The 37 year history of Neighbours is coming to an end after attempts were made to save it.
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It was announced in February that Neighbours was being canceled on Channel 5 in the U.K. Despite the series being based and produced in Australia, Channel 5 provided the majority of the budget for the series. “Neighbours will no longer air on Channel 5 beyond this summer. It’s been a much-loved part of our schedule for more than a decade, and we’d like to thank the cast, Fremantle and all of the production team for their fantastic work on this iconic series,” Channel 5 said in a statement at the time.
Fremantle Media said at the time it would look to find a new source of funding to continue the series, but it was uncertain of the future at the time.
Sadly, the news came on Thursday that there was no longer a chance, and the series would end its 37 year run this summer. “It is with sadness that after nearly 37 years and almost 9000 episodes broadcast, we are confirming that Neighbours will cease production in the summer,” the company said in a statement.
“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 the 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.”
Odds seemed high that another buyer could be found. with the series bringing in 1.4M daily viewers for Channel 5 in the U.K.
Neighbours has served as the launching board for some of today’s biggest Australian stars including Kylie Minogue, Margot Robbie, Guy Pearce, and more.
