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Packed to the Rafters is an Australian family-oriented television series which premiered on the Seven Network on Tuesday 26 August 2008 at 8:30 pm. The show has continued on Tuesdays in this timeslot for its entire run. The drama series features a mix of lighthearted comedy woven through the plot. It revolves around the Rafter family facing work pressures and life issues, whilst also tackling serious social issues. The Logie award winning series was the highest rating to screen on the Seven Network in 2008, and the show has consistently been among the top 5 shows of the year throughout its run in Australia. It was announced in TV Week that the sixth season of Packed to the Rafters would be the last, with Hugh Sheridan stating: "It's emotional letting go of Rafters – for all of us. It was such an amazing chapter in Aussie TV. I'm really proud we all came back together to send it off." The two-hour series finale of Rafters aired on 2 July 2013, which saw the return of Hugh Sheridan, Jessica Marais, Ryan Corr, Jessica McNamee and James Stewart. Rebecca Gibney said, "The cast, writers and producers have always said that we wanted to keep Rafters as one of the most-watched shows on TV. If we ever felt like we were losing too many cast members, we needed to end it on a high. We can say season six winds up an aspect of the Rafter family and there is a sense of finality to it."
Seasons
Episode 1
High Hopes
Julie has high hopes as she prepares for Nathan's homecoming - but Ted's worsening condition threatens to burst her bubble.
Episode 2
First Time for Everything
Nathan is working hard to build a solid base for Saskia and Edward in Australia and accepts a job offer despite its obvious shortfalls. Saskia is excited to be joining him but little does Nathan know, for the first time in their married life, Saskia is keeping something from him. Meanwhile, Emma is quietly giddy at the prospect of her blossoming romance with Craig.
Episode 3
Setting Limits
When new employee Buzz brings his wayward son Jackson onto site, Dave begins to suspect his good nature is being taken advantage of. Meanwhile, Donna is mortified when she learns that both she and Emma have been played by Craig. Donna tries to avoid telling Emma, but she can't hide the truth forever, setting up an impending confrontation like no other.
Episode 4
Secret Women's Business
Having found a place to rent, Nathan's done all he can to prepare for his wife and baby's arrival. But when he gets to the airport, all the planning in the world could not prepare him for what he finds.
Episode 5
Reality Checks
An exhausted Nathan arrives in London looking for Saskia and baby Edward, desperate to find out why his wife never arrived in Sydney as planned and the answer changes his life forever.
Episode 6
Manning Up
Ted continues to drift between present day and his memories of the past, forcing both him and his family to come to terms with their new reality. Meanwhile, Julie's grateful for the distraction of helping sleep-deprived Nathan, who's floundering as a single dad with a tough sales job. But Julie's gentle intrusions bother Nathan, who wants to parent his own way.
Episode 7
Taking Stock
Carbo is happy with where his life is and all he wants for his birthday is a romantic night with Retta - just the two of them.
Episode 8
Damage Control
Dave's enduring belief that nothing is beyond repair is put to the test when a crisis envelops the Rafter family. Frankie visits Coby in prison and after some initial awkwardness, they fall back into their usual, easy banter. But any hope Frankie has about their future is sidelined when she discovers that someone else has feelings for her. Having had no contact from Buzz, Emma is left wondering if she know that Buzz is actually paralysed by his feelings for Emma.
Episode 9
Role Reversals
Ted is forced to acknowledge that he's becoming a danger to himself and others.
Episode 10
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.
Episode 11
Centre of the Universe
Friends and family gather to say farewell to everyone's favourite family. But before they say goodbye, some familiar faces reappear and the news of a pregnancy is extra cause for celebration.
Episode 12Latest episode
Packing Up the Rafters
The Rafters begin the emotional task of packing up their beloved family home. But is moving into a small, unappealing rental townhouse their only option? Dave suggests they put their stuff in storage and take Ruby and go travelling instead. Nathan and Ben think it's a great idea, but Julie won't hear of it, unwilling to leave Ted. An impromptu party is organised, with everyone gathered to farewell the house. Even Rachel and Jake make a special appearance. During the party, Ted gives Julie a priceless emotional gift, allowing her to move on. Family and friends gather to farewell the Rafters, presenting them with a moving video tribute organized by Carbo. It is obvious they will be sadly missed — but everyone is rightfully excited about the possibilities the future holds.
