Water Rats

Water Rats places you with a tight knit team of police officers who work the docks and waterways of a port city. From 1996 to 2001 on the Nine Network, the series follows Jeff Hawker and a crew of detectives as they chase leads, handle dangerous emergencies, and juggle the pressures of the job with their personal lives. The ensemble cast includes Helen Blakemore, Gavin Sykes, Jack Christey, and Michael Reilly, who bring a mix of professionalism, humor, and grit to the waterfront beat. Rather than relying on high concept melodrama, the show builds tension through procedural cases that test judgment, loyalty, and the lines between duty and friendship. It is grounded, workmanlike drama with a maritime edge.

Created by Tony Morphett Water Rats aired on the Nine Network from 1996 to 2001. It boasted an Australian ensemble led by Peter Bensley as Jeff Hawker, alongside Toni Scanlan and Steve Bisley.

Reception to Water Rats was solid, drawing a steady audience across five seasons. Critics highlighted its realistic police work and character driven storytelling, with themes centered on duty, loyalty, and the moral weight of making split second calls under pressure.

As part of the 1990s Australian crime drama wave Water Rats helped bring maritime policing to mainstream TV, and its ensemble cast included notable talents who later appeared in other major projects such as Aaron Pedersen. The show remains a reference point for period fans.