Here’s some news precisely none of you were expecting to hear today: Hugely beloved Aussie drama series Packed To The Rafters is officially getting new life breathed into it in 2020, with a revival series from Amazon Prime announced this afternoon.
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Rumours and speculation have been swirling for a hot little while now that the series, which originally ran on Seven from 2008 through til 2013, would be getting some sort of new go-around, but now we know exactly what form that will take. Better still, we know who among the cast will be heading back for round two (hint: it’s everyone).
The new series, rather appropriately, will be called Back to the Rafters, and will see the entire original core cast return. That’s Rebecca Gibney, Erik Thompson, Jessica Marais, Hugh Sheridan, Angus McLaren, Michael Caton, and hell yes, even George Houvardas as the one and only Carbo. All returning, all back together. You wouldn’t even dream of it.
Back to the Rafters represents a growing slate of Australian projects commissioned by Amazon Prime Originals, and follows a string of other recent commissions like Rebel Wilson‘s comedy competition series LOL: Last One Laughing, and a string of stand-up specials from Australian comedians filmed across the country over the past few months.
The original Rafters creative team consisting of show creator Bevan Lee and executive producer Julie McGauran will return to the series, with Lee set to serve as lead writer on the revival.
The revived series will pick up in the present day, six years beyond where the original series left off. Per the synopsis: “Dave and Julie have created a new life in the country with youngest daughter Ruby, while the older Rafter children face new challenges and Grandpa Ted struggles to find his place. As Dave enjoys his new found freedom, Julie must reconcile her responsibilities to the family. They might not be under the same roof, but the same honesty, love and laughter bonds them more tightly now than ever before.”
Production on Back to the Rafters is scheduled to begin in Sydney next year. There’s no word available yet on any potential release date.
