Amazon is reviving Packed to the Rafters, one of Australia’s most popular drama series, in a move which brings the Rafter family to Prime Video subscribers in more than 200 countries.
At the show’s centre were parents Dave and Julie, working to balance their own journey as a couple with the ups and downs of raising a family into adulthood.
Now fans and new viewers will be able to follow the next chapter in the story of the Rafter family in Back to the Rafters which enters production in 2020.
Produced by Seven Studios, the show will feature original principal cast members Rebecca Gibney (Julie Rafter), Erik Thomson (Dave Rafter), Jessica Marais (Rachel Rafter), Hugh Sheridan(Ben Rafter), Angus McLaren (Nathan Rafter), Michael Caton (Ted Taylor) and George Houvardas (Nick “Carbo” Karandonis).
Back to the Rafters picks up six years since we last saw the Rafter family. 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. They might not be under the same roof, but the same honesty, love and laughter bonds them more tightly now than ever before.
“Since we began producing international originals, Back to the Rafters has been at the top of the list of scripted series we’ve wanted to commission,” said James Farrell, Vice President of International Originals at Amazon Studios.
“Packed to the Rafters is among the most beloved Australian series and this revival will allow us to give our customers the locally relevant entertainment they want.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Seven Studios to bring back the Rafter family for Prime members in Australia and around the world.”
Therese Hegarty, CEO Seven Studios said: “We are hugely excited to be working with Amazon Studios on Prime Video’s first Australian drama commission, bringing back the iconic Rafters family for both Australian and global audiences.
“This is an incredible opportunity to showcase to the world a home-grown original drama series, brought to life by brilliant Australian creative talent.”
Series creator and writer Bevan Lee said: “What a thrilling opportunity to be able to revisit the family at the centre of my most successful creation, six years down the track.
“The world has changed so much in that time, and it is a writing dream to be able to explore how the Rafters have changed with it, while at the same time reconnecting with the life affirming combination of humour and heart that characterised the original series.
“In an increasingly dark world, it is wonderful to use the Rafters again to spread light.”
