Packed to the Rafters

 

As a youngster in the 1950's and 60.s American family sit-coms were the normal television fare.  Family drama series also become popular.  Australia combined the two concepts with the series.  "Packed to the Rafters" (2008-13) and it will have you laughing pretty much every episode, but also grip you with many domestic crises.   I owe this enjoyment to my sister in law Lorri,

Prime television was wise to bring this older family series from Australia.  Here are some of the contributors.

Bevan Lee was the creator and a writer.  He has 3 acting credits, 21 for writing, 17 for the script and continuity department and 4 for producing.

Pino Amente was one of the directors.  He has 56 credits as director, 23 for producer and 8 for writing including "Wentworth" (2014) and "800 Words" (2015).  Both series are featured on  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/12/tv-series-from-down-under.html

Paul Healy was the composer with 15 composing credits, 5 for the music department and 1 for soundtrack.

Ann Fay was a casting director for both series.  She has 53 credits for casting directing, 6 for acting and 9 for the casting department including "Hotel Mumbai" (2018)

The roles and characters of The Rafters have their share of human frailties, but offer a refreshing outlook.  Enjoyment and hardship   You will find yourself  rooting for each of the characters.

Julie, the mother is really the core of the family and of the series.   Played by Rebecca Gibney who has 59 acting credits, 10 for producing and 2 for writing including "The Dressmaker" (2015).  She won awards for this show. 

Dave, the father forced out of a job set up his own electrical business.  In an early episode he has a problem with an overdose of a Viagra type drug and not knowing is treated by a future daughter in law.  Played by Erik Thomson who started in the theatre.  He has 50 acting credits, 2 for producing and 1 for soundtrack including "The Black Balloon" (2008)"800 Words" (2015-18)

Rachel, is the oldest daughter and the reason Dave and Julie got married.  Her husband has a drug problem eventaully getting divorced and moving back home.  She is talented and achieves some success in advertising.  She makes a big move after a few series.  Played by Jessica Marais who has 11 acting credits and 1 for producing.  One of her romances in the series was with Jake (James Stewart) and in real life the two produced a baby before splitting.  

Ben, the oldest son moves next door with his friend Carbo. and frequently the two of them drop in to the Rafters.  He is a fun loving guy, but eventually settles with Melissa.  Hugh Sheridan takes on the role.  He has 15 acting roles and 1 for soundtrack including "Isn't it Romantic:"(2019).

Nathan, the younger son is smart and a nice guy, but gets into troubles.  Marries the daughter of a wealthy man, but she prefers to move into his parent's house.  Angus McLaren has 28 acting credits including "Doctor Doctor" (2017) and "Hotel Mumbai" (2018).  Note:  "there is some information about "Doctor, Doctor" on the link under the name of Pino Amente.

Ted is Julie's father who became widowed in the first episode.  He moves in with Julie and Dave and does go out with other women, but none seem to work out.  Played by Michael Caton who has 58 acting credits and 1 for soundtrack.

Carbo, a friend, particularly of Ben, but part of the family and carries through the entire series and sequel.  A friendly guy, a bit rambunctious and irresponsible, but likeable.  Played by George Houvardas with 11 acting credits.

Sammy, Nahan's first wife from a wealthy, but unscrupulous family.  Played by Jessica McNamee who has 24 acting credits including "Battle of the Sexes" (2017) where she playerd tennis star Margaret Court.

Melissa who we first meet as she treats Dave for an overdose of a Viagra type drug and goes onto marry Ben.  Played by Zoe Ventoura with 21 acting credits including "Doctor, Doctor" (2017).

Britta doesn't show up for a few seasons and soon marries Carbo.  Played by Hannah Marshall who grew up in New Zealand and at one time represented New Zealand on their gymnastics team.  She has 33 acting credits, 7 for writing and 1 for producing including "Uproar"(2023).  See   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/07/uproar-how-one-prejudice-protest-can.html

Jake came on as an electrician working for Dave and started a romance with Rachel.  Played by James Stewart with 28 acting credits and 1 for the music department.

Corby was a cousin of Dave's only discovered after several years of marriage.  He had been a petty thief directed by Dave's newly discovered father.  Corby who had a hidden interest in art, rehabilitated and became a part of the Rafter family.  Played by Ryan Corr with 54 acting credits and 1 for soundtrack including "Hacksaw Ridge" (2016), "Ali's Wedding" (2017), "Ladies in Black" (2018) and "High Ground" (2020).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/07/high-ground-from-australia.html

Frankie was the first female qualified electrician hired by Dave.  You might imagine a female employee would complicate the Rafters and that is true.  Brooke Satchwell, is a versatile actress and once played a Portuguese speaking maid in a film from Brazil.  She has 39 acting credits and 1 for producing.

After 122 episodes over 6 seaaons with lots of unexpected twists some of the characters are carried onto "Back to the Rafters" ( 2021) which starts six years afterwards and has a few other twists.

"Packed to the Rafters" and "Back to the Rafters" are both available on Prime.

As usual I have bolded films seen by myself for the first mention.  The links are for films with more information and you might find help to decide which ones are worth following.