I previously shared my love for the popular Australian soap opera, “Neighbours” on this blog when celebrating the shows return in 2023 and when reaching the 9000 episodes milestone. This soap has been a popular programme in the UK for over 40 years. When it was axed a couple of years ago due to insufficient financial backing, Amazon Studios stepped in and provided a couple more years of production funding, but filming is now expected to end again in July this year, with the last episode airing in December.
After a long day at work, I find great escapism in visiting Ramsay Street in Erinsborough. “Neighbours” consistently delivers compelling stories, skillfully blending drama and comedy. It’s a shame that Amazon has decided not to renew the contract especially as the news broke around the 40th anniversary celebrations, which totally took away anyone’s appetite to celebrate this brilliant milestone.
I’m puzzled why the show isn’t being saved. It’s a vital training ground for aspiring TV and film professionals in Australia, and its loss would be a great blow to the Australian TV and film industry as this is a popular worldwide TV show representing Australia. The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) in Australia believes action needs to be taken, as the show should play an important part in meeting Australia’s streaming TV quotas. They’re questioning Freemantle, as the show’s survival shouldn’t be solely dependent on the whims of streamers like Amazon. Without “Neighbours” in production, many jobs will be lost, and opportunities for those wishing to work in the industry will be diminished. For more information, see the Variety article here.
I suspect with TV viewers, the momentum to save the show isn’t as fierce as last time simply because many feel the end is inevitable. While petitions saved the show last time, I believe that many feel they won’t be lucky a second time but it has to still be worth the effort!
Maybe some don’t want to keep going (fighting) as they wish the show to be saved for good and not just for another extension. It deserves to survive because it’s not about a lack of popularity or poor viewing figures. It’s such a shame, really, as we’ll lose our chance to see all our favourite characters, like Vera Punt and the gang (who we do not see enough of).
More… after Vera gallery!
The show has been in excellent shape since its return, with strong stories and memorable characters. Highlights include Jane’s family with Nicolette and Byron, the Varga-Murphy family who have gained popularity and expanded with new additions, and the brilliant idea for the Erini Rising retirement community with Karl, Susan and Terese managing the complex with familiar faces like Harold and Hilary, all complemented by the brilliantly funny Vera Punt.
In the UK, soaps are still popular but are often considered expensive television. The BBC and ITV produce their own soaps, such as Eastenders and Coronation Street, but have faced challenges also with the cancellation of Holby City and Doctors due to financials and cost cutting. Hollyoaks has also had episodes and budgets slashed.
It’s a shame that shows that have run for long periods (decades) and attract large audiences are no longer considered financially viable. This could be a result of the changes in the TV sector, with many streaming platforms now competing for viewers. The shame for Neighbours is that they are leading the way by moving to streaming, but the difficulty appears to be that this brilliant soap no longer fits in with Amazon primes streaming visions (now that Freevee is ending/gone).
If you’re a Neighbours fan and want to help save the show, there are a few petitions online, but the main one is:
“Keep Neighbours Alive: Urge Amazon to Keep Streaming the Iconic Show”
If you enjoy Neighbours, consider joining the “Neighbours Forever Official” Facebook Group here: #neighbours4ever to share and read articles by like minded individuals/fans of the show.
