10 Shows Like Packed to the Rafters (2008)

Description: Like 'Packed to the Rafters', 'Offspring' is an Australian drama-comedy that focuses on family dynamics and personal relationships. Both shows blend humor with heartfelt moments, exploring the ups and downs of family life. 'Offspring' centers around the Proudman family, similar to how 'Packed to the Rafters' revolves around the Rafter family, making it relatable to audiences who enjoy family-centric stories.

Fact: 'Offspring' was created by Debra Oswald and originally aired on Network Ten. The show's protagonist, Nina Proudman, is an obstetrician, adding a medical drama element to the series. 'Offspring' has been praised for its strong female lead and realistic portrayal of modern relationships.

Description: Like 'Packed to the Rafters', this Australian comedy-drama explores family relationships and personal growth, though with a more millennial perspective. Both shows tackle serious issues with humor and heart, and feature authentic, relatable characters. The focus on mental health in 'Please Like Me' parallels some of the more serious storylines in 'Packed to the Rafters'.

Fact: Created by and starring Josh Thomas, who based much of the show on his own life. The show was critically acclaimed internationally, particularly in the US. It was one of the first Australian shows to prominently feature LGBTQ+ characters and themes.

Description: This Australian drama series shares with 'Packed to the Rafters' its focus on family relationships across generations. Both shows explore how different family members navigate life's challenges together, blending drama with moments of warmth and humor. The multi-generational cast allows for a similar exploration of diverse perspectives within a family unit.

Fact: The series was created by Michael Lucas, who also worked on 'Offspring'. It features an ensemble cast including Claudia Karvan and Shane Jacobson. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of contemporary Australian family life.

Description: While 'A Place to Call Home' is a period drama set in the 1950s, it shares with 'Packed to the Rafters' a focus on family secrets, relationships, and the idea of finding one's place in the world. Both shows delve into emotional storytelling and feature strong female characters navigating complex family dynamics.

Fact: The series was created by Bevan Lee, who also worked on 'Packed to the Rafters'. It was initially canceled after two seasons but revived due to fan demand. The show explores post-World War II Australia, touching on themes of class, identity, and social change.

Description: This Australian legal drama shares with 'Packed to the Rafters' its strong character development and exploration of personal relationships alongside professional challenges. While the genres differ, both shows feature complex female protagonists navigating work and family life, with a mix of drama and lighter moments.

Fact: The series is a spin-off from 'Crownies', another Australian legal drama. It was praised for its strong female lead and complex storytelling. The show tackles social issues while maintaining personal storylines.

Description: While primarily a legal drama, 'Newton's Law' shares with 'Packed to the Rafters' its Australian setting and focus on a strong female lead balancing professional and personal life. Both shows mix their primary genres with elements of family drama and relationship storytelling, creating a blend of professional and personal narratives.

Fact: The series stars Claudia Karvan as a lawyer returning to practice. It was created by the same team behind 'Janet King'. The show combines legal cases with personal storylines, similar to American shows like 'The Good Wife'.

Description: This Australian drama-comedy shares with 'Packed to the Rafters' its blend of humor and heart, focusing on family relationships and personal redemption. Both shows feature protagonists returning to their hometowns and reconnecting with family, exploring themes of second chances and community.

Fact: The series stars Rodger Corser as a disgraced surgeon forced to work in his rural hometown. It was created by Tony McNamara, who also created 'The Secret Life of Us'. The show combines medical drama with family comedy elements.

Description: This Australian drama series shares similarities with 'Packed to the Rafters' in its exploration of the lives of young adults navigating relationships, careers, and personal growth. Both shows are set in urban environments and feature ensemble casts, providing a multi-faceted look at contemporary life. The emotional depth and character-driven storytelling are key parallels between the two series.

Fact: 'The Secret Life of Us' was one of the first Australian shows to gain international recognition, particularly in the UK. The series launched the careers of several now-famous Australian actors, including Claudia Karvan and Samuel Johnson. It was praised for its realistic portrayal of twenty-something life in Melbourne.

Description: This Australian comedy shares with 'Packed to the Rafters' its exploration of family identity and the blending of different worlds. Both shows use humor to examine family dynamics and personal relationships, though 'Upper Middle Bogan' does so with a more overtly comedic tone. The fish-out-of-water premise creates similar opportunities for both laughs and heartfelt moments.

Fact: The show was originally titled 'Bespoke' before being renamed. It features a drag racing subplot, adding a unique element to the family comedy genre. The series was praised for its portrayal of working-class Australian culture.

Description: This New Zealand-Australian comedy-drama shares with 'Packed to the Rafters' its focus on a single parent raising children after a significant life change. Both shows balance humor with emotional moments and explore themes of family, community, and starting over. The small-town setting of '800 Words' provides a similar sense of community to the suburban setting of 'Packed to the Rafters'.

Fact: The title refers to the weekly column the protagonist writes about his life. The show was filmed in both Australia and New Zealand. It won multiple awards, including Best Comedy Program at the 2016 AACTA Awards.