Amazon Freevee Resurrects Neighbours

Amazon Freevee has clinched a deal with Fremantle to bring the beloved soap Neighbours back to screens, with the reboot set to premiere exclusively on the AVOD platform in the U.S. and the U.K.

The brand-new series begins filming in Australia next year, with Stefan Dennis, Alan Fletcher, Ryan Moloney and Jackie Woodburne reprising their leading roles. Amazon Freevee in the U.S. and U.K. will also serve as the home of previous seasons. Network 10, the home of Neighbours for 36 years, will retain first-run rights in Australia.

The new show will also land on Prime Video in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. A premiere is expected in the second half of the year.

“Neighbours has captivated its audience for nearly 40 years, building a dedicated and loyal following for the lives and stories of the characters on Ramsay Street,” said Lauren Anderson, head of AVOD original content and programming at Amazon Studios. “With the power of streaming, we’re able to offer a catalog of thousands of Neighbours episodes for new audiences to discover this legendary series and current fans to relive their favorite moments. We look forward to immersing the audience in new Ramsay Street experiences when we relaunch the show next year for Amazon Freevee and Prime Video customers.”

“Neighbours is a unique series with a powerful connection with its fans across the world,” said Jennifer Mullin, global CEO at Fremantle. “We cherish the show and all those who have been part of its incredible story over many decades, so we are thrilled that we have found a new home with Amazon Freevee. Thanks to the innovative Amazon Freevee platform, many classic episodes will be available to fans, and Neighbours will go back into full production in Australia early next year, providing our fans with new episodes. This partnership with Amazon Freevee marks an exciting new chapter, and we look forward to collaborating with them, along with our long-term and valued partner in Australia, Network 10.”

Beverley McGarvey, executive VP and chief content officer at Paramount Australia and New Zealand, noted, “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Neighbours back home to Network 10, and 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. We are grateful for the tenacity and determination displayed by Fremantle in securing a new production partner so our association could continue.

“A much-loved stalwart of our program schedule for over 35 years, we can’t wait to bring back the perfect blend of soap and sunshine to Australian audiences, which will also add a fantastic boost to the Victorian and wider production community.”

Greg Woods, CEO of Fremantle Australia, added, “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. We are beyond thrilled to have secured this landmark deal with Amazon Freevee, along with Network 10 in Australia, long-term and passionate supporters of the show.

“We will be going back into the writing room immediately, and production for this wonderful series will begin next year. Neighbours has been so important for the Victorian production community, and along with our partners, will provide new opportunities on both sides of the camera. We cannot wait to get started.”

Jason Herbison, Neighbours’ executive producer since 2013, will maintain his position on the new show, with Andrew Thompson returning as producer.