In 2022, Neighbours was axed by Channel 5 after 37 years. Audience mobilisation and an excess of goodwill led to a memorable “‘finale”, which included appearances from Erinsborough alumni Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Margot Robbie.
Since launching in September 2023, Neighbours: A New Chapter is regularly among the most watched shows on Prime Video in the UK. It was also critically well received, securing its first-ever US Daytime Emmy nominations. Clearly it’s not enough in Amazon’s eyes, and while the specifics behind the decision not to renew are unclear, we can only speculate that there was an expectation of global success placed on the programme that it simply didn’t deliver.
The action-packed finale of the original ‘Neighbours’ (Photo: Freemantle/Channel 5)Soaps are built on loyalty, consistency and engagement, which is what attracted Amazon in the first place when it witnessed the love for Neighbours and welcomed the ready-made audience it would bring to the platform.
Neighbours was initially commissioned by Amazon as a flagship show for FreeVee, Amazon’s free streaming platform. But when FreeVee was scrapped in an internal brand reshuffle, the soap was homeless and transferred to Prime Video.
EastEnders' 40th anniversary live episode was a triumph
Read MoreAmazon seemingly wanted a quick ratings hit rather than a steady stream (no pun intended) they could bank on, which displays a lack of understanding of what a soap can bring. Like all streamers, Amazon is desperate to find the next big thing in scripted drama, but it already had a show that guarantees consistent, regular viewers on a long-term basis and let it slip through its fingers.
It’s worth noting the phrasing of the official statement, which says Neighbours will be “resting” from December. Does this mean it’s merely being paused and retooled as a different model for the future?
History has taught us there’s always room for optimism on Ramsay Street.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Neighbours was ‘saved’ – now it’s been hung out to dry )
Also on site :