Packed to the Rafters: Season 1
The first season of the Australian family‑oriented drama Packed to the Rafters premiered on the Seven Network on Tuesday, 26 August 2008, and ran until 24 March 2009. Consisting of 22 episodes, the season was broadcast weekly on Tuesdays at 8:30 pm and attracted an average audience of 1,904,364 viewers. The storyline opens with parents Julie and Dave Rafter celebrating the departure of their last remaining child from
Season overview
The first season of the Australian family‑oriented drama Packed to the Rafters premiered on the Seven Network on Tuesday, 26 August 2008, and ran until 24 March 2009. Consisting of 22 episodes, the season was broadcast weekly on Tuesdays at 8:30 pm and attracted an average audience of 1,904,364 viewers. The storyline opens with parents Julie and Dave Rafter celebrating the departure of their last remaining child from the family home. Their brief period of freedom ends when their middle son Ben moves next door, followed shortly by the return of their youngest son Nathan and his wife Sammy, their troubled eldest daughter Rachel, and Julie’s emotionally vulnerable father Ted. The influx of relatives forces the Rafters to readjust to shared living, producing a mix
Episodes
Pilot
Aug 26, 2008
Happily married couple, Julie and Dave Rafter are over the moon when Ben, their last child, finally decides to leave home. After raising three kids, the couple are free! It's a cha
Playing a Googly
Sep 2, 2008
An unemployed Dave struggles to regain his manhood and position in the family, landing himself in hospital. When life keeps bowling Dave a series of problematic googlies, the ques
She Ain't Heavy
Sep 9, 2008
Rachel's growing alcohol dependence sends her family over the edge. Her careless actions could spell the end for one of them. Julie desperately brings the family together for a th
How Did We Get Here?
Sep 16, 2008
Sammy and Nathan's marriage is in crisis when she can no longer bear keeping the secret reason for their move into the Rafter home. This leaves Nathan with no option but to count o
Lines of Communication
Sep 23, 2008
Ben finds himself in uncomfortable possession of a devastating secret which could blow his family apart, and with Dave's freelance career failing to take off, Julie makes a tough d
Facing Demons
Sep 30, 2008
Rachel faces up to her shameful past. In flashbacks, she tells how she met, fell in love and eventually left Daniel, the man responsible for emailing their private video. Ted deci
Self Made Man
Oct 7, 2008
Nathan's world is turned upside down as Julie and Dave make a splash at his father-in-law's 50th birthday party. Nathan learns a valuable lesson about wealth and happiness when th
Taking the Lead
Oct 14, 2008
Ben's world is turned upside down after a drunken one-night stand. Dave must face up to the secrets of his past while Carbo strikes up a surprising friendship with unexpectedly rom
Suburban Boy
Oct 21, 2008
Dave reconnects with his foster brother, '80s rock star Steve Wilson, leading to an offer he can't refuse. Meanwhile, after a risky gamble with his boss's money, Nathan races the c
All in the Planning
Oct 28, 2008
Rachel is faced with a terrible decision. Ben gets the wrong idea when he stumbles upon a secret in Melissa's handbag. Sammy is offered the possibility of a glamorous job in London
Away From It All
Nov 4, 2008
Julie forces her dispirited family to the beach for a restorative weekend away — leading to everyone feeling restored but Julie herself. Ted receives advice from beyond the grave.
Removing the Block
Nov 11, 2008
Ted steps back into the weird and wonderful world of dating. His journey begins when, encouraged by Louise's letter to the future, he attends a meeting of Friend Finders — a social
Smile Through the Pain
Nov 18, 2008
Dave reluctantly bonds with Warney and discovers the beginnings of a surprising friendship. Meanwhile, Julie cramps Rachel's style when she signs up for the same yoga class.
A Mother's Radar
Nov 25, 2008
Following on from last weeks adventure in the car, Sammy and Nathan decide to organise some time for themselves with a romantic rendezvous. Julie's predictions about Rachel's true
Natural Justice
Feb 3, 2009
Being on the electoral roll has its advantages; some may argue but voting being one. And others say it's not a good thing at all, as they don't want to be called up for jury duty.
Having It All
Feb 10, 2009
This week sees Rachel still trying to find her life's path. With much direction and focus she starts a new chapter in her life. Meanwhile, since finding a new business partner, Dav
Changes
Feb 17, 2009
Dads and their daughters have a very special relationship. In fact, most Dad's like to think that their precious daughters are "Daddy's Little Girl". So when Dave learns that Rache
House of Cards
Feb 24, 2009
What do you get when you mix too much alcohol with sex? A one night stand! It would almost be crazy, or somehow forgettable if it wasn't our favourite Rafter involved. That's right
Over the Moon
Mar 3, 2009
This week Rachel is blown away by Rob's idea of "Happy Families". His idea is a bit over the top, but not in a bad way really. With a bit of help from Dad, Ben challenges fate to g
Losing the Touch
Mar 10, 2009
"Once upon a time in Dave's Magic Castle." All should be well in the world of King Dave, but with Queen Julie heading into menopause, the Rafter household is a bit tumultuous. Juli
What a Difference a Year Makes
Mar 17, 2009
What a difference a year makes! It has been a year in TV land according to the Packed to the Rafters show, and therefore two special anniversaries are marked in the lives of the Ra
Don't Know What You've Got 'Til It's Gone
Mar 24, 2009
Last week saw a huge surprise bestowed on Dave and Julie. With three grown up kids, and the youngest being born 21 years ago, just how will Dave and Julie cope? What with the nappi