Being a fan of Neighbours, I was not pleased to learn back in 2022 that the soap was ending. This soap is escapism from real life, an ideal opportunity to unwind after a day at work.
At the time of the cancellation, I did expect it to be saved but while it was still filming. Another studio stepping in to save this popular programme. As it turned out, it did get cancelled and then a surprise saving of the show occurred some months later after filming stopped. Amazon stepped in and brought back the show in September 2023.
When it returned, we had our same old Neighbours back with a few changes. Most cast, some new faces and some small numbers of recast characters. The episodes were also slightly longer and now 4 episodes a week.
Amazon initially signed Neighbours to return for two years. 200 episodes a year for two years is the initial contract.
At the end of August 2024 we completed the first year of 200 Neighbours episodes.
I have enjoyed the new stories and some of the changes like Terese with Toadie rather than Paul.
A decent amount of return characters came back which included Paul, Terese, Karl, Susan and Toadie. Also joined by Jane, McKenzie and Leo and Holly. And Wendy, Andrew and Sadie. Later with David and Aaron.
It was good to see Holly rejoin the cast as full time. I love her scenes with Karl and Susan and she is entertaining to watch.
A small number of recasts occurred for some returnee characters which were all good. New Nell and Hugo, Byron and Nicolette. All excellent.
The soap of course used the opportunity to bring in some brand new characters with the Varga-Murphy family consisting of mothers Cara and Remi and children JJ and Dex. Also new coffee shop owner Haz and Krista.
Special guests have included characters Reece, Tess, Heath and of course Felix, Jools and Chelsea.
While some viewers were not happy with some of the initial story lines, to relaunch, the soap jumped forward two years. I believe that the soap got back into its swing quite quickly.
The soap most definitely had the story plotted for the entire season with it building to the surprise that Toadie was leaving. The new characters and special guests have also fitted in well and we also have had some of our fave special guest characters like Vera Punt and I hope we will get Mick back in future along with Terese’s mum Estelle.
The soap has always had a whole host of locations than just Ramsay Street which included the Lassisters Complex, the Waterhole, Erinsborough Hospital, school and now the new Erini Rising retirement complex.
The retirement complex is genius allowing older characters to return and it helped paved the way for Harold and Hillary to make appearances.
My faves are of course mainly the longer serving characters like Paul, Terese, Jane, Karl, Susan and Holly. I also enjoy watching Hillary and Vera when they appear. And good of course to see Harold.
The two main recast characters, Byron and Nicolette are both excellent. They have been quite involved with good stories. The brand new Varga-Murphy’s have also had a lot of screen time used well. The one character not used enough is Leo. He needs a big story.
With us now starting the new season, it will be interesting to see what is planned. As the soap is filmed some six months in advance, the team have been filming for 18 months at this time. Hopefully by now Amazon has decided to extend the contract or is at least close to doing so.
Welcome back Neighbours. I cannot wait to see what surprises that you have install for us for your second year back.
