Neighbours

I am a very good fan of Neighbours. I am not a soap-addict, one of those people who always have to see every soap on the television, nor one of those who does nothing but watch television. In fact, I am one of those who watches little television, and still this has been one of the only things I like to see. I watch it when I come home from school, some other friends of mine do too. This has some great story lines, some that a few of us can relate to, from worries about parenting to sexuality confusion to trying to fit in at school, etc. There are plenty of stories to keep the viewer interested. Although some seem a bit far-fetched, this show is still very good and keeps me entertained throughout each 30 minute episode. I recommend this to anyone who wants to see a good soap. Beware, you may get stuck on this one.

"Neighbours", contrary to many peoples' opinions, is a well acted and well crafted soap opera. It is its timeslot in the UK among children's programmes which has been a caused for some critics to label it "cheap teens soap" - but in many countries "Neighbours" earns a prime time slot. "Neighbours'" daily screening in more than 57 countries with a daily audience in excess of 120 million viewers is testament to its success. In a television world dominated by soap operas, "Neighbours" has always remained close to its original concept by soap-master Reg Watson.

"Neighbours" has produced a host of actors who have graduated from "Ramsay Street" to become world-wide celebrities, most notably Kylie Minogue (Charlene Mitchell); Jason Donovan (Scott Robinson); Guy Pearce (Mike Young); Natalie Imbruglia (Beth Brennan) and Holly Valance (Felicity Scully). Its mix of children, young adults, parents and grandparents has ensured fascination for all generations, and the show has succeeded far beyond its creator's expectations - especially in Britian where it was bought as a daytime 'filler' programme for the BBC in 1986.

"Neighbours" celebrated the filming of its landmark 4000th episode in December 2001, firmly making it Australia's longest running series, and one of the World's most popular and acclaimed television programmes. With the addition of actors such as Janet Andrewartha, Maggie Millar and Madeleine West, as well as old favourites Tom Oliver; Ian Smith, Jackie Woodburne and Alan Fletcher, this success can only continue.

When I was about seven years old, I switched the TV on, and there were the opening credits of Neighbours, complete with the broken window and the cricket ball. Since then, over ten years ago, I've been completely addicted to the show. I don't exactly know why. Jason Donovan may have had something to do with it, and admittedly, the show has never been quite the same since Scott & Charlene left. Although there have been awful moments, some bad acting and chipboard sets, it's still pretty good. After Helen died, it was the end of an era, and maybe the show has never recovered, but I'm still addicted.

What can you say about neighbours. I get my fix every lunch time. It is classic escapism, unlike many soaps this one is clean cut esp the youngsters who only go to the pub when they turn 18 if the usual crazy youngster trys to fight against this they are ususally or even always caught. If anyone commits a crime they are always caught. What a world. Unfortunately the cast is getting to young we need more characters like Joe Mangle. It is however the worst program on the planet for inventing it's own clichés such as "Lou i'm out of work can I have a couple of shifts at the pub" but even with it's faults and I can accept it is a poor tv program I still have to watch it

When in comes to Australian television series, Neighbours is a legend. From what began as humble beginnings way back in early 1985 this program has survived the test of time. Originally broadcast on Channel Seven the show was axed after just five months and was sold to Ten in 1986. The rest is history. This program has launched the careers of many Australians most notably, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Guy Pearce, Natalie Imbruglia, Holly Vallance and Delta Goodrem. Whilst not as popular as its hey day in the late 1980's and somewhat unrecognisable from 1985, Neighbours continues to deliver strong story lines and keeps on keeping on. Heres to another 20 years.