It’s the announcement that many had been expecting – Neighbours will be no more soon with Fremantle and Network 10 announcing the cancellation of the long-running TV soap opera.
In a series of social media posts on the official Neighbours Twitter account today, the producers of the drama commented:
We are so sorry to say that after nearly 37 years and almost 9000 episodes broadcast, we have to confirm that Neighbours will cease production in June. Following the loss of our key broadcast partner in the UK and despite an extensive search for alternative funding, we simply have no option but to rest the show
To our amazing, loyal fans, we know this is a huge disappointment, as it is to all of us on the team. We thank you for all your messages and support and promise to end the show on an incredible high. From here on, we are celebrating Neighbours.
Neighbours celebrated 35 years in 2020
A Network 10 spokesperson: “Today, Fremantle confirmed that Neighbours will cease production in June, after nearly 37 years and almost 9,000 episodes. This difficult decision came after the search for an alternative UK broadcast partner proved unsuccessful.
“Network 10 confirms that Neighbours will not air on 10 Peach beyond September 2022.
“A much-loved stalwart of our program schedule for over 35 years it has been a staple of Australian television drama, and Australian cultural exports.
“Ramsay Street, Erinsborough, is a cul-de-sac recognised all over the world and has been home to Scott and Charlene, Des and Daphne, Dr Karl and Susan, Dee and Toadie, Aaron and David and many, many more neighbours.
“Network 10 thanks the cast, crew, all the production team and Fremantle for bringing the perfect blend of soap and sunshine to audiences in Australia and around the world.
“We thank the Australian fans and audiences for their continued support of the series. Their encouragement particularly in the past few weeks has been incredible. It shows that our audience still want Australian scripted drama. We have listened to them and there are exciting new local projects in the pipeline, which is great for our audience and for the local industry.
“We are confident that the cast, crew and writers will bring their distinctive warmth, style and humour to the Neighbours set as they embark on filming the final episodes over the coming months.”
A Fremantle spokesperson said: “It is with sadness that after nearly 37 years and almost 9000 episodes broadcast, we are confirming that Neighbours will cease production in June. Following the loss of a key broadcast partner in the UK, and despite a search for alternative funding, we currently have no option but to rest the show.
“Everyone at Neighbours has been overwhelmed by the love and support from the audience since the news came out. The show has brought a sunny slice of Australia into the homes of millions of viewers around the world launching the careers of dozens of household names along way. But as this chapter of Ramsay Street comes to a close, we promise to do everything we can to give the show the send-off it deserves.”
The decision of Channel 5 in the UK to drop the series comes after the drama moved from 5.30pm to 6pm late last year to make way for a news bulletin in the late afternoon.
In Australia some say the beginning of the end of Neighbours came when 10 moved the series to 10 Peach.
The focus in the last few months of broadcast will be to celebrate all the series has achieved over the decades.
Executive producer Jason Herbison told Mediaweek just last month: “We are very proud of everything Neighbours has achieved. We see the next few months as being a huge celebration for the show with a bit of everything for viewers. Any ending will be respectful of the past, the present and always open to a future.”
See also: Neighbours’ EP Jason Herbison and Andrew Mercado on celebrating the soap