The creator of the popular television show Packed to the Rafters has apologised to offended viewers after Tuesday night's episode featured three racy fantasy sequences, implications of oral sex and a masturbation scene.
The Channel 7 show has faced a barrage of complaints after the episode aired from angry fans who feel the family drama has descended into smut.
The network received 25 phone complaints and the program's internet forum was flooded with criticism.
"It was tacky tacky tacky and not the usual wholesome, funny and heartwarming family show," one viewer wrote.
"It has been my favourite show, but last night was tasteless and no longer family viewing. I'll give it one more try, but if it doesn't improve, they've lost another viewer," another said.
"What a shame, up until last night, I have never missed an episode of Rafters and each week look forward to the next. Not so now, after last night's garbage, they have lost me," said another.
The episode featured a sequence where the married character Nathan Rafter fantasises about his boss, who dances in scantily clad clothes. The scene cuts to a shot of Nathan masturbating.
Another scene shows another character imagining two immodestly dressed women washing a car Dukes of Hazzard style.
Co-creator of the series Bevan Lee said the episode was intended as a "cautionary tale" to show that "blurring the line between fantasy, desire and real action can lead to wrong and potentially disastrous choices".
"Nathan chooses to betray his wife, but it is made quite clear it is the wrong choice and that there will be consequences. We regret offending some of our audience," he said.
"I’ve been in the business 30 years and I’ve often said you never stop learning and this is certainly the case with the audience reaction to this week’s episode of Rafters."
Much of the criticism on the internet forum made mention of the belief the show had been slipping in quality, but the show remains one of the most popular on television.
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