Neighbours finale a ratings hit for Ten

It was an end of an era as Neighbours came to an emotional close on Thursday. But just how many Aussies tuned in to the star-packed finale?

Almost 900,0000 Aussies tuned in to Thursday night’s nostalgia-dripped and tear-jerking final episode of Neighbours.

After 37 years on our screens, the soap which launched a long list of Hollywood careers came to a close as 873,000 watched on across the five metro capital cities, according to ratings published on TV Tonight.

It was the top-rating show of the night, beating out the Nine News, which drew 855,000 viewers. It was also an impressive leap from Ten’s lead-in, with nearly double the viewers as The Project, which drew 438,000 viewers across the five metro capitals last night.

And TV writer Colin Vickery reports that the figure was even higher nationwide - delivering Neighbours its best ratings in 13 years:

Last night’s @NeighboursTV finale averaged 1.2 million viewers nationally and peaked at 1.41 million. 41.6% commercial share. Highest rating Neighbours episode in 13 years. 👏👏👏

— Colin Vickery (@Colvick) July 29, 2022

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Susan Kennedy takes one last look around Ramsay St.

Kylie and Jason came back.

The 8903rd episode of Neighbours ended with Guy Pearce’s character rekindling a past romance after whizzing into Erinsborough on a motorcycle, Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan making their way back to Ramsay Street after decades spent in Queensland, surprise cameos from Holly Valance and Natalie Imbruglia, and of course, Toadie’s fourth wedding.

There was barely a dry eye on Twitter as fans — many of whom admitted they hadn’t tuned in for years — shared their devastation over the beloved program’s end.

“Jokes aside, it really sucks that it’s over. Neighbours was a massive avenue into TV and film for a huge amount of Aussies, not only actors but writers, crew, directors, and plenty more,” one fan wrote.

Many said the finale had left them in tears.

“Nobody text, crying over the finale Neighbours,” one wrote.

“I’m dehydrated from ALL OF THE CRYING,” another said.

“Bawled my eyes out and I haven’t watched it in 20 years,” a third wrote.

Thank you for loving us, we love you 💛 #Neighbourspic.twitter.com/dpnoykQpdf

— Neighbours (@neighbours) July 28, 2022

Well I cried through the Neighbours finale. Raising a glass to all the writers, performers, artists and crew who learned and lived and grew via that creative education for 37 years. Vale Ramsay street. x

— Marieke Hardy (@mariekehardy) July 28, 2022

Me not watching #neighbours for 15 years and me now watching Susan’s final monologue. Digital confetti and all pic.twitter.com/u9rEEu53As

— Exhausted Spice (@exhaustedspice) July 28, 2022

Guy Pearce and Annie Jones are sublime. #auspace#neighbourspic.twitter.com/TV7D5XaRu2

— Margaret Paul (@margaretpaul) July 28, 2022

I'm getting all teary, am I the only one? I haven't watched #Neighbours for years, though you can't refute the history, the culture, the memories it brings when so many old cast member legends have rocked up for last gig! #CelebratingNeighbours#KylieMinogue

— Carl R. Katter 🇦🇺🏳‍🌈🇱🇧🇬🇧 (@CarlKatter) July 28, 2022

It was announced in March that Neighbours was being axed after Australian production company Fremantle media failed to find a new broadcast partner, following UK network Channel 5’s decision to withdraw its partnership.

Channel 5 had been covering the majority of the production bill.

More than 60,000 fans signed a petition to try to save the show after it emerged that Channel 5 had pulled out, but it wasn’t enough.

“Neighbours is more than just a TV show – it is a source of comfort and entertainment for generations of fans who have watched it for decades,” the Change.org petition said.

Originally published as Neighbours finale a ratings hit for Ten