Rafferty's Rules (1987)
The beloved Australian courtroom dramedy that put John Wood on the map, blending sharp legal wit with warm character comedy across four seasons on the Seven Network.
Rafferty's Rules - Series Information
- First Air Year: 1987
- Last Air Year: 1990
- Created by: Ben Lewin
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime, Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (55 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 86
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: February 12, 1987 (Australia - M)
- Networks: Seven Network
- Production Companies: Seven Network, Amalgamated Television Services
- Production Countries: Australia
Rafferty's Rules - Plot
Rafferty's Rules was an Australian television drama series which ran from 1987 to 1990 on the Seven Network. Rafferty's Rules was one of the first programs undertaken by the Seven Network's then new in-house drama unit, going into production in May 1985 as "a 15-part courtroom drama". The program had started out as a pilot episode, recorded in early 1984 with the actor Chris Haywood in the lead role. When the pilot episode was remounted later in 1984, Chris Haywood wasn't available and the lead role was re-cast to John Wood. This second recording was eventually broadcast as the program's first episode.
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Rafferty's Rules - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Ben Lewin
Main Cast
- John Wood
- Arky Michael
- Simon Chilvers
- Catherine Wilkin
- Katy Brinson
- Bernadette Foster
- Richard Carter
- Judy Ferris
- Gregg Arthur
- Andrew McFarlane
Writers
- David Allen
- John Upton
- Tim Gooding
- Nicholas Langton
- Michael Cove
Executive Producers
- Alan Bateman
- Des Monaghan
- Howard Griffiths
Rafferty's Rules - FAQs
Who plays the lead role in Rafferty's Rules?
John Wood plays Michael Rafferty, the central magistrate whose unconventional approach to the law drives the series. Interestingly, the role was originally cast with Chris Haywood for a 1984 pilot, but when Haywood became unavailable for the remount, Wood stepped in and made the character his own across all four seasons.
What is Rafferty's Rules about?
Rafferty's Rules follows magistrate Michael Rafferty, a sharp and often irreverent figure navigating the Australian legal system. The series blends courtroom drama with comedy, exploring the colourful cases and personalities that pass through Rafferty's court. It ran for four seasons on the Seven Network between 1987 and 1990.
Where can you watch Rafferty's Rules in Australia?
Streaming and viewing options for Rafferty's Rules vary by region and platform availability. For the most up-to-date information on where to watch the series in Australia, JustWatch is the best resource to compare current streaming, rental, and purchase options in your area.
How did Rafferty's Rules begin as a production?
The series began life as a pilot recorded in early 1984 with Chris Haywood in the lead role. When the pilot was remounted later that year, Haywood was unavailable and John Wood was cast instead. That second recording became the show's first broadcast episode, launching what would become a four-season run.
How many seasons and episodes does Rafferty's Rules have?
Rafferty's Rules ran for four seasons and 86 episodes in total. The first season comprised 15 episodes, the second 11, and both the third and fourth seasons expanded to 30 episodes each, reflecting the show's growing popularity on the Seven Network throughout its 1987 to 1990 run.
Was Rafferty's Rules significant for Australian television?
Rafferty's Rules holds a notable place in Australian TV history as one of the first productions from the Seven Network's newly established in-house drama unit. Going into production in May 1985 as a 15-part courtroom drama, it helped prove that locally produced legal drama-comedy could sustain a long-running primetime audience.
What genre is Rafferty's Rules?
The series sits at the intersection of drama, crime, and comedy — a blend sometimes called "dramedy." While courtroom proceedings and legal cases form the backbone of each episode, the show's tone is lightened by comedic character dynamics and Rafferty's own sardonic wit, making it accessible to a broad audience.
What shows are similar to Rafferty's Rules?
Fans of Rafferty's Rules tend to enjoy other legal dramedies and courtroom series. Rumpole of the Bailey offers a similarly witty British take on courtroom life, while All Rise and Elsbeth bring a modern American flavour. For Australian content, Police Rescue and Stingers share the same era and local production sensibility.
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