‘Neighbours’ Wraps Final Production, Hints at Future Possibilities

Production Wraps on Long-Running Australian Soap Opera “Neighbours”

After over 40 years on the air, the iconic Australian soap opera “Neighbours” has officially wrapped production for Prime Video. The cast filmed their final scenes at Nunawading studios on Friday, bringing an end to a show that has entertained audiences around the world. The series will air its last episodes in December, closing out Amazon’s two-year revival of the beloved show.

“Neighbours” has been a staple in Australian television, launching the careers of global superstars like Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, and Margot Robbie. Amazon’s revival added 460 episodes to the show’s extensive legacy of over 9,000 episodes, continuing to chronicle the lives and dramas of Melbourne’s fictional Erinsborough residents.

Executive producer Jason Herbison expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work on the show, stating, “‘Neighbours’ is a special show, and it’s been a privilege to make the recent seasons for our loyal viewers around the world. We have added 460 episodes to our legacy of over 9,000 episodes, something we all feel proud of. Once again, we will be resting the residents of Ramsay Street on a hopeful note, with some tantalizing possibilities for a future chapter.”

Under Amazon’s stewardship, “Neighbours” consistently ranked in the Top 10 in the U.K. and even earned a 2024 Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Daytime Series. The show’s impact has been felt not only by viewers but also by the veteran cast members who have dedicated years to their roles.

Stefan Dennis, who portrayed Paul Robinson for four decades, reflected on his time on the show, saying, “I never thought a single show would give me the greatest adventures of my career, spanning 40 years. Without ‘Neighbours,’ I would not have met the people, been to the places, and lived the experiences of a lifetime.”

Alan Fletcher, known for his role as Karl Kennedy for over 30 years, described the series as his “happy place,” praising the creative freedom and enthusiasm among the team that allowed them to produce a brilliant show for so long.

Jackie Woodburne, who played Susan Kennedy for three decades, expressed her gratitude for her time on the show, calling it a “wild ride into a happy life” and praising the cast and crew for creating a sense of family on set.

The emotional impact of the show extended to newer cast members as well, with Matt Wilson and Ben Jackson expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a beloved series.

This marks the second cancellation for “Neighbours,” with the show previously being canceled in 2022 after 37 seasons. It was later revived on Amazon’s AVOD service Freevee before ultimately finding its home on Prime Video. The final episodes of the show will air in December, bringing an end to a television era that has spanned four decades.

As the show comes to a close, cast member Naomi Rukavina summed up the experience, saying, “It’s a special thing to be part of a national icon. ‘Neighbours’ has been a blessing on blessing for me. Long live the icon.”