Watch Back To The Rafters

Back To The Rafters is an Australian television series that premiered on Amazon Prime Video in August 2021. It is a continuation of the original series, Packed to the Rafters, which aired from 2008 to 2013. The show has been refered to as a family drama, around the lives of the Rafter family.

The series picks up six years after we last saw the Rafters, and a lot has changed. The Rafters are still living in their beloved family home, but it’s no longer filled with the same energy it once had. With the children grown up and moved out, the family dynamic has shifted, and a sense of emptiness has taken over. This leads the parents to bring all their adult children and their families back together under one roof as a way of bringing back some of the old magic.

The show centers around Dave and Julie Rafter, played by Erik Thomson and Rebecca Gibney, respectively. Dave is adjusting to life after retirement, while Julie is struggling to find her place in the world now that her children have grown up and moved out. They are the heart and soul of the show and are joined by their grown-up kids Rachel (Georgia Flood), Ben (Hugh Sheridan), Nathan (Angus McLaren), and Ruby (Georgina Haig), as well as their partners and children.

Back To The Rafters deals with a range of emotional and topical issues, including family dynamics, relationships, parenthood, grief, cross-cultural relationships, and mental health. These themes are explored in a heartwarming and relatable way, making the show’s narrative feel authentic and genuine.

The show is beautifully shot, with a warm color palette and charming interiors that transport viewers into the cozy family home. The acting is excellent, with each character bringing their unique personalities and struggles to the table. Rebecca Gibney and Erik Thomson, in particular, have a great on-screen chemistry, and their performances are the standout of the series.

One of the show’s strongest elements is its depiction of cross-cultural relationships. Rachel’s partner, Alex (Daniel Wyllie), is Chinese-Australian, and their relationship is used to explore the complexities and nuances of intercultural relationships. The series also touches on themes of immigration and the challenges faced by migrants and their families when trying to integrate into a new society.

Another critical issue addressed in the show is mental health. Nathan, struggling with his own mental health issues, is depicted with sensitivity and nuance. The show tackles the issue head-on, and Nathan’s experiences with mental illness are used to highlight the importance of seeking help and support.

As the series progresses, the family’s various struggles and conflicts are resolved, and the Rafters learn to appreciate each other and the time they have together. The show’s ultimate message is that family is the most crucial thing in life, and that no matter how much time passes or how distance separates us, we can always come back together as a family.

In conclusion, Back To The Rafters is a heartwarming family drama that explores themes of love, loss, and family with sensitivity and nuance. The show is expertly produced, with strong performances and beautiful visuals that transport viewers into the cozy world of the Rafters. Fans of the original series will be thrilled with this continuation, while new viewers will easily fall in love with the charming and relatable characters.

Back To The Rafters is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on September 17, 2021.