The final day of production for Australia’s longest-running serial has arrived.
Today is the final day of filming for the cast and crew of Neighbours at their longtime home in Nunawading.
It marks the end of a 37-year tenure in the Victorian film business, which began with a brief appearance on Seven before being picked up by Ten in 1985.
It went on to become Australia’s longest-running drama, spawning global celebrities and teaching hundreds of performers, crew members, and creatives.
In this Q+A, Executive Producer Jason Herbison defined the current mood:
“The atmosphere is sour.” We’re all sad that the show is coming to an end, but we’re also really proud of what we’ve accomplished. 37 years is a great accomplishment that deserves to be recognized. The response from our viewers all over the world has likewise been really moving. For many individuals, Neighbours is more than just a television show. They regard us as members of the family, and we consider ourselves fortunate to have been accepted into their homes. Some of the messages I’ve received have brought me to tears — it’s a truly unique show that has helped to make the world a better place for some.”
How will things be wrapped up on the show?
My goal is to bring everything to a satisfying conclusion. The very last scenes, in my opinion, will be ultimately joyful; nevertheless, there will be a month of narratives to play out between now and then. There’s a little bit of everything in these stories: success, sorrow, laughter, and tears.
What legacy does Neighbours leave behind?
Neighbours revolutionized television in Australia and the United Kingdom. A drama would typically endure 5 or 6 years before Neighbours, yet we’ve kept an audience for 37 years. British soaps quickly followed Neighbours’ lead and began broadcasting every day, a trend that is still going strong in 2022. We’ve launched the careers of thousands of cast members, crew members, playwrights, and directors, and we’re also the reason why so many tourists visit Melbourne… It’s a cultural phenomenon, not just a show.
What are you most proud of with respect to the show?
Seeing actual change in the community around diversity and representation has been the most impactful thing for me. When we did audience research a few years ago, for example, one or two people in focus groups would constantly remark, “I have nothing against homosexual people, but I don’t want them on TV.” Over time, people began to say things like, “I like Aaron and David, it’s nice to have a gay pair,” and eventually, “I love Aaron and David.” There is no commentary at all, which is exactly how it should be. Then you imagine that same shift occuring in real life, with those same viewers accepting people in their own lives in that manner. That shift has been witnessed firsthand, and it also affects cultural representation. It’s not always simple, but it’s critical for television producers to strive to make a difference because it matters. The process has also helped me learn and evolve as a person.
There’s been such an outpouring of love for the show recently – how does that make you feel?
It’s been quite moving. People, I believe, underestimate the importance of soaps. Only a few shows are invited inside viewers’ homes week after week, year after year. We become a part of people’s life, and even those who don’t watch us all the time find comfort in our presence. We’ve always had positive feedback from audiences, but perhaps not all at once as lately. It’s been like receiving the largest, warmest hug possible.
Do you have a message for the fans who’ve followed the show over the past 37 years?
Thank you for allowing us to stay in your homes over the years. It has been an honour to entertain you. We know you’ll miss us, and we’ll miss you as well.
Much-loved veteran Ian Smith “Harold Bishop” was also asked how he felt upon hearing the news the show was coming to an end?
“Oh, look, the word is sad, just sad.” It had to happen at some point, I knew. Of course, I did, but the show consumed so much of my professional life, and so much happened during that time, and now it’s finished. We’ve all been together, all of us seniors who were in the show together. We’ve all expressed our sadness at the situation, but sad is the right term. I keep in touch with Jackie Woodburne and Ryan on a regular basis, and they’re both upset. They’re depressing. Despite the fact that the program is coming to an end, we believe it should be preserved in some form as a training ground for future actors. So many celebrities have risen from the ranks of that show. They’ve been around the block a few times and are some of the most well-known figures in the industry.”
Why do you think that a show like Neighbours has created so many stars in its 37 years?
So, 37 years, I suppose that’s the start. Something is terribly wrong if nothing happens in that time, if you can’t pick a star out in 37 years, isn’t it? And, after all, the more time you spend in the kitchen, the nicer cakes you’ll be able to make, right? Continuity of an art simply allows you to relax so that you can subsequently serve others as well as yourself. I used to walk around assisting strangers, and I was able to do so because I was at ease. That was my sandbox. I was very aware of what I was doing.
Did the show change you in any way?
It had to because it was such an important aspect of my life. It had a noticeable impact on how people behaved to me on the street. My very first project, an Australian production called Bellbird, did garner me some street recognition, and it helped me get used to being recognised on the street. Nothing, however, can prepare you for the kind of reaction you get when you’re on a show like Neighbours; it was hysterical. It was nice, but it was also frantic! However, we all had a good time. It was great to be a part of a successful show.
Harold is such an iconic character, what’s your favourite thing about playing him?
When he was first given to me to mould, I was completely lost. I guess I went about looking for something. Harold was a big part of my father’s life. He was a stumbling man, and I don’t believe he ever said anything he wasn’t confident of. He usually phrased it as a query rather than a statement. He drew a diverse group of folks. That’s pretty much the only way I can describe it. By the time I was finished with him, I realised he had a lot of different personalities. I’m pretty sure I counted them once. About seven people were crammed into one person. I adored him; he was a lot of fun to play.
How do you think you’ll feel watching the last ever episode?
Oh, no, it’s going to be a disaster. To be honest, it’ll be a disaster. I’m the biggest jerk in the planet. On the final night of Neighbours, I’m going to be startling. It will truly be the end of an era.
The last ever episode will screen on Monday August 1st.