby's artistic flare and his outing as an artist by Rachel
  • The finalisation of Nathan and Sammy's divorce
  • Rachel's departure to New York
  • Carbo and Retta's secret marriage
  • The development of a friendship between Julie and Donna
  • Bree's arrival & her romance with Jake and departure
  • Ben's relationship with Donna's daughter Emma
  • Tom's departure
  • The introduction of Matt, the half-brother of Dave
  • Ruby's disappearance
  • Ted's new lease on life and becoming a mentor to Cooper
  • Nathan's departure

The fifth season (2012–2013)

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The fifth season premiered on 17 April 2012. The season finale aired 16 April 2013. Season five's storylines included:

  • The introductions of new electrician Frankie Calasso and Julie's boss Adam Goodman
  • Coby and Frankie's tumultuous relationship
  • The reappearance of Jake's father Jim and his subsequent death
  • The end of Ben and Emma's relationship
  • Dave's drunken kiss with Frankie and his subsequent marriage troubles
  • Retta's pregnancy and miscarriage
  • Ben's departure
  • Ted's dementia diagnosis
  • The fire in the Rafter household and its aftermath
  • Emma moving in with Carbo and Retta
  • The arrest of Coby after his assault on Donna's boyfriend (and Dave’s client) Duncan, leading to Coby’s imprisonment and subsequent departure
  • Nathan's marriage to Saskia and the birth of their son Edward
  • The brief return of Nathan and Ben
  • Jake's departure
  • Julie and Dave's 30th wedding anniversary

The sixth season (2013)

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The sixth and final season premiered on 23 April 2013. The series finale aired 2 July 2013. Season six's storylines included:

  • The arrival of new sparky and Frankie's old friend Buzz Graham
  • Ted's reunion with ex-lover Eleanor McCormack
  • Matt moving in with Frankie
  • Carbo, Retta and Emma struggling with their florist store
  • Buzz taking a liking to Emma
  • Emma dating Logan/Craig who has been juggling between Donna and her
  • Buzz's son Jackson visiting his dad when he is working and get to know the others
  • The sudden death of a customer of Dave Rafter Electrical who was fond of Frankie and Frankie taking care of his greenhouse
  • Dave coaching the cricket team
  • Nathan calling Sammy for help in his visit to London to look for Saskia
  • Saskia cheating on Nathan and her sleep deprivation
  • Retta pregnant
  • Jake and Rachel getting engaged
  • Dave and Julie's holiday around Australia

Cast

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Main

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Actor Character Season
1 2 3 4 5 6
Rebecca Gibney Julie Rafter Main
Erik Thomson Dave Rafter Main
Michael Caton Ted Taylor Main
Hugh Sheridan Ben Rafter Main Guest
Angus McLaren Nathan Rafter Main Guest Main
Jessica Marais Rachel Rafter Main Does not appear Guest
Jessica McNamee Sammy Rafter Main Does not appear Main
George Houvardas Carbo Karandonis Recurring Main
James Stewart Jake Barton Does not appear Recurring Main Guest
Zoe Ventoura Melissa "Mel" Bannon Rafter Recurring Main Does not appear Guest Does not appear
Ryan Corr Coby Jennings Does not appear Guest Recurring Main
Hannah Marshall Retta Schembri Karandonis Does not appear Recurring Main
Merridy Eastman Donna Mackey Does not appear Recurring Main
Zoe Cramond Emma Mackey Does not appear Recurring Main
Jacob Allen Matt Jennings Does not appear Recurring Main
Brooke Satchwell Frankie Calasso Does not appear Recurring Main
Ben Mingay Buzz Graham Does not appear Main
Fiona Spence Eleanor McCormack Does not appear Main

Recurring

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Actor Role Duration
Caroline Brazier Chrissy Merchant Season 1, Episode 1–2, 5, 7–14, 17–20; Season 2, Episode 1–3, 5, 12–13, 15, 17, 21 – 24 Episodes total
Justin Rosniak Stuart "Warney" Warne Season 1, Episode 1–2, 5, 7, 9, 13–16; Season 2, Episode 1–2, 10, 13, 15, 16, 19–22; Season 4, Episode 13, 17 – 21 Episodes total
Luke Pegler Daniel Griggs Season 1, Episode 1–6, 10; Season 2, Episode 18 – 8 Episodes total
Sarah Chadwick Trish Westaway Season 1, Episode 4, 7, 21, 22; Season 2, Episode 7–9, 13, 15–16, 19, 21; Season 3, Episode 1–2 – 14 Episodes total
Jerome Ehlers Anthony Westaway Season 1, Episode 4, 7, 21 – 3 Episodes total
Kate Fitzpatrick Marjorie Stevens Season 1, Episode 12–13, 17, 21–22; Season 2, Episode 2, 5–6 – 8 Episodes total
Dina Panozzo Rita Karandonis Season 1, Episode 18–20; Season 2, Episode 12; Season 4, Episode 1–3, 21 – 8 Episodes total
George Spartels Theo Karandonis Season 1, Episode 18–20; Season 4, Episode 21 – 4 Episodes total
Roy Billing Ron Barrett Season 1, Episode 1, 2, 7 – 3 Episodes total
Belinda Bromilow Libby Sanders Season 1, Episode 16, 20; Season 2, Episode 3–4, 11, 18; Season 3, Episode 18 – 7 Episodes total
Craig McLachlan Steve Wilson Season 1, Episode 8–9; Season 2, Episode 4, 15, 16; Season 4, Episode 22 – 6 Episodes total
Michael Booth George Spiteri Season 1, Episode 6, 16; Season 2, Episode 3, 4, 11, 18; Season 3, Episode 11 – 7 Episodes total
Ria Vandervis Layla Soubrani Season 2, Episode 4–5, 9–10, 12–13, 15 – 7 episodes total
Geoff Morrell Tim Connelly Season 2, Episode 2, 3, 4 – 3 Episodes total
Peter Bensley Derek Season 1, Episode 21; Season 2, Episode 2, 3; Season 3, Episode 10 – 4 Episodes total
Gillian Jones Rachel "Chel" Warne Season 2, Episode 10 – Season 3, Episode 21 – 25 Episodes total
Kristian Schmid Alex Barton Season 2, Episode 10–11, 14, 17–18; Season 3, Episode 6, 8–9, 11, 19; Season 4, Episode 8, 11–14, 16; Season 5, Episode 13–16 – 20 Episodes total
Mercia Deane-Johns Grace Barton Season 2, Episode 10–11, 14, 22; Season 3, Episode 1–2, 4, 6, 8; Season 4, Episode 11 – 10 Episodes total
Imogen Strong
Ruby & Emily Langley
Sabella & Hannah Storey
Ruby Rafter Season 2, Episode 22
Season 3, Episode 1–14
Season 3, Episode 15 – present – 64 Episodes total
John Howard Tom Jennings Season 3, Episode 9, 12–13, 17, 18, 21 – Season 4, Episode 7–16, 20 – 17 episodes total
Camille Keenan Bree Jennings Season 4, Episode 11–22 – 11 Episodes total
Olivia Stambouliah Voula Karandonis Season 4, Episode 13, 21; Season 5, Episode 13–16 – 6 episodes total
Martin Lynes Paul Morgan Season 3, Episode 11, 14–15, 19–20; Season 4, Episode 3–7 – 10 Episodes total
Jarin Towney Cooper Season 4, Episode 20–21; Season 5, Episode 1–2, 10, 20–22; Season 6, Episode 4–5 – 10 Episodes total
Henry Nixon Bryn Parry Season 5, Episode 13–16 – 4 Episodes total
Andy Anderson Jim Barton Season 5, Episode 5–6, 15–16, 21 – 5 Episodes total
Samantha Tolj Sian Parry Season 5, Episode 3–7, 9–11, 13–16, 20 – 13 Episodes total
Lauren Clair Saskia Clark Rafter Season 5, Episode 12, 22; Season 6, Episode 2, 5, 11–12 – 6 Episodes total
Mark Lee Duncan Galloway Season 5, Episode 17–21 – 5 Episodes total
Coby Connell Arna Fischer Season 5, Episode 19–20 – 2 episodes total
Tom O'Sullivan Craig/Logan Season 5, Episode 22; Season 6, Episode 1–4 – 5 Episodes total
Cameron Daddo Adam Goodman Season 5, Episode 1, 3, 5–10 – 8 episodes total
Narek Arman Jackson Radovich Season 6, Episode 1, 3–5, 7–12 – 10 Episodes total
Jacinta Stapleton Carla Calasso Season 6, Episode 5, 8 – 2 Episodes total
Cassanne Ayre Amanda Seasons 1 & 2

Guests

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Recurring and minor guest stars have included Melanie Vallejo, Lieschen Pogue, Denise Roberts, Phoebe Tonkin, Damian de Montemas, Malcolm Kennard, Andy Whitfield, Iain PF McDonald, Betty Lucas, Jonathon Dutton and Bernard Curry. Kate Ceberano and David Campbell have appeared as themselves.

Production

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The producer is Jo Porter, who alongside series creator Bevan Lee and writer Anthony Ellis are part of the same team responsible for the critically acclaimed series Always Greener, which also set ratings records.

The exterior shots of the Rafter house are filmed on location in Concord,[3] while most house interiors were shot in studios at the Australian Technology Park, Eveleigh. Most of the other exterior shots are filmed at locations in Southern Sydney including establishing shots at Oatley and Lugarno shopping centres as well as the Captain Cook Bridge. The dinner venue in episode 1 was filmed at the St George Motor Boat Club at Sans Souci but the indoor scenes in the Chinese Restaurant were a set.[4][5] The cricket match in episode 2 was filmed at Morrisons Park, Putney. The shopping centre, beach and park scenes in episode 5 were shot in Carss Park. Julie's “Night Club” scenes were shot near Concord, at the Epping Hotel.

Home media

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The entire series of Packed to the Rafters has been released on DVD on Region 4 in Australia from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment between 2009 and 2013. A complete series box set was released in 2013. Season two was the only season to receive a Blu-ray release, in addition to its DVD release.

Title Release date Episodes No. of
discs
Additional Ref
The Complete Season 1 2 December 2009 22 6
Show
  • O-Ring packaging
  • Behind the scenes look at the show
  • Cast Interviews
[6]
The Complete Season 2 3 November 2010 22 6
Show
  • O-Ring packaging
  • Also available on Blu-ray (released 3 November 2010)[7]
[8]
The Complete Season 3 20 April 2011 22 6
Show
  • O-Ring packaging
  • Interview with Hugh Sheridan & Zoe Ventoura about her character Mel's tragic death
  • Interviews with the cast discussing Season 3 storylines
[9]
The Complete Seasons 1–3 20 April 2011 66 18
Show
  • See individual releases
[10]
Season 4 – Part 1 3 November 2011 11 3
Show
  • Bon Voyage Rachel Rafter: The cast farewell a favourite character
  • The Bachelor Pad: James Stewart and Ryan Corr shed some light on bachelor living
  • Frenemies: Rebecca Gibney and Merridy Eastman give an insight into their surprising friendship
  • Moving On: Hugh Sheridan and Zoe Crammond talk about life after Mel
  • Extended Family: Camille Keenan introduces the newest member of the family, Bree Jennings
  • The Secret: George Houvardas and Hannah Marshall chat about love, marriage and the secret
[11]
Season 4 – Part 2 28 March 2012 11 3
Show
  • A Big Greek Wedding Featurette
  • George Houvardas, Hannah Marshall and Dina Panozzo, give an insight into the big day with contributions from Rebecca Gibney, Erik Thomson, Angus McLaren, Camille Keenan, James Stewart, Ryan Corr, Hugh Sheridan, and Zoe Cramond
  • Tricks of the Trade Featurette
  • James Stewart and Ryan Corr share the secrets of acting
  • Naughty but Nice Featurette
  • Erik Thomson and Angus McLaren chat about the filming of their risqué scenes
[12]
The Complete Season 4 28 March 2012 22 6
Show
  • O-Ring packaging
  • Bon Voyage Rachel Rafter: The cast farewell a favourite character
  • The Bachelor Pad: James Stewart and Ryan Corr shed some light on bachelor living
  • Frenemies: Rebecca Gibney and Merridy Eastman give an insight into their surprising friendship
  • Moving On: Hugh Sheridan and Zoe Crammond talk about life after Mel
  • Extended Family: Camille Keenan introduces the newest member of the family, Bree Jennings
  • The Secret: George Houvardas and Hannah Marshall chat about love, marriage and the secret
  • A Big Greek Wedding Featurette
  • Tricks of the Trade Featurette
  • Naughty but Nice Featurette
[13]
The Complete Season 5 2 May 2013 22 6
Show
  • Access All Areas with Ryan Corr
[14]
The Complete Season 6 7 November 2013 12 3
Show
  • The Cast Remembers
[15]
The Complete Series 7 November 2013 122 33
Show
  • See individual releases
[16]
Collection One: Seasons 1–3 20 April 2022 66 18
Show
  • TBA
[17]
Collection Two: Seasons 4–6 20 July 2022 56 15
Show
  • TBA
[18]

Soundtrack

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Volume 1

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Packed to the Rafters: The Soundtrack
Soundtrack album by
Various Artists
Released29 November 2008
Length55:44
LanguageEnglish
LabelWarner Music

Packed to the Rafters: The Soundtrack was released on 29 November 2008. It has peaked at No. 7 on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart. It has since gone triple certified Platinum, selling in excess of 170,000 copies. The songs "I'm Yours" and "Rock & Roll" have been heavily used in promotional advertising for the series.

Track listing

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  1. Jason Mraz – "I'm Yours"
  2. Gabriella Cilmi – "Sweet About Me"
  3. Josh Pyke – "Memories and Dust"
  4. Ben Lee – "Love Me Like the World Is Ending"
  5. Kahn Brothers – "Stronger Together"
  6. Lisa Mitchell – "Neopolitan Dreams"
  7. The Cat Empire – "Fishies"
  8. Old Man River – "La"
  9. José González – "Down the Line"
  10. James Reyne – "Reckless"
  11. Alex Lloyd – "Same Day"
  12. Lior – "Burst Your Bubble"
  13. Jenny Morris – "Street of Love"
  14. Mark Sholtez – "Love Me for the Cool"
  15. Abby Dobson – "It's Only Love"
  16. Eric Hutchinson – "Rock and Roll"

Certifications

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Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[19] Platinum 70,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Volume 2

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Packed to the Rafters: The Soundtrack Volume 2
Soundtrack album by
Various Artists
Released18 September 2009
LanguageEnglish
LabelWarner Music

Packed to the Rafters: The Soundtrack Volume 2 was released on 18 September 2009. It has peaked at No. 30 on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart.

Track listing

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  1. Latch Key Kid – "Good Times"
  2. Lisa Mitchell – "Coin Laundry"
  3. Empire of the Sun – "We Are the People"
  4. Ben Lee – "Birds and Bees"
  5. Eric Hutchinson – "You Don't Have to Believe Me"
  6. Bob Evans – "Don't You Think It's Time?"
  7. Kylie Auldist – "Just Say"
  8. James Grehan – "Hold On"
  9. Matt Costa – "Miss Magnolia"
  10. Mark Sholtez – "Too Late for Heroes"
  11. Lior – "This Old Love"
  12. Whitley – "Lost in Time"
  13. King Curly – "Little Arrows"
  14. Sarah Blasko – "Perfect Now"
  15. Abby Dobson – "Horses"
  16. Rick Price – "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"

Volume 3

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Packed to the Rafters: The Soundtrack Volume 3
Soundtrack album by
Various Artists
Released4 March 2011
LanguageEnglish
LabelSony Music Entertainment

Packed to the Rafters: The Soundtrack Volume 3 was released on 4 March 2011.[20]

Track listing

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  1. Uncle Kracker – "Smile"
  2. Olly Murs – "Please Don't Let Me Go"
  3. The Potbelleez – "Hello"
  4. Michael Franti & Spearhead featuring Cherine Anderson – "Say Hey (I Love You)"
  5. Little Birdy – "Brother"
  6. Passion Pit – "Little Secrets"
  7. The Cat Empire – "So Many Nights"
  8. Kisschasy – "Generation Why"
  9. Sarah Blasko – "We Won't Run"
  10. Missy Higgins – "Warm Whispers"
  11. Bertie Blackman – "Thump"
  12. Fatboy Slim – "The Rockafeller Skank"
  13. Sally Seltmann – "Harmony to My Heart Beat"
  14. Leroy Lee – "Mountain Song"
  15. Mark Sholtez – "This Perfect Day"
  16. Angus & Julia Stone – "Hush"
  17. Daniel Merriweather – "Red"
  18. Sia – "I Go to Sleep"
  19. Holly Throsby – "Now I Love Someone"
  20. The Easybeats – "Wedding Ring"

Reception

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Critical response

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Packed to the Rafters has received positive critical response from reviewers. In reviewing the pilot, David Knox of TV Tonight underlined that whilst the series's tone was "predominantly light", Rafters "also features some darker, more successful moments".[21] The Age's Jim Schembri called Rafters a "superbly sculpted series about suburban class warfare", noting that in his opinion, the series was "one of the most enjoyable, finely honed locally produced TV dramas we've seen in ages", applauding the dialogue that "crackles with wit and energy".[22] Season 2 received an equal amount of outflowing positivity, with Michael Lallo discovering that "Rafters "lighthearted" tone acts as a cloak, allowing it to address controversial topics without making viewers feel they're being lectured. The result is a feel-good series that's meaty and satisfying".[23]

Of the series's characters, Michael Idato of The Sydney Morning Herald found an "elegance to the performances", going on to further applaud the "gentle, engaging, emotional dynamics" of the characters interactions with each other that also managed to both "enhance its charm and believability at the same time".[24]

Awards and nominations

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TV Week Logie Awards

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The show was nominated for forty two Logie Awards and won thirteen.

Year Nominee Award Result
2009 Packed to the Rafters Most Popular Drama Series Won
Rebecca Gibney Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian TV Won
Erik Thomson Most Popular Actor Nominated
Rebecca Gibney Most Popular Actress Won
Hugh Sheridan Most Popular New Male Talent Won
George Houvardas Nominated
Jessica Marais Most Popular New Female Talent Won
Packed to the Rafters Most Outstanding Drama Series, Miniseries or Telemovie Nominated
Rebecca Gibney Most Outstanding Actress Nominated
Jessica Marais Most Outstanding New Talent Won
Hugh Sheridan Nominated
2010 Packed to the Rafters Most Popular Drama Series Won
Rebecca Gibney Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian TV Nominated
Hugh Sheridan Most Popular Actor Won
Erik Thomson Nominated
Rebecca Gibney Most Popular Actress Won
Jessica Marais Nominated
James Stewart Most Popular New Male Talent Nominated
Packed to the Rafters Most Outstanding Drama Series, Miniseries or Telemovie Nominated
2011[25] Packed to the Rafters Most Popular Drama Series Won
Rebecca Gibney Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian TV Nominated
Jessica Marais Nominated
Erik Thomson Most Popular Actor Nominated
Hugh Sheridan Won
Michael Caton Nominated
Jessica Marais Most Popular Actress Nominated
Rebecca Gibney Nominated
Zoe Ventoura Nominated
Ryan Corr Most Popular New Male Talent Nominated
Hannah Marshall Most Popular New Female Talent Nominated
Packed to the Rafters Most Outstanding Drama Series, Miniseries or Telemovie Nominated
Erik Thomson Most Outstanding Actor Nominated
Hugh Sheridan Nominated
Ryan Corr Most Outstanding New Talent Nominated
2012
Packed to the Rafters Most Popular Drama Series Won
Erik Thompson Most Popular Actor Nominated
Hugh Sheridan Won
Rebecca Gibney Most Popular Actress Nominated
Jessica Marais Nominated
2013 Packed to the Rafters Most Popular Australian Drama Nominated
Hugh Sheridan Most Popular Actor Nominated
Rebecca Gibney Most Popular Actress Nominated
2014[26] Hugh Sheridan Most Popular Actor Nominated
Rebecca Gibney Most Popular Actress Nominated

AFI Awards

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Packed to the Rafters was nominated for two AFI (now AACTA) Awards in 2009.

Year Nominee Award Result
2009 Packed to the Rafters Best Drama Series Won
Rebecca Gibney Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama Nominated

Episodes and ratings

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The average ratings for Season 1 in 2008 were 1,939,000 making it the No. 1 show of 2008 on Australian television. The second season of Packed to the Rafters averaged 1,881,000, ranking it as No. 2 for the 2009 year.[27] The program has also been picked up by Irish broadcaster RTÉ[28] and New Zealand's TV1 which aired the first season of Packed to the Rafters in early 2009.[29] The series has also been sold to networks in South Africa, Belgium, The Netherlands, several Scandinavian countries,[30] Italy and India.[31]

Series ratings

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Packed to the Rafters has been a solid performer in the ratings since its premiere. Most episodes have been the number one programme during prime time for the night since the series premiere and the show has remained in the top ten programs of the week. In 2008, the series was the highest rating regularly broadcast show with an average of 1,939,143 viewers per episode for the first fourteen episodes of season one which screened in 2008. The lower weekly rankings for seasons 5 and 6 are as a result of multiple episodes of single reality shows appearing as separate programs on the weekly list.

Season # of Episodes Timeslot Season
Premiere
Season
Final
Peak
Audience
Average
Audience
Average
Nightly Rank
Average
Weekly Rank
Average
Yearly Ranking
1 22 Tuesday 8:30 pm 26 August 2008 24 March 2009 2,067,000 1,904,364 No. 1 No. 2 No. 1
2 22 30 June 2009 24 November 2009 2,185,000 1,881,045 No. 1 No. 2 No. 2
3 22 29 June 2010 16 November 2010 2,335,000 1,895,571 No. 1 No. 2 No. 1
4 22 8 February 2011 20 March 2012 2,011,000 1,769,364 No. 2 No. 3 No. 3
5 22 17 April 2012 16 April 2013 1,762,000 1,508,714 No. 4 No. 11 No. 16
6 12 23 April 2013 2 July 2013 1,585,000 1,381,000 No. 5 No. 15 No. 20

Season 1 (2008–2009)

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Season 2 (2009)

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Season 3 (2010)

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Season 4 (2011–2012)

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Season 5 (2012–2013)

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Season 6 (2013)

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Broadcast

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Country Channel Year Notes
  Australia Seven Network 26 August 2008 – 2 July 2013 Original channel
111 Greats (formerly 111 Hits) 2014– Reruns; currently showing from season 1
  Belgium (Flanders) vtm 2008– Subtitled in Dutch
  Netherlands NET 5 2009– Subtitled in Dutch
  New Zealand TV One 7 July 2009– Sunday 20:30
  Ireland RTÉ One August 2009– Season 4 premiered Sunday 4 August 2013; the season 4 finale aired 22 December 2013
Season 5 premiered 26 April 2014
  South Africa SET 2009–
  Italy Joi 17 January 2010– Sundays 21:00
  Germany Passion 11 November 2010– Pay-TV; Dubbed in German
VOX 14 February 2011– Free-TV; Dubbed in German
  Malaysia Astro 2010– Sundays 21:00 via Australia Network
  Portugal AXN White 2010– Coming Soon
  Croatia HRT 2011– Subtitled in Croatian
  Finland TV5 2011– Subtitled in Finnish
  Hungary Magyar Televízió 2011–
  Poland Viacom Blink! 20 July 2011–
  Sweden TNT7 2011–
  Bangladesh
  India
  Pakistan
  Sri Lanka
Star World December 2012–May 2013 With English Open Captions; Season 1 – Season 5
  Falkland Islands Falkland Islands Television Service 2012–
  United Kingdom Amazon Prime Video 23 April 2019–October 2019[32] Entire series (first time in UK); currently unavailable
  United States Hulu Plus 2013 Entire series available for streaming

Back to the Rafters

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In September 2019, it was reported the cast members were in discussion to revive the series for a 2020 season under the working title "Back to the Rafters",[33] however the series would not air on Seven Network, instead would be placed on Amazon Prime Video,[34] which was confirmed in December 2019, and the return of Rebecca Gibney, Erik Thomson, Jessica Marais, Hugh Sheridan, Angus McLaren, Michael Caton and George Houvardas.[35] Filming commenced in Sydney in 2020.[36]

In February 2020, Jessica Marais dropped out of the series for personal reasons.[37][38] In March 2020, it was announced Georgina Haig would take over the role of Rachel Rafter.[39]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ McWhirter, Erin (20–26 April 2013). "See Hugh Later!". TV Week. No. 16. Bauer Media Group. p. 31.
  2. ^ Miller, Erin (15–21 June 2013). "It's Official: Rafters over!". TV Week. No. 24. Bauer Media Group. p. 27.
  3. ^ Moran, Jonathon (28 September 2008). "Why this street is Packed to The Rafters". The Sunday Telegraph. Archived from the original on 3 October 2008. Retrieved 28 September 2008.
  4. ^ "Seven announces new Australian series for 2008". eBroadcast. 6 December 2007. Archived from the original on 8 January 2008. Retrieved 22 January 2008.
  5. ^ Knox, David (15 August 2007). "Gibney for new Seven comedy". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 21 August 2007. Retrieved 22 January 2008.
  6. ^ "Packed to the Rafters - The Complete Season 1 (6 Disc Set)". ezydvd.com.au. Archived from the original on 9 August 2011. Retrieved 1 December 2009.
  7. ^ "Packed to the Rafters - The Complete Season 2 (4 Disc Set) (Blu-ray)". Ezydvd.com.au. Archived from the original on 15 April 2012. Retrieved 3 November 2010.
  8. ^ "Packed to the Rafters – The Complete Season 2 (6 Disc Set)". ezydvd.com.au. Archived from the original on 12 April 2011. Retrieved 3 November 2010.
  9. ^ "Packed to the Rafters – The Complete Season 3 (6 Disc Set)". ezydvd.com.au. Archived from the original on 11 February 2011. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
  10. ^ "Packed to the Rafters: The Complete Seasons 1-3 DVD". Blu-ray.com. Archived from the original on 22 April 2016. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
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