The residents of Ramsay Street are returning home to Network 10 in 2023 after Fremantle, the producers of the drama series Neighbours, secured Amazon Freevee and Prime Video as its international partner.
It was only in March this year that Paramount revealed that Neighbours had been cancelled after the English broadcast partner pulled the plug on future investment.
The final episode of Neighbours was subsequently broadcast in the last week of July and secured the best ratings the series had achieved in over a decade.
The long-running daily series, which follows the lives, loves and challenges of the residents of Ramsay Street, will now be restored to fans worldwide.
Actors Ryan Moloney, Jackie Woodburne and Alan Fletcher with scripts for Neighbours 2023
The revival of Neighbours means the return of iconic cast members Jackie Woodburne, Alan Fletcher, Stefan Dennis and Ryan Moloney, with further casting announcements to come.
Network 10, the home of the series for over three decades, will retain first-run broadcast rights in Australia. UK and US audiences can view the series free of charge on Amazon Freevee.
The revitalised series will also be available ad-free on Prime Video in Australia and New Zealand seven days following the free-to-air viewing of the new series.
Beverley McGarvey, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, Paramount Australia and New Zealand said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Neighbours back home to Network 10, and while we loved the finale earlier this year and appreciated the incredible support from the cast, crew and fans, we continued to hold a small glimmer of hope that one day it would be possible to resume the series.
“We are grateful for the tenacity and determination displayed by Fremantle in securing a new production partner so our association could continue.
“A much-loved stalwart of our program schedule for over 35 years, we can’t wait to bring back the perfect blend of soap and sunshine to Australian audiences which will also add a fantastic boost to the Victorian and wider production community.”
Neighbours final cast shot after production stopped earlier in 2022
Greg Woods, CEO Fremantle Australia, said: “The love for Neighbours is undeniable and we have been determined to explore every possible avenue to bring it back for loyal fans across the world. We are beyond thrilled to have secured this landmark deal with Amazon Freevee, along with Network 10 in Australia, long-term and passionate supporters of the show.
“We will be going back into the writing room immediately and production for this wonderful series will begin next year. The series has been so important for the Victorian production community, and along with our partners, will provide new opportunities on both sides of the camera. We cannot wait to get started.”
The super soap ran for 37 years and nearly 9,000 episodes. The Australian-produced show has screened in multiple countries over its reign on-air including the UK, airing on both BBC One and most recently Channel 5 since its launch in 1985.
Guy Pearce, Annie Jones, Stefan Dennis and Peter O’Brien filming earlier this year
The final episode of Neighbours aired in July on 10, 10 Peach and 10 Play attracting an audience of 1.48 million viewers with Kylie Minogue, Guy Pearce and Jason Donovan all returning to revive their beloved characters in the final episode, paying tribute to the series.
Jason Herbison, Neighbours’ Executive Producer – Fremantle since 2013, and Rick Maier, Head of Drama and Executive Production, Paramount ANZ will work on the new episodes, with Andrew Thompson returning as producer.
Production is set to commence in early 2023 with a world premiere slated for the second half of the year.