The beloved Australian soap opera Neighbours has met its second cancellation, much to the dismay of fans and cast alike. After initially being axed by Channel 5 back in February 2022, the show's hopeful revival came when Amazon Freevee picked it up, launching it back onto screens starting September 2023. Yet, as production company Fremantle confirmed, the show will be "resting" from December 2025, following the surprising shutdown of Amazon Freevee.
Executive producer Jason Herbison has been candid about why the show has faced this unfortunate turn of events. Speaking to TV Tonight, he emphasized the show's successes during its two-and-a-half-year run on Amazon Freevee, stating, "We were considered a very big success on Amazon Freevee, and we’re so grateful to them for this chapter and this two and a half years." Herbison acknowledged the incredible efforts made by the team at Amazon Freevee to promote the show, which even found its images on bus stops across the UK. He expressed gratitude for the support received during this period, exclaiming, "I think we were on bus stops all across the UK, it was amazing and they have been wonderful to work with."
Despite the soap's positive reception, the ultimate closure of Freevee significantly altered the platform's strategy. Herbison explained, "While we seem to be very successful on Prime we’re just simply not part of their content strategy going forward." This shift left the future of Neighbours uncertain, culminating in the decision to halt production. Herbison noted, "Things change and as I say, we’re just very grateful to them to have had this chapter."
Reflecting on the show's tenure during this most recent revival, Herbison expressed pride, especially considering the recognition it received, including two Daytime Emmy nominations. "We’re consistently number one, number two, number three show every day on Prime in the UK. So yes, that's frustrating," he lamented. Yet, he countered this disappointment with gratitude for the loyalty of the show's audience, noting their steadfast investment in the program.
Looking to the future, the current iteration of Neighbours is set to conclude by July 2025. Herbison hinted at potential directions for the finale, saying, "It’s a strange position to be in, to be contemplating another finale. I don't see it as a big street party with a cast of thousands. I’m not going to compete with what we did in 2022 because I’m very, very proud of [that episode]." He assured fans, though, of his commitment to leaving creative possibilities open, implying, "But I definitely have ideas. I’m sure they’ll evolve between now and July. All I can say is, the door will absolutely be left open for a future chapter."
The final episode is expected to celebrate the show's 40-year history, marking its legacy as one of the longest-running serials on television. Fans can look forward to special cameos, reminiscent of the grand 2022 finale where legends like Guy Pearce, Margot Robbie, and Kylie Minogue returned to Ramsay Street. This unique reunion has left many hoping for similar star-studded surprises, cementing the show's place within Australian pop culture.
Penny, one long-time fan, expressed her nostalgia: "Neighbours has been part of my life for decades. It is disheartening to see it end again, but I hope for its return. It truly feels eternal." Herbison is also optimistic about the show's future, stating, "Just as we said before, we were resting the show, we do see Neighbours as eternal. Who knows about the future? So I think whatever ending, it will be a door left open kind of ending again."
Meanwhile, audience anticipation builds around what the 40th-anniversary week will entail, especially with teasers hinting at drama-filled episodes. Trailers have revealed shocking plot twists, including one scenario where Jane Harris stumbles upon what appears to be a body floating in the Lassiters lake. Such twists have historically kept viewers hooked, and many are eager to see how the soap concludes this time around.
Over the decades, Neighbours has launched the careers of numerous high-profile actors such as Margot Robbie and Russell Crowe, securing its status as a formidable platform on which budding stars can showcase their talents. Crowe, who appeared as Kenny Larkin back in the late '80s, reflects fondly on his time there, stating, "Neighbours was integral to my early career and has continued to loom large over my life."
Despite its impending closure for the second time, the world of Neighbours resonates strongly among audiences who hold onto hope for its return. Herbison's reflections, combined with the show's rich history, signify it has left an indelible mark on television, culture, and the lives of its viewers. Its legacy may be resting now, but as the saying goes, never say never. The community on Ramsay Street may yet bloom again.