The first season of Packed to the Rafters, an Australian drama television series, began airing on 26 August 2008 on the Seven Network and concluded on 24 March 2009 after 22 episodes. The first season aired Tuesdays at 8:30 pm in Australia and averaged 1,904,364 viewers. It was released on DVD as a six disc set under the title of Packed to the Rafters: The Complete Season 1 on 2 December 2009.
The first season begins as Julie and Dave Rafter are over the moon when their last remaining child finally leaves home. But what happens when the rest of the family suddenly returns to the nest? Less than 48 hours after their middle son Ben moves himself next door, all dreams of freedom are put on hold as one by one their youngest son Nathan and his princess wife Sammy, their troubled eldest daughter Rachel, and Julie's emotionally vulnerable father Ted all return to the family home. Plenty of drama, many laughs and a few tears ensue as the Rafters must learn to live under the same roof once again.
Cast
Regular Rebecca Gibney as Julie Rafter Erik Thomson as Dave Rafter Jessica Marais as Rachel Rafter Angus McLaren as Nathan Rafter Hugh Sheridan as Ben Rafter Jessica McNamee as Sammy Rafter Michael Caton as Ted Taylor
Recurring and guest George Houvardas as Nick "Carbo" Karandonis Zoe Ventoura as Melissa Bannon Caroline Brazier as Chrissy Merchant Justin Rosniak as Stuart "Warney" Warne Luke Pegler as Daniel Griggs Sarah Chadwick as Trish Westaway Jerome Ehlers as Anthony Westaway Kate Fitzpatrick as Marjorie Stevens George Spartels as Theo Karandonis Dina Panozzo as Rita Karandonis Roy Billing as Ron Barrett Belinda Bromilow as Libby Sanders Craig McLachlan as Steve Wilson Michael Booth as George Spiteri
Episodes
Reception
Ratings Episode Title Original airdate Viewers1http://www.tvtonight.com.au/category/ratings Ratings 2009 NightlyRank WeeklyRank 11-01 "Pilot" 26 August 2008 1,945,000 1 2 21-02 "Playing a Googly" 2 September 2008 2,045,000 1 1 31-03 "She Ain't Heavy" 9 September 2008 1,960,000 1 1 41-04 "How Did We Get Here?" 16 September 2008 1,895,000 1 1 51-05 "Lines of Communication" 23 September 2008 1,945,000 1 5 61-06 "Facing Demons" 30 September 2008 1,836,000 1 1 71-07 "Self-made Man" 7 October 2008 1,979,000 1 2 81-08 "Taking the Lead" 14 October 2008 1,886,000 1 1 91-09 "Suburban Boy" 21 October 2008 1,868,000 1 1 101–10 "All in the Planning" 28 October 2008 1,926,000 1 1 111–11 "Away from It All" 4 November 2008 2,067,000 1 2 121–12 "Removing the Block" 11 November 2008 1,959,000 1 1 131–13 "Smile Through the Pain" 18 November 2008 2,013,000 1 1 141–14 "A Mother's Radar" 25 November 2008 1,824,000 1 1 151–15 "Natural Justice" 3 February 2009 1,874,000 1 3 161–16 "Having It All" 10 February 2009 1,688,000 1 7 171–17 "Changes" 17 February 2009 1,740,000 1 2 181–18 "House of Cards" 24 February 2009 1,833,000 1 2 191–19 "Over the Moon" 3 March 2009 1,876,000 1 2 201–20 "Losing the Touch" 10 March 2009 1,817,000 1 2 211–21 "What a Difference a Year Makes" 17 March 2009 1,887,000 1 2 221–22 "Don't Know What You've Got Till It's Gone" 24 March 2009 2,033,000 1 2 1 Viewer numbers are based on preliminary OzTAM data for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth combined.
References