The award-winning Australian television drama, which stars Hugh Sheridan, Zoe Cramond and Rebecca Gibney, will be aired for the last time this year on the Seven Network tonight (October 25), returning in 2012 for more episodes.
The show has only screened 15 episodes this year, but was expected to run for 20, broadcasting up to the end of November.
The latest move by Seven bosses echoes the decision to cut the last series of Packed to the Rafters mid-season on the cliffhanger of Jessica Marais's departure to make way for new drama Winners and Losers.
A Seven spokesperson defended the broadcaster's decision, telling the Herald Sun: "The episode to air tonight is the natural conclusion to the main story running this season."
However, media expert Steve Allen from Fusion Strategy said: "There is no question fans will be disappointed. [Seven] will win the year no matter what, (so) they've taken a strategic view. They wouldn't want to repeat the pattern next year. A lot of successful TV franchises have been ruined this way."
> 'Packed to the Rafters' Zoe Cramond: 'It's weird being on TV'
> George Houvardas stalked by 'Packed to the Rafters' fan
Watch the cast and crew of Packed to the Rafters accepting the 2011 Logie Award for 'Most Popular Drama' below:
