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The End Of An Era Arrives
Today marks the actual final episode of Neighbours.
After the dramatic 2022 cancellation and the surprise Amazon revival in 2023, the show has now come to a permanent close.
The sets have been dismantled, the cast has moved on to new projects, and the fictional Ramsay Street faces a freeway in the storyline itself.
Executive producer Jason Herbison calls it “death in stages,” and this time there is no last-minute rescue.
A Second Goodbye Hits Harder
The 2022 finale was a massive celebration: Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Margot Robbie, and Guy Pearce all returned, fans gathered in Melbourne’s Federation Square, and the BBC ran a live blog.
This ending is quieter and more reflective.
Jackie Woodburne, who has played Susan Kennedy since 1994, says it feels final: “There was very much a sense of ‘No, this time we are done.'”
The Stars Who Grew Up On Ramsay Street
Neighbours launched countless careers.
Here are some of the biggest names who started here:
| Actor | Role | Success |
|---|---|---|
| Kylie Minogue | Charlene Robinson | Global pop icon |
| Jason Donovan | Scott Robinson | Chart-topping singer and actor |
| Guy Pearce | Mike Young | Memento, The King’s Speech |
| Margot Robbie | Donna Brown | Oscar-nominated for I, Tonya |
| Russell Crowe | Kenny Larkin (guest) | Gladiator, Oscar winner |
| Liam Hemsworth | Mark Brennan | The Hunger Games series |
Susan Kennedy: The Heart Of The Show
Jackie Woodburne’s Susan Kennedy became the ultimate relatable mother and grandmother figure.
Woodburne says Susan was “inherently good” but made “dreadful decisions,” which made her all the more human.
After more than 30 years, saying goodbye to the character is a deeply emotional experience.
Trivia: In 2018, Neighbours aired Australia’s first same-sex marriage on television, a proud milestone for the show’s growing inclusivity.
Why The Revival Could Not Last
Streaming budgets are shrinking, audiences are spread across dozens of platforms, and long-running soaps face tough economics.
Amazon’s revival gave the show another three years and over 400 episodes, but it was not enough to keep going.
The loss of around 200 jobs in Melbourne’s industry is a real blow to an already struggling sector.
A Lasting Legacy
Over the past 40 years, Neighbours has delivered over 9,000 episodes, 63 weddings, 20 births, and countless memorable moments.
It reflected Australian life, tackled critical social issues, and gave viewers daily escapism.
As Herbison says, the door is left “slightly open,” but for now, Ramsay Street is closing for good.
Thank you for being part of the Neighbours journey with us at SeriesLiveUpdates.com.
Share your favourite memories in the comments, and keep checking back for more on your favourite shows!
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