Neighbours: Erinsborough High

Neighbours: Erinsborough High
Company type	Television series
Industry	Television production
Founded	November 11, 2019; 6 years ago
Headquarters	Australia
Products	Teen drama television series
Parent	Fremantle

Neighbours: Erinsborough High is an Australian TV series created specifically for the video on demand and catch-up services My5 and 10 Play. Premiering on 11 November 2019, this show serves as a spin-off from the soap opera Neighbours. It combines both familiar faces from the original series and new characters, focusing on a cohort of students at Erinsborough High School as they face their final exams while confronting various personal struggles, including the mysterious vanishing of one student.

Premise

Taking place during the Year 12 examination period, Neighbours: Erinsborough High explores significant adolescent themes such as bullying, sexual identity, pressures from family and peers, and the complexities within teacher-student relationships. The storyline also delves into how the disappearance of a well-liked student affects the entire school community.

Cast and characters

Olivia Junkeer portraying Yashvi Rebecchi
Benny Turland as Hendrix Greyson
Jemma Donovan in the role of Harlow Robinson
Georgie Stone playing Mackenzie Hargreaves
Rob Mills cast as Finn Kelly
Sharon Johal taking on Dipi Rebecchi
Lachlan Millar as Richie Amblin
Darius Amarfio-Jefferson appearing as Jeremiah Annan
Mahalia Brown portraying Cherie Reyner
Nikolai Egel in the role of Marty Muggleton
Grace O'Sullivan as Olivia Lane
Ellmir Asipi playing Ollie Sudekis
Amanda Harrison appearing as Angela Lane

Concept and development

The spin-off was developed by Neighbours executive producer Jason Herbison, who envisioned a return to a high school setting—a backdrop not prominently featured since Heartbreak High concluded two decades earlier. Herbison highlighted the chance to tell stories across generations, involving students, educators, and parents alike. UK broadcaster Channel 5 commissioned the series to offer exclusive programming for its My5 VOD platform, with support from Network 10. Aimed at a younger demographic, this spin-off tackles social issues with a more intense tone than the original series, incorporating well-known characters introduced previously in Neighbours.

Actress Olivia Junkeer described the show’s style as "grittier, darker and more sinister," noting distinctive production methods such as varied lighting schemes and the use of stronger language. The narratives reflect modern teenage realities including social media influences and diverse relationship dynamics. The format also features video diary segments from characters, providing deeper emotional perspectives.

Casting and filming

The cast includes several returning Neighbours regulars and recurring performers reprising their roles—among them Olivia Junkeer (Yashvi Rebecchi), Benny Turland (Hendrix Greyson), Georgie Stone (Mackenzie Hargreaves), and Lachlan Millar (Richie Amblin)—alongside newcomers Grace O'Sullivan and Darius Amarfio-Jefferson. Filming occurred at Fremantle's Global Television studios located in Victoria. Direction was led by Jonathon Dutton, with Natalie Lynch serving as producer and Jason Herbison acting as executive producer. Distribution responsibilities are managed by Fremantle.

Implementation of Final Cut Pro X

Originally, the post-production process was intended to be divided between different workflows; however, LateNite Films ultimately completed the entire post-production phase using Final Cut Pro X. Producer and editor Chris Hocking commended the software for its enhanced creative adaptability compared to conventional Avid platforms.

Editing and finalization

LateNite Films efficiently compiled footage through a paperless system involving frequent card ingests. Tasks such as editing, audio refinement, visual effects, and color grading were all executed within Final Cut Pro X alongside complementary applications. While audio mixing required more time than when using specialized digital audio workstations, this integrated approach provided cost efficiencies and maintained artistic oversight.

Broadcast

All five episodes, each lasting 22 minutes, were released simultaneously with the main series. The show debuted as a complete box set on My5 on 11 November 2019 and became available on 10 Play the next day. Additionally, it was accessible on Ireland’s RTÉ Player starting 11 November.

Reception

Johnathon Hughes from Radio Times characterized the series as "more edgy and relaxed than Neighbours itself," commending its production quality and inclusivity. He emphasized its deliberate positioning within the competitive landscape of teen dramas. Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy pointed out its unique "grungy" visual style and compelling performances, particularly highlighting Mackenzie’s transgender narrative. Jessica Lynch of 10 daily likened the show to a fusion of "Riverdale meets Pretty Little Liars," recognizing its mix of traditional soap elements with contemporary teenage issues.

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