Fans of Neighbours have been left confused following news that Amazon Prime Video won’t be renewing the long-running soap.
The streaming giant’s ad-supported service Freevee came to the rescue two years ago when Channel 5 axed Neighbours in favour of ‘original UK drama’.
Following Freevee’s closure, the beloved serial transferred to Amazon Prime Video, where it often charts at the top spot of the streaming platform’s most popular series and films in the UK.
Fans were hopeful that such a thing would ensure Neighbours’ future but it was confirmed last week that Amazon had pulled out of the deal, with the long-running serial set to conclude in December.
Discussing the sad news, Alan Fletcher – who plays Karl Kennedy – said: ‘Everything’s money. Amazon have been fantastic to us and I wouldn’t ever sit back and say: “Amazon, you shouldn’t have done this”.
‘They’re a business, they make decisions.
‘It’s just a tragedy that 200 who work on this show are suddenly out of work. This television programme means so much to so many people around the world and they’re gutted,’ he added to ABC Melbourne Victoria Afternoons.
Word of Neighbours’ upcoming end has left fans heartbroken, with several taking to social media to vent their frustration over the cancellation, particularly since Neighbours ranks so highly for the platform.
‘Hey @amazon @primevideouk – Neighbours is in the top 10 yet again,’ said X, formerly Twitter, user Graeme. ‘Surely t’would be madness to end such a popular show? A wise Australian once said “it’s never too late, we’ve still got time… it’s never too late to change you’re mind.’
Fellow fan Sam wrote: ‘#Neighbours is a key pillar of entertainment and a reliable top performer, frequently ranking in the Top 10 in the UK and often securing the #1 spot on Amazon #saveneighbours.
‘Can you believe it #neighbors is ranking in the Top 10 in the UK,’ added Edward.@PrimeVideo and often securing the #1 spot on Amazon. #neighbours#saveneighbours#saveneighboursagain @AmazonMGMStudio.’
Ryan, meanwhile, branded the decision to end Neighbours ‘crazy’.
Despite the news, fans aren’t giving up without a fight, with a new petition having been launched and, at the time of writing, it has already surpassed 15,000 signatures.
A previous petition to save the show following Neighbours’ axing by Channel 5 in 2022 is ultimately said to have played a role in Freevee’s decision to resuscitate the series so not all hope is lost yet.
Stefan Dennis, who has played Paul Robinson since the very first episode, branded Neighbours’ loss ‘crushing’ for the industry.
‘It has taken some days to respond after the unexpected news on Friday,’ the TV stalwart wrote on Instagram.
‘I was absorbing, digesting and reflecting on what has happened, not because I was losing something I love dearly but because it’s the sad ending to an iconic piece of Australian television history.
‘This is a crushing blow to both the industry and a show which has employed, helped and nurtured so many. I feel for all of you who are losing a faithful vault of daily entertainment and my heart goes out to all the cast, crew and production staff.’
The soap legend went on to pay tribute to ‘all those involved’ in Neighbours over the years, thanking the fans particularly for their ‘dedication’ to all-things Ramsay Street.
Neighbours streams for free Mondays to Thursdays from 7am on Amazon Prime Video.
This article was originally published on 26 February 2025.
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