Les voisins

I started putting this show on as "background tv" just to pacify my anxious cat ; tv would lull her to sleep. ODDLY ENOUGH , I found myself , over time, catching a glance at the people on the show and despite the cheesey soap story-line, these actors were actually RATHER INTERESTING to watch. It's not just good looks, no. These actors are actually likable people and/or good actors. So now, as the cat sleeps away, I have my guilty pleasure. Go ahead.....give in. Okay ..... editor says I need to keep talking for another 73 characters before I can say goodbye . I just don't know what else to say except that I love you all. Please sleep with me.

Neighbours is the only soap opera that doesn't live you depressed by the end of it. Although the plots are sometimes a little obscure (the whole psycho Sindi thing, for example), the characters are on the whole extremely well developed and realistic. There is a great sense of community and family about the show, both on and off set. The street is always sunny, and a great sense of comedy balances the more dramatic story lines. Neighbours is now branching out into even more dramatic stories than before, and each episode leaves the viewer on a tantalising cliff hanger. With the return of Paul Robinson, we can expect even more explosive story lines. Having said this, Neighbours is still a family show, and the stories are all character driven. Neighbours has a winning formula that will ensure it lasts another twenty years and more.

"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.

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.

People say this show is not as good as it was. They are wrong. The standard of drama has never slipped from abysmal from day one. A sort of hybrid between 'Crossroads' and 'The Beano'.

It has always entertained me. What I like about it best, is that I get home and am not provided with any challenge to my brain whatsoever. Good. Who ever got anywhere by being forced to think?

The only regression is the theme song. Bring back the cheesy pub piano and the even cheesier line 'Next door is only a footstep away'. That's poetry that is.