After more than four decades on screens in Australia and around the world, the iconic soap opera Neighbours has aired its final episodes, bringing an emotional end to one of television’s most enduring dramas — again. The show that began in 1985, introduced global stars and captivated millions has finally reached what appears to be its definitive curtain call in December 2025.
A storied history — more endings than a soap opera plot twist
Neighbours was created by Reg Watson and debuted on Australian television in March 1985, quickly becoming a staple of daily viewing. Set on the fictional Ramsay Street in the suburb of Erinsborough, it chronicled the loves, losses and everyday lives of its tight‑knit community — stories that resonated across generations and countries.
Over its 40‑year run, Neighbours survived multiple cancellations:
- It was first cut by its original broadcaster in 1985, only to return and grow in popularity.
- After its traditional run ended in 2022, a massive fan campaign helped secure a revival through Amazon’s ad‑supported service, Freevee.
- Now, with the closure of Freevee and no new home on the main Amazon Prime platform, the series has wrapped its latest and final chapter.
Filming for the show concluded in July 2025, and the final episodes were crafted to give fans a satisfying — if bittersweet — goodbye.
The final episodes: nostalgia, emotion and a hint of hope
The concluding storyline saw Ramsay Street itself under threat from a major freeway development, a symbolic way to reflect the end of the community that viewers have cared about for so long. In the finale, familiar faces gathered, long‑running arcs were given poignant send‑offs, and emotional reunions paid homage to the show’s rich history.
Characters such as Susan and Karl Kennedy stood at the heart of these final scenes, negotiating change and confronting the future, even as they (and audiences) struggled with saying goodbye.
Executive producer Jason Herbison described the finale as a tribute to the Amazon era and the show’s legacy, hinting that while Neighbours may have ended in its current form, the storyworld isn’t necessarily closed forever. Potential spin‑offs and alternate narratives — including ideas like Ramsay Hills and Robinson Towers — were teased, leaving a door ajar for future storytelling.
A cultural institution and star factory
More than just a soap opera, Neighbours became a cultural institution — particularly in the UK, where it was a staple on Channel 5 for decades — and helped launch the careers of numerous international stars.
Performers who began their careers on Ramsay Street include:
- Kylie Minogue, whose role as Charlene Robinson made her a household name.
- Margot Robbie, now an Oscar‑nominated film star.
- Guy Pearce, Natalie Imbruglia, Russell Crowe, and the Hemsworth brothers — all of whom have since found global success.
The series also served as a training ground for countless Australian actors, writers, directors and crew, shaping much of the country’s television talent pool.
Fans mourn and celebrate
Reaction to the farewell has been passionate and emotional. Loyal viewers gathered outside filming locations and tuned in en masse to view the final chapters, sharing memories and tributes on social media. Many described the show as a “second family” and Neighbours as a daily ritual that shaped their lives and evenings for decades.
While there is sadness at the end of new episodes, fans also celebrated the joy, warmth and drama the series delivered across generations. The finale blended nostalgic callbacks with fresh story arcs, satisfying long‑time viewers even as it acknowledged change and loss.
The industry impact — a significant loss for Australian TV
The end of Neighbours has prompted reflection on the state of local television production in Australia. Industry commentators argue that the show’s cancellation — after nearly 40 years of providing daily locally produced drama — underscores broader challenges, including shrinking production budgets, changes in viewing habits and competition from international streaming platforms.
Executive producer Herbison himself has noted that the show’s conclusion reflects those challenges, and cast members have echoed concerns about the future of similar homegrown productions.
Despite this, there’s widespread acknowledgment that Neighbours leaves behind a remarkable legacy: a rich catalogue of over 9,000 episodes, a global fanbase, and an enduring influence on television storytelling.
Could Ramsay Street return?
Although the show’s current run has ended, the final episodes were designed with possibility in mind. Producers and cast have suggested that spin‑offs, limited series or special reunions could emerge from the rich narrative landscape that Neighbours built over four decades.
Executive producer Herbison hinted that the universe of Neighbours might be revisited in the future, even if the original format is no longer on the air. That leaves fans hopeful that this farewell might not be the final goodbye.
A legacy of storytelling and connection
In the end, Neighbours will be remembered not just for its longevity, but for the way it connected people across borders and generations. It chronicled the joys and struggles of everyday life with sincerity and heart, becoming more than a television show — a shared cultural experience.
As the final credits roll, the community of Ramsay Street may fade from screens, but its echoes in television history — and in the lives of its viewers — are likely to endure.
7 years in the field, from local radio to digital newsrooms. Loves chasing the stories that matter to everyday Aussies – whether it’s climate, cost of living or the next big thing in tech.
