S01E01 Pilot
Happily married couple, Julie and Dave Rafter are over the moon when Ben, their last child, finally decides to leave home. After raising three kids, the couple are free! It's a chance for them to...
Packed to the Rafters
S01E04: How Did We Get Here?
Sammy and Nathan's marriage is in crisis when she can no longer bear keeping the secret reason for their move into the Rafter home. This leaves Nathan with no option but to count on the family he's always taken for granted. Relating the story of how he met beloved wife Sammy, Nathan is forced to face his feelings of worthlessness as a son, husband and provider. In revisiting the evolution of his relationship with Sammy, Nathan takes us to his wedding day — both the happiest and saddest day of his life, as a beloved family member collapses. Wealthy princess Sammy faces obstacles at every turn as she struggles to fit into crowded, suburban life with the Rafter family.
Overview
Packed to the Rafters is an Australian family-oriented television series which premiered on the Seven Network on Tuesday 26 August 2008 at 8:30 pm. The show has 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, whilst 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 has consistently been among the top 5 shows of the year throughout its run in Australia.
It was announced in TV Week that the sixth season 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." The two-hour series finale of Rafters aired on 2 July 2013, which 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."
Episodes
S01E02 Playing a Googly
An unemployed Dave struggles to regain his manhood and position in the family, landing himself in hospital. When life keeps bowling Dave a series of problematic googlies, the question becomes: how will he play them?...
S01E03 She Ain't Heavy
Rachel's growing alcohol dependence sends her family over the edge. Her careless actions could spell the end for one of them. Julie desperately brings the family together for a therapeutic barbecue but simmering tensions erupt....
S01E04 How Did We Get Here?
Sammy and Nathan's marriage is in crisis when she can no longer bear keeping the secret reason for their move into the Rafter home. This leaves Nathan with no option but to count on the...
S01E05 Lines of Communication
Ben finds himself in uncomfortable possession of a devastating secret which could blow his family apart, and with Dave's freelance career failing to take off, Julie makes a tough decision which tests the strength of...
S01E06 Facing Demons
Rachel faces up to her shameful past. In flashbacks, she tells how she met, fell in love and eventually left Daniel, the man responsible for emailing their private video. Ted decides to move back home...
S01E07 Self Made Man
Nathan's world is turned upside down as Julie and Dave make a splash at his father-in-law's 50th birthday party. Nathan learns a valuable lesson about wealth and happiness when the life he has and the...
S01E08 Taking the Lead
Ben's world is turned upside down after a drunken one-night stand. Dave must face up to the secrets of his past while Carbo strikes up a surprising friendship with unexpectedly romantic results.
S01E09 Suburban Boy
Dave reconnects with his foster brother, '80s rock star Steve Wilson, leading to an offer he can't refuse. Meanwhile, after a risky gamble with his boss's money, Nathan races the clock to save his job....
S01E10 All in the Planning
Rachel is faced with a terrible decision. Ben gets the wrong idea when he stumbles upon a secret in Melissa's handbag. Sammy is offered the possibility of a glamorous job in London — but will...
S01E11 Away From It All
Julie forces her dispirited family to the beach for a restorative weekend away — leading to everyone feeling restored but Julie herself. Ted receives advice from beyond the grave. Melissa's life is in danger when...
S01E12 Removing the Block
Ted steps back into the weird and wonderful world of dating. His journey begins when, encouraged by Louise's letter to the future, he attends a meeting of Friend Finders — a social networking group for...
S01E13 Smile Through the Pain
Dave reluctantly bonds with Warney and discovers the beginnings of a surprising friendship. Meanwhile, Julie cramps Rachel's style when she signs up for the same yoga class.
S01E14 A Mother's Radar
Following on from last weeks adventure in the car, Sammy and Nathan decide to organise some time for themselves with a romantic rendezvous. Julie's predictions about Rachel's true desire to pursue an interest in yoga...
S01E15 Natural Justice
Being on the electoral roll has its advantages; some may argue but voting being one. And others say it's not a good thing at all, as they don't want to be called up for jury...
S01E16 Having It All
This week sees Rachel still trying to find her life's path. With much direction and focus she starts a new chapter in her life. Meanwhile, since finding a new business partner, Dave's life should have...
S01E17 Changes
Dads and their daughters have a very special relationship. In fact, most Dad's like to think that their precious daughters are "Daddy's Little Girl". So when Dave learns that Rachel is dating an old cricket...
S01E18 House of Cards
What do you get when you mix too much alcohol with sex? A one night stand! It would almost be crazy, or somehow forgettable if it wasn't our favourite Rafter involved. That's right - It's...
S01E19 Over the Moon
This week Rachel is blown away by Rob's idea of "Happy Families". His idea is a bit over the top, but not in a bad way really. With a bit of help from Dad, Ben...
S01E20 Losing the Touch
"Once upon a time in Dave's Magic Castle." All should be well in the world of King Dave, but with Queen Julie heading into menopause, the Rafter household is a bit tumultuous. Julie fears that...
S01E21 What a Difference a Year Makes
What a difference a year makes! It has been a year in TV land according to the Packed to the Rafters show, and therefore two special anniversaries are marked in the lives of the Rafter...
S01E22 Don't Know What You've Got 'Til It's Gone
Last week saw a huge surprise bestowed on Dave and Julie. With three grown up kids, and the youngest being born 21 years ago, just how will Dave and Julie cope? What with the nappies,...
Cast
Rebecca Gibney
Julie Rafter
Michael Caton
Ted Taylor
Erik Thomson
Dave Rafter
Zoe Ventoura
Angus McLaren
Nathan Rafter
Hugh Sheridan
Ben Rafter
Jessica Marais
Rachel Rafter
Jessica McNamee
Sammy Rafter
James Stewart
Jake Barton
Ryan Corr
Coby Jennings
George Houvardas
Nick 'Carbo' Karandonis
Caroline Brazier
