Back to the Rafters
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 2021 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Family comedy-drama television series |
Back to the Rafters is an Australian family comedy-drama that debuted on Amazon Prime Video on 17 September 2021. Serving as both a sequel and spin-off to Packed to the Rafters, which originally aired on Seven Network between 2008 and 2013, it continues the story of the beloved characters.
Amazon announced the series' cancellation in October 2021, after just one season.
Synopsis
Taking place six years following the events of Packed to the Rafters, the storyline centers on Dave and Julie, who have moved to a rural setting with their youngest child, Ruby. Meanwhile, their older offspring encounter various new life challenges. Grandpa Ted also grapples with discovering his place within the family dynamic. The plot delves into Dave’s experience of newfound freedom alongside Julie’s efforts to juggle familial duties.
Production
Initial talks to revive the series under the working title Back to the Rafters began in September 2019, aiming for a 2020 release. Unlike its predecessor broadcast on Seven Network, this revival was acquired by Amazon Prime Video, with confirmation in December 2019 that original cast members including Rebecca Gibney, Erik Thomson, Jessica Marais, Hugh Sheridan, Angus McLaren, Michael Caton, and George Houvardas would return. Filming commenced in Sydney during 2020.
Jessica Marais departed from the project in February 2020 due to personal matters and was succeeded by Georgina Haig in March 2020. Production was paused in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in September, wrapping up filming by 2 October 2020.
Main
- Rebecca Gibney portraying Julie Rafter
- Erik Thomson as Dave Rafter
- Hugh Sheridan playing Ben Rafter
- Angus McLaren as Nathan Rafter
- Georgina Haig taking on Rachel Rafter
- Willow Speers as Ruby Rafter
- HaiHa Le portraying Cassie Rafter
- Kasper Frost as Edward Rafter
- Michael Caton playing Ted Taylor
- George Houvardas as Nick 'Carbo' Karandonis
- Aaron L. McGrath portraying Paddo Steel
Guests
- Libby Tanner appearing as Tessa Blake (5 episodes)
- Bruce Spence as Charles Whiteman (4 episodes)
- Mercia Deane-Johns playing Mrs Spade (2 episodes)
- Hannah Marshall as Retta Schembri Karandonis (1 episode)
- Merridy Eastman portraying Donna Mackey (5 episodes)
- Ezekiel Simat as Justin Gavin (3 episodes)
- Rose Riley appearing as Anna Davis (6 episodes)
Home media
Via Vision Entertainment announced a DVD release for Back To The Rafters in May 2022.
| DVD Title | Format | Number of Episodes | Discs | Region 4 Release Date (Australia) | Special Features | Distributor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Back To The Rafters (Season 01) | DVD | 6 | 2 | 20 July 2022 | None | Via Vision Entertainment & Madman Entertainment |
Critical response
The series Back to the Rafters garnered favorable feedback from both critics and viewers alike. Karl Quinn from The Sydney Morning Herald awarded it 3½ stars, appreciating its "welcome return" and contrasting its tone with more intense family dramas such as Succession. Daryl Sparkes of The Conversation commended the show for its genuine portrayal and relatable narrative, emphasizing its achievement in making everyday life engaging on screen. James Croot of New Zealand's Stuff praised the revival for breathing new life into key characters while delivering a mix of compelling drama, humor, and emotional resonance.
External links
- Welcome to Buradeena on Bundeena Info
- Articles with short description
- 2021 Australian television series debuts
- 2021 Australian television series conclusions
- 2020s Australian comedy TV series
- Australian comedy-drama shows
- Television series sequels
- Amazon Prime Video original content
- Australian English-language programs
- TV series centered on families
- Television productions by Seven Productions
- TV productions halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Television series by Seven Productions