#Australian Soap ‘Neighbours’ Ending After 37 Years

Fans worldwide will soon be saying goodbye to the Australian soap opera Neighbours, with the series ending after almost 37 years and thousands of episodes. The reason for it comes down to costs.

“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,” a statement posted to the show’s official Twitter read. “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 was funded by the U.K.’s Channel 5 and produced by Fremantle Australia. The series, the longest-running Australian soap, premiered in 1985. It follows those who live on a cul-de-sac, Ramsay Street, and the surrounding area, the Lassiters complex, in a fictional suburb of Melbourne, Victoria. The cast over the years has included Kylie Minogue, Craig McLachlan, Anne Charleston, Ian Smith, Margot Robbie, Guy Pearce, Russell Crowe, Ben Mendelsohn, and Chris Hemsworth.

“I’ll be forever grateful for the experience & the friends I made on @neighbours. We had no idea how big the show would become and how passionately viewers would take it to heart. Pure love!” Minogue wrote on Twitter following the announcement the show is ending. “I can still hear Madge calling … CHARLENE!!!!”

I’ll be forever grateful for the experience & the friends I made on @neighbours. We had no idea how big the show would become and how passionately viewers would take it to heart. Pure love! 💞🏡 I can still hear Madge calling … CHARLENE!!!!

— Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue) March 3, 2022

Pearce also expressed his gratitude for his time on the show on Twitter: “Aside from being the incredible launch pad it’s been no one can deny the effect it’s had throughout millions of homes around the world. It’s bonded all of us in immeasurable ways. A true honour to have been a part of it.”

I’m so sorry to hear Neighbours will end. Aside from being the incredible launch pad it’s been no one can deny the effect it’s had throughout millions of homes around the world. It’s bonded all of us in immeasurable ways. A true honour to have been a part of it. Great memories Xx

— Guy Pearce (@TheGuyPearce) March 3, 2022