Back to the Rafters: What to expect from Packed to the Rafters reboot

The reboot of the Logie-winning show Packed to the Rafters airs on Friday. Here’s what you can expect from Back to the Rafters.

It’s been six years since we watched Dave and Julie Rafter pack up their suburban home, put late life child Ruby in the back seat of a mini-van and begin their road trip around Australia.

But Julie Rafter could never be away from her family for that long. Just like Rebecca Gibney shouldn’t be off our screens for long either!

Which is exactly why she’s reuniting them all in the reboot Back to the Rafters, which drops on Amazon Prime Video this Friday. And it couldn’t be a more perfect time to launch the show, given that half the country is in lockdown and we could all do with a hug from our parents!

What made Packed to the Rafters such a smash hit in prime time television from 2008-2013 was that it seemingly portray the lives of a “typical” Australian family, only there was nothing typical about their situation. Sure they dealt with everyday problems like grief, relationships and finance, but it was all under this wholesome Rafter’s lens. There was an invisible safety net where viewers knew there was absolutely nothing this family couldn’t get through.

The Cast from the original 'Packed To The Rafters'.

And it’s this same formula that runs through the new season, only the drama is different.

The troubles the family experience in this new reboot match with the age of the characters – like fertility struggles and relationship breakdowns and the ever so heartbreaking reality of what happens when your parents get older. One of the main, and teary inducing plot points, is the changing nature of the 35-year marriage between Dave and Julie. But despite their relationship troubles, there is always this sense that the two will works things out. And in this unstable world, a sense of certainty is needed.

As Hugh Sheridan, who plays Ben Rafter said, “Just the idea of bringing the family back together; it’s just very poignant and I think the world needs this show. I think we all need it.”

Actors Erik Thomson and Rebecca Gibney return as Dave and Julie Rafter. Is there anything this couple can’t withstand?

Although there is a telling differences to the Logie Winning series this time round. While the main cast of Dave (Erik Thompson), Julie, Ben, Nathan (Angus McLaren), Ted (Michael Caton) and Carbo (George Houvardas) have all returned, there is no Jessica Marais, who played Rachel. Despite initially being involved in the revamp, Marais pulled out for personal reasons and Georgina Haig has taken her place. When Haig first appears on screen as Rachel, who is currently living in New York, it’s definitely a shock to the system. But similar to parts of the pandemic, it’s remarkable how quickly you get used to the new normal.

Also, the fact the show is being released in its entirety of Amazon Prime Video, changes the pace and feel of the show.

Although at the end of the day, it’s still Dave and Julie. And in these turbulent times, they are a welcome return.