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Water Rats was a police procedural drama that premiered on Australian television in 1996 on Nine Network. The show followed the lives of the Sydney Water Police who were responsible for patrolling over 70,000 navigable waterways in and around Sydney, Australia. The series was created by Hal McElroy and Tony Morphett and starred Colin Friels, Catherine McClements, Steve Bisley, Jay Laga'aia, Aaron Pedersen, and Dee Smart.

The show revolved around two central characters, Detective Frank Holloway (played by Colin Friels) and Senior Sergeant Rachel Goldstein (played by Catherine McClements), who were responsible for leading the Sydney Water Police. The Water Rats, as they were known, were a diverse group of officers who were responsible for solving crimes that took place on the water. These crimes ranged from drug trafficking and illegal fishing to murder and piracy.

The Water Rats were tasked with investigating these crimes and bringing the perpetrators to justice. The show featured a mix of procedural and character-driven storylines that allowed viewers to become invested in both the cases and the characters. Each episode would usually focus on a specific case that would be investigated and ultimately solved by the Water Rats.

One of the standout elements of Water Rats was the location in which it was set. Sydney Harbour and its surrounds provided an incredible backdrop for the show, with many scenes taking place on boats or out on the water. The show featured some stunning visuals of the city's famous landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

Another defining feature of Water Rats was its cast of characters. The show had a large ensemble cast, with each character bringing their own unique personality and backstory to the table. Colin Friels was the standout performer as Detective Frank Holloway, a veteran officer with a reputation for getting results. Catherine McClements held her own as Senior Sergeant Rachel Goldstein, a tough and capable officer who was well-respected by her colleagues. Steve Bisley and Dee Smart added to the mix as rival police officers who often rubbed each other the wrong way.

The show also featured appearances from a number of well-known Australian actors, including Hugo Weaving, Sam Neill, and Guy Pearce, who all made guest appearances over the course of the show's six seasons.

The production design of the show was another strong point, with the team going to great lengths to accurately recreate the world of the Sydney Water Police. The boats used in the show were real police boats, and the sets were designed to look like real police stations and offices.

Overall, Water Rats was a well-crafted police procedural that offered viewers a unique look into the world of the Sydney Water Police. The show's cast of characters, stunning location, and engaging storylines all contributed to making it a popular and enduring Australian drama. Despite ending its run in 2001, Water Rats continues to be a beloved part of Australian television history.

Water Rats is a series that ran for 7 seasons (181 episodes) between February 12, 1996 and on Nine Network