E01
Packed to the Rafters
The episode is focused around the 25th wedding anniversary of Julie and Dave, as their last child at home moves out and they look forward to a new life together, as empty-nesters.
TV SERIES / EPISODE GUIDE
Packed to the Rafters
EndedFirst aired 2008-08-26Seven Network
Drama · Comedy · Romance
Packed to the Rafters centres around Dave and Julie Rafter and their three children Rachel, Ben and Nathan. On the eve of their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary the couple thinks that they are finally about to have the house to themselves. But home is a very welcome refuge for their children and when unforeseen problems loom, they return like a boomerang.
FROM THE SHOW GUIDE
Season by season.
122 listed episodes across 6 seasons. Air dates are provided by TVmaze and can change.
Season 1 22 episodes
E02
Playing a Googly
Dave processes the reality of sudden unemployment and a house that has been unexpectedly inundated with family members.
E03
She Ain't Heavy
Ben deals with the repercussions of his move next door and the shift in household dynamics as their new house-mate Melissa joins them there.
E04
How Did We Get Here?
During a sleepless night Nathan reflects on his life and his relationship with Sammy.
E05
Lines of Communication
Julie is starting to feel very much the financial strain of the family's new living arrangements.
E06
Facing Demons
In the aftermath of the sex video Rachel tells the story of how she met, fell in love and eventually left Daniel.
E07
Self Made Man
Despite Nathan's attempts to hide their invitation the Rafters attend a party at the Westaways'.
E08
Taking the Lead
Ben faces up to his true feelings for Melissa after their one night stand, just as Carbo sparks a surprising friendship with Chrissy.
E09
Suburban Boy
Tormented by the sudden endless replays on the radio of "Suburban Boy", the hit song Dave co-wrote many moons ago but never received credit nor remuneration for.
E10
All in the Planning
Rachel faces the very scary possibility that she might be pregnant – with Daniel the only possible father
E11
Away from It All
Julie spontaneously decides to drag her seemingly exhausted and dispirited family away for a restorative weekend
E12
Removing the Block
Struggling with the loneliness of the Christmas season and encouraged to embrace life by Louise's 'letter to the future' Ted attends a meeting of Friend Finders.
E13
Smile Through the Pain
A few days into the new year Dave's dreading his upcoming birthday.
E14
A Mother's Radar
Julie struggles to deal with the secrets her family – and she herself - are keeping
E15
Natural Justice
Ben, still dealing with the trauma of being held up, is critical of Nathan when his lack of concentration during a cricket match costs Dave his first ever century
E16
Having It All
Rachel becomes a woman on a mission as she immerses herself in a an autobiographical novel – An Angel At My Table
E17
Changes
Dave's fatherly instincts are in overdrive when he learns that the new man in Rachel's life is Rob "Dumbo" Dunstan an old cricket chum of his.
E18
House of Cards
Ben deals with the consequences of his one night stand with Kat - he has to tell Melissa.
E19
Over the Moon
The moon is nearly full and there's weirdness in the air. Neighbours are at war, Ben begs the moon goddess for five minutes with Melissa.
E20
Losing the Touch
Whilst still in denial about menopause Julie concedes the loss of her mothering instincts as she struggles to give advice to her family and friends
E21
What a Difference a Year Makes
On the morning of the anniversary of their marriage and Louise's death, Nathan and Sammy reunite.
E22
Don't Know What You've Got 'Til It's Gone
Julie and Dave wrestle with the news that Julie is pregnant – do they want to keep the baby or not?
Season 2 22 episodes
E01
Look Into My Eyes
Viewed through Julie's eyes, this episode explores the theme of perception and self-perception.
E02
Dodging the Issue
Narrated from the perspective of Dave, the episode deals with Dave's struggle to deal with a series of seeming betrayals in his life.
E03
Living by the List
Narrated from the perspective of Rachel, tonight's episode deals with the notions of the perfect list.
E04
Glittering Prizes
The baton of narration passes to Nathan as he ponders his childhood inability at Christmas-time to resist scrabbling around on top of his parents' wardrobe for presents.
E05
Brave New World
It's a tense early morning for Julie and Dave as they attend the hospital for an important ultrasound.
E06
Little Arrows
The days when Ted was so depressed over his wife's death, with little will to go on living, have become a faint memory.
E07
Belonging
Sammy deals with the notion of things lost and found. In her case, realizing she has a strong voice and an unconditional place in the Rafter family.
E08
What's in a Name?
What is in a name? Plenty. For many, your name brands you at birth. It announces the sort of person you'll become and helps define your place in the world.
E09
Naked Visions
Ben takes us through a list of some things in life a person should always be spared from seeing.1.Their mother naked 2.Their dad crying 3. A long and significant pause following a heartfelt marriage proposal.
E10
Ready to Catch You
Ben takes us through a list of some things in life a person should always be spared from seeing.
E11
Power Play
When Jake appears, fit and well and ready to go back to work, both he and Rachel are more than eager to resume their relationship.
E12
Out of Left Field
Ben considers the strength of his friendship with Carbo – just when Carbo needs him most. Carbo has never been good at seeing things coming out of left field.
E13
Blurring the Lines
With Nathan acting as our narrator, tonight's episode deals with the male sexual urge – and whether men can choose or control their fantasies.
E14
First Instinct
Julie is six months pregnant. As the Rafters prepare to spring a surprise birthday party on Chel, Julie ponders the power of motherhood
E15
It's My Party
Dave is determined to give Ben and Melissa the engagement party that he and Julie never had.
E16
Mr. Fix-It
Ted deals with the difficulties in fixing relationships that are broken, and Ted's attempts to repair the emotional damage to his family after last week's explosive events.
E17
Putting the House in Order
A no-frills, down-vibe farewell from Barrett's confirms to Julie that she's really not going to miss work.
E18
Space Junk
Rachel muses on the concept of ‘space junk' in the universe, junk which can come crashing down and upset the perfect balance of the home planet.
E19
A Small, Traditional Affair
Ben begins to bow under the pressure as his wedding day fast approaches, thanks to a chance meeting with Kat and the arrival of Melissa's overbearing parents.
E20
Only a Heartbeat Away
Julie is home from hospital, after collapsing at Ben and Mel's wedding, on the proviso she remains in bed and rests.
E21
Unlimited Options
Nathan has decided he has no possible job options left. But in a way that's liberating – he's free to consider impossible options
E22
Nativity Play
Julie faces her greatest challenge yet – the birth of her fourth and final child without husband Dave at her side.
Season 3 22 episodes
E01
The Blank Page
The birth of Julie's fourth child Ruby forces her to consider the concept of new life being like a blank page.
E02
Saturday Night, Sunday Morning
Julie's confidence as a mum takes a beating when baby Ruby resists Julie's attempts to breastfeed.
E03
To Tell or Not to Tell
With all seemingly at peace in the Rafter world, Dave begins to wrestle with the dilemma of whether to tell Chel that her first love, his father Tom, is still alive
E04
A Good Husband
Ben is plagued with unexpected doubts about his ability in the sack, while a miscommunication between Dave and Julie in the bedroom department sends her into a frenzy of frustration.
E05
The Invisible Man
Ted struggles with feelings of worthlessness when, returning home from a movie, he and Chel are attacked by a gang of teenage girls.
E06
Home Matters
Rachel is forced to deal with the fallout when Alex reacts badly to the many changes that have taken place in the Barton household in his absence.
E07
Simple Needs
Julie has been uncharacteristically disconnected from the daily ups and downs of her family, focusing entirely on baby Ruby.
E08
Rites of Passage
Nathan is forced to question his motives for wanting to donate a kidney, triggering a crisis of confidence.
E09
The Price of Parenthood
Someone's watching the Rafter house — and the surprise culprit leads to Dave and Nathan meeting Dave's dad Tom in prison for the first time.
E10
Out of the Comfort Zone
Ben is forced to step outside his comfort zone when a moral stand clashes with workplace politics.
E11
Lessons in Happiness
Rachel rides the ups and downs of happiness, struggling to find it in the frenetic pace of life.
E12
Moments of Truth
Nathan faces a life-changing moment of truth — the operation to donate a kidney to beloved grandmother Chel.
E13
Live and Let Live
Julie explores the principle of "live and let live" as she and others struggle to implement the philosophy in various areas of their lives.
E14
Know Yourself
In rapid succession, Dave's life teaches him that no human ever has total control of things — and his easy going ability to roll with the punches starts to fail him.
E15
Don't Go There!
When Melissa feels queasy during dinner, Ben immediately assumes she is pregnant and is beside himself with excitement.
E16
When Worlds Collide
Rachel's relationship with Jake is pushed to breaking point when her work and personal lives collide.
E17
Spark of Life
Ted returns with renewed spark from a rejuvenating break, only to find all is not well with his family.
E18
Between the Covers
A wild night in Kings Cross teaches Nathan not to judge a book by its cover. Meanwhile, Carbo is making big plans for his proposal to Retta, but Ben is determined to intervene.
E19
Breathe
Rachel takes a crash course in remembering to breathe as she juggles a toxic workplace and an estranged boyfriend.
E20
Perfect Bubble
Newly unemployed Rachel is seeing the world in a new light - as her oyster. But first what she'd love more than anything is a holiday with Jake.
E21
Rest in Peace
Julie and Dave struggle to help their family rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the devastating tragedy as additional support comes from unlikely quarters.
E22
One Day at a Time
With Christmas and Ruby's first birthday fast approaching, Dave searches for the words to put himself and his family back on track.
Season 4 22 episodes
E01
What Lies Beneath
It's been three months since Ben and Nathan left on their road trip around Australia. Bearded and tanned, Ben returns without Nathan and smooths over his family's concern with a plausible excuse.
E02
In with the New
As Council Clean-Up Days looms Dave gets the clean-out bug. He's distracted, however, by Nathan's return from the big road trip.
E03
Careful What You Wish For
Rachel wrestles with the potentially relationship-wrecking pitfalls of getting everything you want — particularly when truth is number one on the wish-list.
E04
Other People's Eyes
The aftermath of Jake's ill-fated rugby weekend is fully felt as Julie realizes how much perception and misperception can affect the lives of her family and friends.
E05
The Taste of Freedom
Nathan examines what it means to be free as he receives potentially upsetting news — his divorce from Sammy is final.
E06
The Dollhouse
Ben lends a helping hand to Nathan's web site when he realizes the 'Parts Exchange' domain name runs as 'Part Sex Change.' Nathan doesn't understand the barrage of dodgy emails.
E07
Sweet Sorrow
After Rachel tearfully says farewell to her family and heads overseas, Jake follows in pursuit of her.
E08
The Male Communication Handbook
Dave relishes having a relationship with his recently paroled father; Coby and Jake are surprised by Alex's sudden reappearance from New Zealand.
E09
From Little Things
Ted is convinced that Tom is sneaking off to spend time with a lady friend instead of job hunting. Ben continues to take baby-steps towards rebuilding his life.
E10
Big Kids
Julie steps out of her comfort zone and attends a burlesque dance class with new friend Donna; Ted avoids houseguest Tom; Nathan finds himself in a tricky predicament.
E11
Swimming in the Gene Pool
Grace tells her sons Jake and Alex that she's engaged, and both boys are happy for her until they find out that she has never actually divorced their father.
E12
You've Got to Have Friends
Julie's new friendship with Donna is tested when she discovers that Donna suffers from Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
E13
Tipping Point
Dave's successful friend Warney offers him a shot at the contract for a big office rewiring job. But blinded by ambition, Dave ignores the fact that he doesn't have a hope of getting the job done in time.
E14
Trust Issues
Ben opens up to Emma about Melissa's death, and the cathartic experience enables him to finally get some closure.
E15
Risky Business
Ben initiates a night on the town with the boys, and everyone is impressed by the up-market nightclub he takes them to.
E16
Second Chance
Everybody is up in arms about Tom's disappearance with the insurance money.
E17
Small World
Julie comes into contact with Matt Jennings, an affable and flirtatious taxi driver. Little does she know, that Matt is actually Tom's other son — Dave's half-brother.
E18
Sign of the Times
Dave's increasingly exhausted as the demands of his new job take their toll, and for the first time in his life he forgets his anniversary.
E19
Leap of Faith
Ted is trying to find the new purpose in his life. He decides to do all the things he's always wanted to do, but has never had the time: home-brewing, volunteer work, finding a job — even skydiving.
E20
Butterfly's Wings
Dave and Julie discover how one inexplicable chain of events can almost end in disaster.
E21
Sleepwalking
When Ben and Retta discover Carbo sleepwalking, they decide enough is enough — he's got to tell his parents he's already married before he hurts himself!
E22
Endings and Beginnings
Ben and Emma are both nervously looking forward to their first date. When Carbo and Retta return from the honeymoon from hell, Ben and Emma head out to a restaurant and enjoy a perfect evening.
Season 5 22 episodes
E01
Answering the Call
Julie's about to turn another year older and life seems good. The new, improved Rafters Electrical is up and running.
E02
Great Expectations
Explores how our expectations, both of ourselves and others, help us make sense of the world – when those expectations are met, that is.
E03
The Power of Words
With Valentine's Day looming, Ben is increasingly aware of the power of words, especially those three little ones, which neither he nor Emma has said yet.
E04
The Things We Do for Love
Coby's loving life at the moment – there's a spring in his step and a twinkle in his eye not common in one so prone to mopery.
E05
Judgement Day
Poor judgment leads several of our characters astray.
E06
Secret Fears
Dave finds himself having an unwanted erotic dream about Julie and her boss Adam and begins to fret about his secret fears coming up to the surface.
E07
The Great Escape
Ben finds himself unhappily disengaged from his home-life and his work.
E08
Unwritten Rules
As Julie and Dave find themselves undergoing a period of squabbling, Julie muses on the unwritten rules of relationships.
E09
A Kiss Is Just a Kiss
Dave fantasizes that Julie takes the news of his kiss with Frankie at the conference quite well, but in reality he knows it's not going to be that easy.
E10
Letting Go
Tension remains high in the Rafter house as Julie and Dave struggle to forgive each other and Ted, caught in the middle, is feeling the strain.
E11
The Right Time
For Ben it finally feels like the right time to move on from Mel and start a new chapter with Emma.
E12
Life's Surprises
Julie muses on the nature of life's surprises when she receives two big ones – the unexpected return of Nathan, as well as the sudden departure of Ben.
E13
Filling the Void
Jake is settling into a comfortable, productive routine with Sian when a familiar whirlwind blusters back into his life.
E14
Bad Habits
Dave bets Julie that she can't refrain from giving advice. For "mother-to-all" Julie, that's of course impossible.
E15
Moments of Clarity
In light of his ongoing tests, Ted isn't sure whether he should reveal his health concerns to his family.
E16
Displacement
Julie is in denial about Ted's health and Dave carefully voices his concerns but Julie doesn't want to discuss it.
E17
Keeping Step
Julie feels at odds with both Ted and Dave over the severity of Ted's condition.
E18
That Heady Rush
Frankie and Coby are falling in love. Nothing can shake Coby's good mood as he gingerly breaks into Frankie's house with a bunch of flowers.
E19
Got What It Takes
Dave is determined to take his business to the next level, beginning with his new contract with Duncan.
E20
Weathering the Storm
Given the circumstances with Coby, Dave and Julie try to end their business dealings with Duncan but he holds them to their contract.
E21
Free to Choose
Hours have passed since Coby took off and he's not answering his phone.
E22
Rewriting History
As Dave and Julie's 30th wedding anniversary approaches, thoughts naturally turn to family and history.
Season 6 12 episodes
E01
High Hopes
Julie narrates, as she muses on high hopes. Hers are especially lofty at the moment because Nathan is moving back to Australia.
E02
First Time for Everything
Nathan will do anything to get his wife and son to Australia as soon as possible. All he needs is a job and a home. Simple, right? Guess again.
E03
Setting Limits
Easy-going Dave has his limits put to the test – and begins to suspect his good nature is being taken advantage of.
E04
Secret Women's Business
After months of putting her own needs on hold to take care of her family, Julie is starting to feel the strain
E05
Reality Checks
Nathan heads to London, desperate to find out why his wife Saskia never arrived in Sydney
E06
Manning Up
Ted continues to drift between the past and present
E07
Taking Stock
Julie finds herself dealing with the demands of a toddler and caring for Ted.
E08
Damage Control
Dave's enduring belief that nothing is beyond repair is put to the test.
E09
Role Reversals
When a room at their preferred nursing home comes up, Julie and Dave raise the difficult topic with Ted.
E10
Head vs Heart
It's a matter of head versus heart as Julie and Dave wrestle with their decision to sell their beloved family home.
E11
Centre of the Universe
Julie and Dave knuckle down to the stressful task of buying a house in Sydney on a tight budget.
E12
Packing Up the Rafters
The Rafters begin the emotional task of packing up their beloved family home.
Show and episode information provided by TVmaze ↗. Sources & Credits.