Is the future of Home and Away at stake? Following in the footsteps of Neighbours, Channel 5 in the UK has removed the Aussie soap from its daytime slot, and viewers will only be able to watch it on streaming during the day.
Fans will remember that Channel 5 dropped Neighbours in 2022, which ultimately led to its cancellation (before being revived by Amazon FreeVee in 2023 and then finishing again in 2025).
“[The show is] moving exclusively to streaming for daytime viewing,” a Channel 5 spokesperson told Digital Spy. This will take place in January, so loyal daytime watchers will need to use the network’s streaming app instead.
“Moving daytime episodes exclusively to streaming is a natural next step, reflecting how audiences want to engage with their favourite content,” Channel 5’s Commissioning Editor Greg Barnett said. “Home and Away has been a phenomenal success for us on streaming.”
However, there’s one difference between Home and Away and Neighbours. Summer Bay fans will still be able to get their fix in the UK on 5Star, with new episodes still airing at 6.30pm each night. Plus, unlike Neighbours, Home and Away relies primarily on Australian viewers and funding from Channel Seven.
It was also previously revealed by Channel 5’s Director of Programmes that Home and Away has a “life-of-series deal”, meaning the channel will continue to air it as long as it is produced.
“I think it will be interesting to see what we do with it as we evolve. There might be somewhere else to put it in the [Channel] 5 spectrum. But it’s a life-of-series deal, so it’s not going anywhere until the makers decide to cancel it,” Ben Frow told Radio Times magazine in 2022.
Home and Away fans react to the ‘bad news’
When Channel 5’s decision was shared on a popular Home and Away Facebook group, many were worried about the soap’s future.
“Gosh… I hope that isn’t a move towards ending it showing in [the] UK,” one person said.
“That is bad news for the UK following Home and Away,” another added.
“That’s alright if you can stream it but [not] everyone can,” an annoyed fan wrote.
“That’s mean, just glad I’ve got a new TV so can stil watch it,” another chimed in.
Home and Away airs Mondays – Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 and 7Plus.
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