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Back to the Rafters

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Back to the Rafters
Genre
Created byBevan Lee
Country of originAustralia
Original languageEnglish
No. of series1
No. of episodes6
Production
Executive producerJulie McGauran
ProducerChris Martin-Jones
Production companySeven Studios
Original release
NetworkAmazon Prime Video
Release17 September 2021 (2021-09-17)
Related
Packed to the Rafters (2008–2013)

Back to the Rafters is an Australian family comedy-drama television series which premiered on the Amazon Prime Video on September 17, 2021.[1][2] The series is a spin-off and sequel to Packed to the Rafters, which aired on Seven Network from 2008 to 2013.

In October 2021, the series was officially cancelled by Amazon after one season.[3]

Synopsis

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Back to the Rafters is set six years after the end of Packed to the Rafters. Dave and Julie have created a new life in the country with youngest daughter Ruby, while the older Rafter children face new challenges and Grandpa Ted struggles to find his place. As Dave enjoys his new-found freedom, Julie must reconcile her responsibilities to the family.[4]

Production

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In September 2019, it was reported the cast members were in discussion to revive the series for a 2020 season under the working title Back to the Rafters.[5] The series will not air on Seven Network, instead it will be placed on Amazon Prime Video,[6] which was confirmed in December 2019, along with the return of Rebecca Gibney, Erik Thomson, Jessica Marais, Hugh Sheridan, Angus McLaren, Michael Caton and George Houvardas.[7] Filming commenced in Sydney in 2020.[8]

In February 2020, Jessica Marais dropped out of the series for personal reasons.[9][10] In March 2020, it was announced Georgina Haig would take over the role of Rachel Rafter.[11]

Production of the series was stopped in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[12] It resumed in September 2020 and filming was completed on 2 October 2020.[13]

Cast

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Main

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Guests

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Episodes

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No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
1"Kung Pao Chicken"Jeremy SimsBevan Lee17 September 2021 (2021-09-17)
2"Cross Currents"Jeremy SimsBevan Lee17 September 2021 (2021-09-17)
3"Issues Management"Lynn HegartyMargaret Wilson17 September 2021 (2021-09-17)
4"The Most Together One in the Family"Lynn HegartyTrent Atkinson17 September 2021 (2021-09-17)
5"Pounded"Catherine MillarKatherine Thomson17 September 2021 (2021-09-17)
6"Pinch Me Linda"Catherine MillarBevan Lee17 September 2021 (2021-09-17)

Home media

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It was announced by Via Vision Entertainment in May 2022 that they would be releasing the Back To The Rafters on DVD.

DVD Name Format Ep # Discs Region 4 (Australia) Special Features Distributors
Back To The Rafters (Season 01) DVD 6 2 20 July 2022 N/A Via Vision Entertainment & Madman Entertainment

Reception

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Critical reception

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Back to the Rafters was positively received by critics and fans. In a review for The Sydney Morning Herald, Karl Quinn gave the series a rating of 3½ and commented on its "welcome return", and that "Generally, I like my family sagas loaded with vitriol, scheming and skulduggery. Back to the Rafters is definitely not that. But much as I love a Succession or Game of Thrones or Arrested Development, I’m glad there’s still room for a Rafters too."[14] Daryl Sparkes of the website The Conversation stated that "I always found Packed to the Rafters to be honest and authentic. It was relatable because the issues, actions and dialogue of the characters were grounded in realism. He concluded with " this is the key to Rafters continued success. It takes the ordinary in our lives and makes it just a little bit more extraordinary on the screen. It's a great joy to go Back to the Rafters again, after all these years."[15] In a favourable review from James Croot of the New Zealand website Stuff said that "Returning to a series that had seemingly run its course eight years ago could have ended in disaster, but Lee has given this central duo a new stage and lease of life that just might provide enough dramatic tension, tears and laughs to make you fall in love with the Rafters, whether it be for the first time, or all over again."[16]

References

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  1. ^ Perry, Kevin (19 May 2021). "Release date finally confirmed for Aussie drama reboot BACK TO THE RAFTERS". TV Black Box. Retrieved 5 September 2021.
  2. ^ Knox, David (25 August 2021). "Back to the Rafters: Trailer". TV Tonight. Retrieved 5 September 2021.
  3. ^ Knox, David (29 October 2021). "Axed: Back to the Rafters ends at Amazon Prime Video". TV Tonight. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  4. ^ Haring, Bruce (5 December 2019). "'Back To The Rafters' Will Bow As First Amazon Original Scripted Drama In Australia". Deadline. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  5. ^ Knox, David (11 August 2019). "Packed to the Rafters revival under discussion". TV Tonight. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  6. ^ Knox, David (12 August 2019). "Back to the Rafters headed to Amazon Prime". TV Tonight. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  7. ^ Knox, David (5 December 2019). "Back to the Rafters confirmed for Amazon Prime". TV Tonight. Retrieved 6 December 2019.
  8. ^ Christmass, Pip (5 December 2019). "Packed To The Rafters set to return to our screens in 2020". 7News. Retrieved 6 December 2019.
  9. ^ Knox, David (11 February 2020). "Jessica Marais out of Rafters revival". TV Tonight. Retrieved 11 February 2020.
  10. ^ Dye, Josh (11 February 2020). "Jessica Marais pulls out of Back to the Rafters for personal reasons". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 11 February 2020.
  11. ^ Knox, David (4 March 2020). "Georgina Haig replaces Jessica Marais on Rafters revival". TV Tonight. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
  12. ^ Knox, David (21 March 2020). "Back to the Rafters halts production". TV Tonight. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
  13. ^ Knox, David (12 October 2020). "Back to the Rafters finishes filming". TV Tonight. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
  14. ^ Quinn, Karl (17 September 2021). "After eight years away, the Rafters make a welcome TV return". smh.com.au. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  15. ^ Sparkes, Daryl (17 September 2021). "Back to the Rafters review: series reboot is full of heart and reflects changing times". theconversation.com. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  16. ^ Croot, James (18 September 2021). "Back to the Rafters: Kiwi duo at heart of Amazon's beloved Aussie drama revival". stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
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