Say Goodbye to Ramsay Street: Neighbours Cancelled Once Again
In a shocking turn of events, the beloved Australian soap drama Neighbours has been cancelled for the second time, just two years after it was saved by Amazon MGM Studios.
Without giving a specific reason, Amazon has confirmed that the series will come to an end in 2025, marking the conclusion of a 40-year run that spanned over 9,000 episodes since its television debut.
Initially axed by Channel 5 in 2022, Neighbours was brought back to life by Amazon for its streaming platforms a mere four months after a star-studded farewell episode captivated millions of viewers.
This iconic soap opera, which helped kickstart the careers of stars like Kylie Minogue, Guy Pearce, and Margot Robbie, has been a fan favorite among Australian and UK audiences, even earning its first Emmy nomination last year.
In a statement released on the show’s social media, it was announced that Neighbours would be “resting” starting in December.
“Audiences all around the world have embraced Neighbours for four decades, and we are immensely proud of its tremendous success over the past two years,” expressed executive producer Jason Herbison.
Herbison went on to say, “We appreciate the love and support from fans of Neighbours, and we believe there are still more stories to be told about the residents of Ramsay Street in the future,” hinting at a potential search for a new sponsor.
New episodes will continue to air on Amazon Prime Video and Australia’s Channel Ten four times a week until the end of 2025.
In a statement, Amazon MGM Studios expressed their pride in being “a small part” of Neighbours’ history.
“Forty years is an incredible milestone,” a spokesperson remarked.
Set and filmed in Melbourne, Neighbours made its debut on Australian television in 1985 before later launching on BBC One in 1986.
In recent years, the show has made strides in featuring more diverse characters and storylines, addressing concerns about its portrayal of modern Australia. Notably, Neighbours showcased the first same-sex marriage on Australian TV.
Despite its successes, the show has also faced controversies. Several actors have come forward with allegations of racism, prompting the production company Fremantle Media to commit to a thorough review.
News of Neighbours’ cancellation follows actor Ian Smith’s announcement last year that he would be departing from the show due to terminal cancer. Smith, who portrayed Ramsay Street stalwart Harold Bishop, has been a fixture on the show for years. — BBC
