‘Neighbours’ Has Officially Been Cancelled After 37 Years On The Air
Rest in peace, old friend.
Love it, hate it, or feel lukewarm about it: The long-running Australian soap Neighbours is officially winding down.
The news broke via Neighbours‘ official Twitter account last night. “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,” it reads. “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/YwlDZPb7zB
— Neighbours (@neighbours) March 3, 2022
Neighbours has a huge UK fan base, and apparently the British free-to-air network Channel 5 was responsible for keeping the show on the air.
British tourists have long been known for filling up Melbourne’s iconic Neighbours Tour buses, where they were able to catch a glimpse of the fictional suburb of Erinsborough, situated in Melbourne’s Vermont South. Rumour has it that visitors often had a chance to meet the famously philandering Dr Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) on the tour.
The show’s producers at Freemantle Media say they’ve received an outpouring of support in response to the announcement. “Everyone at Neighbours has been overwhelmed by the love and support from the audience since the news came out,” they said. “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.”
Neighbours first aired in Australia on March 19, 1985. It boasts a bevy of famous alumni including Kylie Minogue, Guy Pearce, Russell Crowe, Liam Hemsworth and Margot Robbie.