Amazon launches first Australian scripted original series
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Editor
| 05 December 2019

In a deal that will see the Rafter family return to screens in Australia and travel to more than 200 other territories, Amazon has announced the first scripted Australian original series, Back to the Rafters.

Produced by Seven Studios, the series will be first scripted drama production from Prime Video in Australia with filming scheduled to begin in 2020. Back to the Rafters offers the next chapter in the story of the Rafter family, who entertained Australian audiences for six years in one of Australia’s most popular drama series, Packed to the Rafters.

At its centre were parents Dave and Julie, working to balance their own journey as a couple with the ups and downs of raising a family into adulthood. Back to the Rafters produced by Seven Studios will feature original principal cast members Rebecca Gibney, Erik Thomson, Jessica Marais, Hugh Sheridan, Angus McLaren, Michael Caton and George Houvardas. the programme picks up with Dave and Julie having 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.

“Since we began producing international originals, Back to the Rafters has been at the top of the list of scripted series we’ve wanted to commission,” said James Farrell, vice president of international originals at Amazon Studios.

“Packed to the Rafters is among the most beloved Australian series and this revival will allow us to give our customers the locally relevant entertainment they want. We’re thrilled to be working with Seven Studios to bring back the Rafter family for Prime members in Australia and around the world.”

“We are hugely excited to be working with Amazon Studios on Prime Video’s first Australian drama commission, bringing back the iconic Rafters family for both Australian and global audiences,” added Seven Studios CEO Therese Hegarty. “This is an incredible opportunity to showcase to the world a home-grown original drama series, brought to life by brilliant Australian creative talent.”