Iconic Australian soap opera Neighbours, which has graced screens for 40 years, is reportedly set to be axed again, barely two years after its revival by Amazon Freevee. The news has reverberated through the industry, signaling the end of one of television's most enduring series.
According to reports from The Sun, Amazon will cease production of the long-running show due to its failure to attract sufficient viewership. A source shared, "Amazon gave Fremantle two years to see if it worked but sadly they just didn't get the viewers. It’s a really sad day especially for the cast and crew who work on the show in Melbourne. This really is the end of Neighbours just as it’s celebrated its 40th birthday." The final episode is slated to air at the end of 2025, marking another emotional farewell for fans.
The beloved soap opera originally completed its run on Channel 5 due to declining ratings, with its final episode airing on July 29, 2022, which attracted significant attention as former stars like Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, and Guy Pearce made emotional returns. This finale was viewed by nearly three million people in the UK, showcasing the show's lasting impact.
Just months after this farewell, Amazon stepped in to revive Neighbours, hoping to rebuild its audience and reactivate its legacy. The revived episodes, which began airing from September 2023, were produced under new management and intended to once again delight fans of the show.
Despite the revival and significant star power, viewership has remained low. The ratings had seen steady declines over the years, with audiences shrinking significantly from averagely 946,000 daily viewers back in 2001 to around 100,000 currently.
Fans have been vocal about their disappointment with the show's second cancellation. Social media platforms quickly filled with comments bemoaning the loss. One fan tweeted, "Just heard #Neighbours is being axed again. I am beyond gutted." Another lamented the demise of their daily escape, saying, "After a hellish personal 14 months, I refuse point blank to accept it. It’s sometimes the only 20 minutes I can escape. Absolutely blooming well not!" Such sentiments reflect the deep connections many fans have with the characters and storylines of the show.
The cultural significance of Neighbours} extends beyond entertainment; it has been credited with launching the careers of several Australian stars who have gone on to achieve international fame. Actors such as Margot Robbie, Guy Pearce, and even the Hemsworth brothers made their early appearances on this quintessentially Australian series, embedding it within the fabric of the TV industry.
Despite the setbacks, the show's 40th-anniversary celebrations had been planned, featuring various cast reunions and storylines aimed at honouring its rich history. Fans were treated to the return of cherished characters and special events leading up to the final episodes set for late 2025.
On the production side, Fremantle had expressed confidence in the revived format, but it became evident early on adjustments were necessary as familiar faces began to depart the show. Actor Ryan Moloney, who portrayed the beloved character Jarrod 'Toadie' Rebecchi, recently announced his exit after 30 years, stating he could see his character's story coming to an end without clear direction moving forward.
The shifting dynamics of viewership and production have raised alarms across the television soap genre. With Amazon's withdrawal, many within the industry speculate about the sustainability of similar long-running series. The cancellation of Neighbours serves as both a heartfelt loss for viewers and perhaps a cautionary tale for other productions.
While Neighbours may officially close its doors, its legacy will undoubtedly live on among the countless viewers who grew up watching it. It has earned its place as one of Australia’s most cherished television exports, forever remembered for its captivating storylines and unforgettable characters.