Neighbours Amazon Cancellation: Producer Opens Up About the Frustration Behind the Decision

The popular Australian television series Neighbours has faced yet another cancellation. It left fans shocked and frustrated. Despite performing well on Amazon Freevee, the show’s return to screens in 2023 will sadly end in December 2025. Jason Herbison recently spoke out about the cancellation. The show’s executive producer highlights the key factors behind the decision. This blog post dives into the reasons behind the Neighbours Amazon cancellation and explores the impact on the cast and the audience.

The Unexpected End of Neighbours

The story of Neighbours has been a rollercoaster. Initially axed in 2022 when Channel 5 decided to stop airing the show in the UK, the cancellation left many wondering if the soap opera would ever return. However, in 2023, streaming giant Amazon took the reins, reviving the show on Amazon Freevee, and it was met with positive reception. It was clear that the show had regained its popularity, even receiving two Daytime Emmy Award nominations.

However, despite the success of Amazon Freevee, Neighbours Amazon cancellation was inevitable. Jason Herbison claims that Amazon Freevee's closure heavily influenced the decision. Herbison confirmed that while the show had a solid fan base and was often in the top ranks of the most-watched shows on Amazon, it simply didn’t fit into Amazon's future content strategy. Herbison’s statement confirms that the cancellation was not due to a lack of success but to strategic changes at Amazon.

A Successful Run, Yet a Bittersweet End

Jason Herbison expressed gratitude for the opportunity that Amazon Freevee provided for Neighbours. The show performed well, often ranking as one of the top shows on Prime in the UK. Despite the impressive statistics, including consistently high viewership and nominations for major awards, the show’s fate took a turn when Amazon Freevee was shut down.

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Herbison said about the closure, "We were considered a very big success on Amazon Freevee, and we’re so grateful to them for this chapter and these two and a half years. The team at Amazon Freevee did an incredible job of launching us over there." The show was advertised across the UK, with ads on bus stops and other public spaces, and Herbison acknowledged the strong partnership with Amazon. However, the end of Freevee changed the show's landscape, leaving it without a clear path forward.

The Frustration Behind the Cancellation

The news of the Neighbours Amazon cancellation came as a shock for the cast, crew, and fans alike. Herbison admitted that while the show’s success on Prime was undeniable, it was frustrating to see it end. “While we seem to be very successful on Prime, we’re simply not part of their content strategy going forward. And there’s no hard feelings with that,” he said.

Herbison also expressed that it would have been more disappointing if the show had not been successful, acknowledging the frustration but finding solace in the show’s return being well-received. "As our viewers have pointed out, we’re consistently number one, number two, and number three, and we show every day on Prime in the UK. So yes, that’s frustrating."

Despite these frustrations, Herbison emphasized the show’s accomplishments, and his gratitude for the experience was clear. “We’re very sad that this chapter is ending. However, we’re also very proud that it’s done well and that our audience is still very invested in the show,” he explained.

The Future of Neighbours

As the season of Neighbours winds down, fans wonder what comes next. Herbison, who wrote the 2022 finale, admits he is contemplating another farewell episode for the show. However, he also reassured viewers that the door will remain open for a future chapter of Neighbours.

The finale of the 2022 season saw a star-studded return of past cast members, including Guy Pearce, Margot Robbie, Kylie Minogue, and many others. Herbison admitted that he does not plan to compete with that emotional farewell, as it was a special moment for fans. Instead, he hinted at a more personal, introspective conclusion for the show. "I don’t see it as a big street party with a cast of thousands. I’m not going to compete with what we did in 2022 because I’m very proud of that episode," he said.

Though fans are sad to see Neighbours end, the producer remains hopeful. “We’d love to see it continue,” he said. All I can say is that the door will absolutely be left open for a future chapter."

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