Channel 10 makes huge decision about the future of Neighbours after 40 years
Channel 10 has reversed its decision to cut Neighbours back to three episodes per week.
Last week, the network announced plans to cut the show’s schedule for the rest of 2024.
However, after audience backlash 10 has reportedly decided to continue to air the landmark soap from Monday to Thursday.
Industry blog TV Tonight reported on Tuesday that sources at the network had received angry ‘feedback’ from fans about their plans for the soap.
According to the publication, viewers pointed out to the network that cutting an episode a week would put Australian viewers at a disadvantage.
Meanwhile, Neighbours fans in the US and the UK can see four new episodes weekly via Amazon Freevee and Prime.
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Channel 10 for comment.
Aussie fans took to social media to praise the network for sticking with the current schedule.
Channel 10 has confirmed that Neighbours will continue to air Monday to Thursday. This is a dramatic reversal for the network after it announced plans last week to cut the show’s schedule to three episodes per week for the rest of 2024. Pictured: Neighbours
‘Thank you Channel10AU for listening to the Neighbours fans,’ one relieved viewer posted on X.
They continued: ‘Cutting the show to three days a week for the rest of 2024 was a stupid move.
‘You should know by now not to mess with the fans. Very pleased the show will continue Monday – Thursday.’
Another X user paid tribute to ‘the power of the Aussie people’ in influencing Channel 10’s decision not to alter Neighbours schedule.
Insiders at Channel 10 say the decision to keep dropping new episodes of the beloved soap at the current rate came after an audience backlash. Industry blog TV Tonight reported on Tuesday that sources at the network had received angry ‘feedback’ from fans about their plans for the soap. Pictured: Kylie Minogue and Jason Donavan in a classic episode from 1988
Neighbours currently airs on Channel 10 at 4pm from Monday-Thursday.
It is repeated on 10Peach at 6pm. It is also available to stream on Amazon Freevee and Prime.
Returning to screens last year after being axed in 2022, after debuting in 1985, the series was recently rocked when Neighbours legend Ryan Moloney confirmed he was leaving the show.
In June he shared the devastating news with fans in a video shared to the Neighbours Instagram page as he detailed his next steps in his career.
The Aussie actor, 44, who has been appearing on the soap for three decades announced he and his beloved character Jarrod ‘Toadfish’ Rebecchi will be bidding farewell to the long-running drama series.
Ryan remained coy on what will happen to Toadie and whether the beloved character will meet a grizzly end or not, leaving fans in suspense.
Fans pointed out to the network that cutting an episode a week would put Australian viewers at a disadvantage when overseas could see four new episodes a week. (Neighbours)
He announced: ‘After 30 years playing Toadie, I will be leaving Ramsay Street. I can’t tell you what is happening to the character — maybe I could be the next Jim Robinson.
‘Or maybe I’ll be the next Harold Bishop and keep popping back over the years.’
Ryan said he is not stepping away from TV altogether and will continue to work behind the camera after recently completing a director training course.
‘Although I won’t be bringing you our fantastic storylines from in front of the camera, I will be bringing them to you from the other side, behind the camera,’ he went on.
‘I’ve just started director training and have just finished filming my first episode as director so I really hope that you enjoy that.
He concluded: ‘Thank you all for the love that you have shown me and Toadie over the years. I’m going to miss you, and I’m going to miss him and I’m going to miss Erinsborough.’