Neighbours finds new home on UKTV in ‘landmark deal’

It first aired on BBC One in the UK in 1986, before transferring to Channel 5 in 2008.

Described as a “landmark deal” between UKTV and Fremantle, the series will air weekly on U&Drama, as well as being available to watch on streaming service U.

This is the first time that the episodes have aired chronologically on British screens in decades.

Emma Tibbetts, UKTV’s Director of Programming for scripted content, said: “Neighbours is one of television’s most iconic and enduring dramas, and we’re thrilled to bring the back-catalogue to U.

“This acquisition further expands the breadth of scripted entertainment available on our free streaming service, strengthening our growing slate of global IP.

“We can’t wait for both long‑time fans and new audiences to rediscover the series in its entirety.”

Louise Toner, VP Distribution UK and Ireland, International, for Fremantle, added: “Neighbours is a truly iconic series, loved across generations.

“We’re thrilled to partner with UKTV to bring its classic episodes and unforgettable characters back to audiences old and new.”

Of the second cancellation, executive producer Jason Herbison told the Radio Times in March 2025: “We were considered a very big success on Amazon Freevee, and we’re so grateful to them for this chapter and this two and a half years.

“While we seem to be very successful on Prime, we’re just simply not part of their content strategy going forward.

“And there’s really no hard feelings with that. Things change, and as I say, we’re just very grateful to them to have had this chapter.”

What is Neighbours?

The soap, which made household names of the likes of Kylie Minogue, Guy Pearce and Margot Robbie, aired between 1985 and December last year.

During that time, it was axed by two networks in its home country and enjoyed a final run in a partnership with Amazon Prime Video.

What’s your favourite soap? Let us know in the comments