For the second time, the beloved Australian soap opera Neighbours has been cancelled, leaving its loyal fanbase feeling disheartened and disappointed. Set to air its last episode in December 2025, the iconic show, which follows the fictional lives of the residents on Ramsay Street, marks its 40th anniversary this year amid feelings of frustration instead of celebration.
Some of the most famous faces of the entertainment industry, including Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Margot Robbie, and Guy Pearce, launched their careers through Neighbours. The announcement has stirred emotions among fans who grew up with the series, making the history of the show all the more poignant. Sentiment online has been overwhelmingly sorrowful, as fans share their anguish over the news, with one viewer stating, "So incredibly sad for all involved in making Neighbours. Wish the rest of the world loved you as much as us Brits do. Absolutely love sitting down at the end of the day with my 9 year old to watch Neighbours, just as I did when I was growing up. You’re a part of our household and we will miss you."
Initially ending its production back in 2022, Neighbours was salvaged by Amazon, who revived the show and brought it back to global audiences this past September through its streaming service, Freevee. Unfortunately, things took another turn, with Amazon now indicating the soap will be put to rest once again. Despite achieving some considerable success, including frequent appearances as one of the Top 10 titles on Amazon Prime Video, the exact reason for the cancellation remains unclear. Jason Herbison, Executive Producer of Neighbours, expressed his gratitude toward Amazon MGM Studios for their support during this recent chapter, stating, "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."
Herbison emphasized the impact the show has had, noting the significant achievement of securing the show's first-ever Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Daytime Series in 2024, which reflected the series' increasing global recognition. Despite the cancellation, he remains hopeful: "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." This glimmer of hope has not escaped the awareness of the fans, who were still left perplexed by the news.
Reactions on social media have been abundant, with many expressing their disbelief and sadness synchronously. One long-time fan lamented, "Why cancel if it’s so successful? I’m really saddened and disappointed by this. Really enjoyed the last couple of years. Great characters. Lovely escapism, humour and some serious and important issues too. Hope this isn’t the end-end, and Neighbours can spring to life again in the near future." The outpouring of emotion reflects how deeply entrenched the soap opera has been within viewers' lives, creating memories and connections.
Another viewer shared, "Gutted again. Cannot believe it. I know people are saying it's not the same since it came back, but life moves on. What's wrong with it being different? I love all the younger actors. Just gutted again." It's clear from these comments how the long-running series has become synonymous with culture and nostalgia, mirroring the often cyclical nature of entertainment consumption.
Despite the criticism surrounding its revival, many fans expressed fondness for the newer storylines and characters. "Such a shame… it would have been best to have ended it when it had a proper bow out before the Amazon contract. Best of luck to all the actors," lamented another fan. The sentiment that's prevalent is one of gratitude and appreciation for the stories shared, regardless of the finale's timing. The essence of the show's familial bond among the characters is something many viewers will carry with them beyond the screen.
With the show's history and its marked social significance, Neighbours has, without doubt, left its legacy on Australian television and around the world. The final episodes are set to air through Amazon Prime Video and Ten, leaving fans to cling to their unwavering hope for the characters and their stories to live on, even if not on their screens. One last comment from the online community sums it up well, "This is really sad news to hear as I have been enjoying the storylines so much and enjoy the new characters. You guys will forever be in our hearts." Neighbours may be approaching its end, but its impact will resonate with many for years to come.