Country of origin Australia Original network Seven Network | No. of episodes 22 | |
Original release April 17, 2012 (2012-04-17) – April 16, 2013 (2013-04-16) | ||
The fifth season of Packed to the Rafters, an Australian drama television series premiered on 17 April 2012 on the Seven Network. 22 episodes have been ordered for Season five. The Seven network put the series on hiatus again on June 19, 2012 after 10 episodes, despite previously promising that viewers would see a full season run. The show returned on 29 January 2013 with episode 11, accompanied by an increase in viewers compared to previous episodes of the season.
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Production
Packed to the Rafters was renewed for a fifth season with production on the episodes to begin from October 2011. Hugh Sheridan, who plays Ben Rafter, filmed his final scenes for the fifth season in February 2012, before leaving the show. Angus McLaren, who plays Nathan Rafter, will take some time off during the fifth season and return mid season in the 100th episode.
Hugh Sheridan's departure
Hugh Sheridan, who plays Ben Rafter, announced on 15 May 2012 that the fifth season will be his last season of Packed to the Rafters as a main cast member. His final episode aired 5 February 2013, the series 100th episode. Sheridan is expected to return on a recurring basis in season six.
Reception
Ratings for season five have been significantly lower compared with previous seasons, which has been attributed to two hiatuses during season four by the Seven network and competition from the Nine Network's The Voice. However, upon returning with episode 11 in 2013, the ratings have once again increased.
Ratings
s
1 Viewer numbers are based on preliminary OzTAM data for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth combined.