Australian TV soap Neighbours has been rescued after being axed by Channel 5 earlier this year.
Amazon has made the decision to renew the series, with a new season in the works for 2023.
🚨 Breaking News from Erinsborough! 🚨
Neighbours will return for a brand-new series next year exclusively on @AmazonFreevee, alongside thousands of episodes from previous seasons to stream as you please. 🎉 pic.twitter.com/1Qq2fIPgog
— Neighbours (@neighbours) November 17, 2022
The Amazon Freevee platform has also acquired the rights to previous episodes, and these will be available to view prior to the new series airing.
The "final" episode of the show aired in July, with guest appearances from former stars Margot Robbie, Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan. After 37 years on air, it was dropped in favour of more "UK-based drama" which Channel 5 felt had "stronger appeal" for its audience.
Now the new partnership with the Amazon platform means the characters of Ramsay Street can come back to life.
Jennifer Mullin, CEO of Fremantle said "Neighbours is a unique series with a powerful connection with this fans across the world. We are thrilled that we have found a new home with Amazon Freevee."
Fans have been quick to tweet their joy at the decision:
actually sobbing rn 🥹🥹🥹
IT’S COMING BACK!!! #Neighbours pic.twitter.com/N1EGUeahtx— victoria. ✌🏼 (@NeighboursNerd) November 17, 2022
.@neighbours really said “let’s make them cry sad AND happy tears in 2022” 😭🥹🥹😂🥳 #Neighbours
— victoria. ✌🏼 (@NeighboursNerd) November 17, 2022
According to Metro UK, the series will commence production early next year with a world premiere expected in the latter part of 2023. The new and old episodes will be available to stream for free on Amazon Freevee in the US and UK in 2023.
