This Australian family-oriented drama/comedy series debuted on the Seven Network on Tuesday 26 August 2008.
Julie and Dave Rafter (Rebecca Gibney and Erik Thomson) are a happily married couple living in suburban Sydney. On the eve of their 25th wedding anniversary, they look forward to finally having the house to themselves as their three adult children prepare to move out.
Through a series of economic pressures, relationship breakdowns, and family crises, their children – and Julie’s recently widowed elderly father, Ted (Michael Caton) – all move back into the family home at the same time.
The series explores the chaotic, crowded, and loving dynamics of a home packed “to the rafters,” balancing lighthearted suburban comedy with deeply emotional storylines tackling grief, financial strain, and personal growth.
The oldest child, the independent, sharp-tongued daughter Rachel (Jessica Marais), is navigating a chaotic dating life and a budding career in advertising.
The middle child, Ben (Hugh Sheridan), is well-meaning, slightly goofy, and deeply romantic. His relationship with local girl Melissa (Zoe Ventoura) becomes a major emotional anchor of the early seasons. Ben’s best friend, ‘Carbo’ (George Houvardas), lived next door and featured regularly.
Nathan (Angus McLaren) is the ambitious youngest child whose early marriage to Sammy (Jessica McNamee) – a wealthy man’s daughter – faces extreme financial and personal pressure.
Coby Jennings (Ryan Corr) is introduced later in the series as Dave’s troubled but redeemable younger cousin and apprentice.
At the end of the second series, Julie and Dave’s family grows even more with the arrival of an unexpected late-in-life baby, Ruby.
The series eventually concluded in April 2013 with Dave and Julie selling their house to travel around Australia in a Kombi van with young Ruby.
An Amazon Prime Video revival series, Back to the Rafters, was produced in 2021 and picked up with the family six years after the original series ended. Ruby was now a headstrong, passionate, and environmentally conscious young girl, living with her parents in the idyllic country town of Buradeena.
Julie Rafter
Rebecca Gibney Dave Rafter
Erik Thomson Ted Taylor
Michael Caton Ben Rafter
Hugh Sheridan Nathan Rafter
Angus McLaren Rachel Rafter
Jessica Marais Nick ‘Carbo’ Karandonis
George Houvardas Sammy Rafter
Jessica McNamee Ruby Rafter
Sabella Storey (1)
Hannah Storey (2) Jake Barton
James Stewart Loretta Schembri-Karandonis
Hannah Marshall Melissa Bannon
Zoe Ventoura Coby Jennings
Ryan Corr Donna Mackey
Merridy Eastman Emma Mackey
Zoe Cramond Matt Jennings
Jacob Allan Frankie Calasso
Brooke Satchwell Rachel ‘Chel’ Warne
Gillian Jones Chrissey Merchant
Caroline Brazier
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The series explores the chaotic, crowded, and loving dynamics of a home packed “to the rafters,” balancing lighthearted suburban comedy with deeply emotional storylines tackling grief, financial strain, and personal growth.
