The iconic Australian soap opera, Neighbours, has officially been cancelled for the second time, marking the end of an era for the beloved series. After being revived briefly by Amazon MGM Studios, the show announced it would be wrapping up production by December 2025, nearly 40 years after its original premiere.
Initially airing its first episode back in 1985, Neighbours quickly garnered immense popularity, becoming integral to Australian television. The show faced its first cancellation after it was removed from UK network Channel 5 in June 2022. The loss of this major broadcasting partner left production company Fremantle Media scrambling for funding, leading them to cancel the series after 37 successful years.
But fans were not ready to say goodbye just yet. Following the overwhelming response from the public—especially after the star-studded farewell episode featuring former cast members like Kylie Minogue, Guy Pearce, and Margot Robbie—Amazon jumped at the chance to revive Neighbours. This revival began airing on Amazon Freevee and Prime Video later in 2022.
Unfortunately, the revival did not resonate as much with viewers as Amazon had hoped. Rumors suggest the viewership numbers fell short of expectations, prompting Amazon to confirm earlier this week, "Unfortunately, after four decades of events on Ramsay Street, production of Neighbours will cease this year," as reported by Channel 10.
Jason Herbison, the Executive Producer of the series, expressed gratitude to its fans, stating, "We value how much the fans love Neighbours and we believe there are more stories of the residents of Ramsay Street to tell in the future." His sentiment indicates hopes for potential new partnerships, possibly with other networks, to revive the series once again.
Fans may take comfort knowing they can continue watching new episodes of Neighbours until the end of 2025. It will air four times weekly on Prime Video and Channel 10, culminating with special episodes to celebrate the show's 40th anniversary—an incredible milestone for the series.
Throughout its impressive run, Neighbours has depicted countless stories filled with drama, romance, and social issues, including representing groundbreaking moments such as the first same-sex marriage on Australian television. This engagement with significant themes has been cherished by audiences from Australia to the UK and beyond.
Despite the struggles leading to its cancellation, Neighbours has managed to remain relevant by adapting to modern societal changes, introducing more diverse characters and storylines. The soap has been influential not just for its consistent narrative quality but also for launching the careers of many stars like Delta Goodrem and Russell Crowe.
Now, as production gears down, the show has been praised for its role over decades and the emotion it has stirred within its dedicated fanbase. Upon announcing the cancellation, Amazon MGM Studios stated, "Forty years is an incredible milestone," emphasizing their pride at being part of Neighbours' illustrious history.
While the future of Neighbours remains unclear, Herbison remains positive, sharing, "Audiences all around the world have loved and embraced Neighbours for four decades and we are very proud of the huge success over the last two years, including often appearing as one of the Top 10 titles in the UK and the show's first ever Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Daytime Series in 2024."
Despite its impending end, fans and critics alike acknowledge the soap's significant contributions to Australian television history and its impact on generations of viewers. It has forged connections and relationships through its often relatable storylines, making its viewers feel like members of the Ramsay Street community.
With production scheduled to close by mid-2025, the iconic soap's legacy will forever remain rooted within local and global cultures. Though many hope for its eventual return, for now, the door seems to be closing on Neighbours—again. The future remains uncertain, but the love from fans persists across every episode, memory, and storyline crafted over the decades.