Packed to the Rafters

'Packed to the Rafters' is a relatively light, well written family drama that won a slew of awards during its time on air, and rated highly in Australia across its six season run.

The show begins the day before the 25th wedding anniversary of its two main characters, Dave and Julie Rafter, who married and had children very young and have been living in their small suburban home throughout their married life. Their last remaining child at home has decided he is going to move out and Dave and Julie are looking forward to being empty nesters. However a series of events lead to different family members one by one returning to the Rafter home. With all bedrooms full and only one bathroom, the house becomes packed to the rafters!

One of Australia's finest drama series, each episode of Packed to the Rafters is carefully crafted, narrated by a different character and often has an extended metaphor or motif throughout. Packed to the Rafters deals with difficult and very real issues facing members of society, all while balancing comedy and being heartwarming at the same time. The natural chemistry between the cast enhances the believability that in difficult times, this family comes together and is there for each other no matter what.

While all seasons were a joy to watch, I particularly enjoyed Season 1 as the pasts of each character was revealed through their narration and flashbacks, so we get some back story as to why they are the way they are.

Packed To The Rafters is a perfect example of Australia's fantastic television industry. The show is not fake, although it is fictional, it deals with characters, relationships and experiences that everyone can relate to.

Packed To The Rafters focuses on the lives of the Rafter family made up of father, Dave (Erik Thomson), mother (Rebecca Gibney), the eldest, Rachel (Jessica Marais), middle child, Ben (Hugh Sheridan) and youngest, Nathan (Angus McLaren). Each episode is narrated by a different family member giving each episode an exciting new take on each characters life. Almost always Packed To The Rafters is full of happiness, joy and laughter. However, darker issues are covered especially when dealing with Rachel and her troubled life and relationships.

Packed To The Rafters is a rare show where the viewer is transported into a different family, which is so like their own, dealing with everyday issues that are exciting and often extremely funny.

The best show on Australian television since the ABC's hit drama, SeaChange.

The Rafters are the greatest family on Earth. They give so much without being political nor religious, and sadly most times they get burned. The 3 main principles in S1 thru 5 are outstanding. I'm speaking of Hugh Sheridan, Rebecca Gibney and the star rising Jessica Morais. Ben and Nathan are also fantastic.

I loved how, as each year progressed, slight cursing was added, because, some of the bridges they HAD to cross...man, they held it together.

And the problems are not forgotten in the next episode.

Jake and Coby are the best.

This is not a spoiler...in, " Back to the Rafters", Ruby is like 10, and precotious and horrible.

I rated this show 8, I really loved this show.

P. S. The original Rachel does not show up in " Back to..." The grandfather is THE ABSOLUTE WORST.

You are really going to enjoy this series.

Fantastic. I love Aussie shows and I can't wait for Amazon to take us "Back to the Rafters"

This is one of the best series I have ever seen. Love the characters, acting is impeccable, and each episode is wonderful.