Neighbours Axed Again; End of an Era for Iconic Soap Opera

2025-03-02

The long-running Australian soap opera Neighbours has been axed for the second time in two years, with Amazon Prime Video withdrawing its support for the production. The show, which was revived in 2023 after its initial cancellation in 2022, will cease production in July 2025, with its final episodes airing in December.

Amazon confirmed its decision to step away from the series, citing the show’s 40-year milestone as a significant achievement. A spokesperson for Amazon MGM Studios stated, “Forty years is an incredible milestone, and we are proud that Amazon MGM Studios was able to have a small part of bringing further episodes to Freevee and Prime Video customers over the last two years, spanning over 400 episodes.”

The show’s executive producer, Jason Herbison, expressed gratitude to Amazon for its support and hinted at the possibility of future stories for the residents of Ramsay Street. “We value how much the fans love Neighbours and we believe there are more stories to tell in the future,” he said.

Neighbours first faced cancellation in 2022 after 37 years on air when UK broadcaster Channel 5 withdrew its funding. A fan-led campaign, including a petition with over 71,000 signatures, helped secure its revival by Amazon. However, despite its loyal fanbase, the show struggled to maintain sufficient viewership, particularly in its home country of Australia, where ratings have declined significantly over the past two decades.

The soap, which launched the careers of stars such as Margot Robbie, Guy Pearce, and Kylie Minogue, remains a cultural touchstone in Australia and the UK. Its cancellation marks the end of an era for the iconic series, which has been a training ground for many in the television industry.

Fans have expressed their disappointment on social media, with many lamenting the loss of a show that has been a staple of their viewing habits for decades. As the final episodes approach, the cast and crew are preparing to bid farewell to the beloved series once again.