Key Points
- Long-running Australian soap Neighbours has been recomissioned.
- The show was axed in July but will return to Australian screens in 2023.
- IInternational audiences will be able to watch the show on Amazon Freevee and Amazon Prime.
Long-running Australian soap opera Neighbours will return to television after the axed show was recommissioned.
The series was axed in July when the UK's Channel 5 confirmed it would stop airing the show after 37 years.
But Network 10 confirmed on Thursday night would be back on Australian television next year.
The network has retained local broadcast rights, while UK, US and Canadian audiences will be able to view the series on Amazon Freevee and Amazon Prime.
Network 10 was "absolutely delighted" the series would be rebooted, Paramount Australia and New Zealand's Beverley McGarvey said.
"While we loved the finale earlier this year and appreciated the incredible support from the cast, crew and fans, we continued to hold a small glimmer of hope that one day it would be possible to resume the series," she said.
"We are grateful for the tenacity and determination displayed by Fremantle in securing a new production partner so our association could continue."
Neighbours ran for 37 years and featured nearly 9000 episodes, fostering Australian talent like Kylie Minogue, Margot Robbie and Liam Hemsworth.
The finale aired in July and attracted an Australian audience of 1.48 million viewers. It featured the return of stars Minogue, Guy Pearce and Jason Donovan as their beloved characters.
Production of the Neighbours reboot is expected to start in early 2023 with a world premiere slated for the second half of the year.
Fremantle Australia chief executive Greg Woods said the series would not only provide new opportunities for actors but also those behind the camera.
"The love for Neighbours is undeniable and we have been determined to explore every possible avenue to bring it back for loyal fans across the world," he said in a statement.
"We will be going back into the writing room immediately. We cannot wait to get started."
