Australian Series ‘Neighbors’ Faces Uncertain Future

Australian singer Kylie Minogue performs at the Glastonbury Festival. (AFP)
Australian singer Kylie Minogue performs at the Glastonbury Festival. (AFP)
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Australian Series ‘Neighbors’ Faces Uncertain Future

Australian singer Kylie Minogue performs at the Glastonbury Festival. (AFP)
Australian singer Kylie Minogue performs at the Glastonbury Festival. (AFP)

After almost 9,000 episodes, the Melbourne-based show "Neighbors" is struggling to find a broadcaster in Britain, where it has enjoyed a cult following for the past 36 years, according to Agence France Press (AFP). The Australian soap opera that helped launch the careers of Kylie Minogue, Margot Robbie and Russell Crowe faces an uncertain future.

Current UK broadcaster Channel 5 will not carry the program after June 2022, forcing producers to search for a replacement.

"As you know the future of the show has been uncertain for some time," a top producer told cast and crew in a memo obtained by AFP.

Australia’s "Channel 10 would love the show to continue if we could find another broadcast partner to replace C5," the message said. "These discussions are ongoing however there is no new broadcaster at the moment and production must end, effectively resting the show."

"We want to work together to give Neighbors the amazing sendoff it deserves," it added.

A whole generation of Brits grew up watching characters such as Charlene Robinson (Minogue) and her on-screen beau Scott Robinson, as well as an ensemble cast that over the years included actors Guy Pearce, Natalie Imbruglia and Liam Hemsworth. Such was the show’s one-time popularity that it was once blamed for Brits adopting an Australian-style upwards intonation at the end of sentences.

Britain’s Channel 5 said that while "Neighbors" was "iconic," it wanted to focus on homegrown shows. "We recognize that there will be disappointment about this decision, however our current focus is on increasing our investment in original UK drama, which has strong appeal for our viewers," it said.



Pearl Jam Drummer Matt Cameron Says He’s Leaving the Band After Nearly 30 Years

Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)
Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)
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Pearl Jam Drummer Matt Cameron Says He’s Leaving the Band After Nearly 30 Years

Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)
Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam performs during BottleRock Napa Valley on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Napa, Calif. (AP)

Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron said Monday that he’s leaving the band after nearly 30 years.

The 62-year-old Cameron announced his departure in a social media post.

“After 27 fantastic years, I have taken my final steps down the drum riser for the mighty Pearl Jam,” Cameron said. “Much love and respect to Jeff, Ed, Mike and Stone for inviting me into the band in 1998 and for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, filled with friendships, artistry, challenges and laughter.”

Cameron didn't give a reason for his departure.

“Matt Cameron has been a singular and true powerhouse of a musician and drummer. He has propelled the last 27 years of Pearl Jam live shows and studio recordings. It was a deeply important chapter for our group and we wish him well always,” Pearl Jam members said in a statement posted to the band's social media accounts.

They made no mention of a replacement.

Cameron, who played drums for Soundgarden for more than a decade before joining Pearl Jam, was not a founding member of the band and didn't play drums for the early albums that made them rock superstars.

But he provided some much-needed stability at the drum kit after the band had gone through four others since its inception. He first joined in 1998 as a temporary replacement for Jack Irons, playing on a long tour before making his studio debut with the group on 2000's “Binaural.”

He just finished a yearlong tour with the band in support of its 12th studio album, “Dark Matter.”

Cameron was born and raised in San Diego before moving to Seattle shortly before its music scene became a global phenomenon. He played in proto-grunge band Skin Yard before joining Soundgarden. He did double duty with Pearl Jam and a reunited Soundgarden from 2010 to 2017.