Home and Away: Season Finale Drama and What’s Coming in 2026

6 December 2025 TV Drama

Introduction: Why Home and Away Remains Essential Viewing

Home and Away continues to captivate audiences across Australia and the UK as one of television’s longest-running soap operas. The show has won 48 Logie Awards from 168 nominations, making it the most awarded program in Logie history. With its blend of drama, romance, and high-stakes storylines set in the fictional town of Summer Bay, the series remains relevant to millions of viewers who tune in regularly to follow their favourite characters.

2025 Season Finale: A Dramatic Train Crash

A train crash on the way to a music festival brought the 2025 season of Home and Away to a close. The Season Finale aired in Australia in a triple-bill from 7pm on Wednesday 19th November. The dramatic conclusion featured multiple storylines converging, including a surprise proposal that dropped jaws and left viewers on the edge of their seats. The 2025 season finale received a high viewership of 801,000, ranking in 5th place for the night.

UK Broadcast Schedule and Christmas Break

For UK viewers, the show follows a slightly different schedule. The final episode aired on Channel 5 on Friday 5th December, before the show takes a one-month break, with Home and Away returning to UK screens on Friday 2nd January 2026. The UK is around seven weeks behind Australian broadcasts.

Looking Ahead: 2026 Brings Familiar Faces

Exciting news awaits fans in 2026. Darryl ‘Brax’ Braxton (Stephen Peacocke) and Erica ‘Ricky’ Sharpe (Bonnie Sveen) will return to Home and Away for a brief stint early in 2026. The show will be heading to Western Australia for the first time, to film a blockbuster week of episodes in Perth and its rugged coastline, as well as the state’s expansive red outback.

Conclusion: The Show’s Enduring Appeal

Home and Away’s ability to deliver compelling drama while introducing fresh storylines ensures its continued success. As the show heads into 2026 with returning favourites and new characters, it demonstrates why it remains a cornerstone of television drama. Whether you’re watching in Australia or the UK, the residents of Summer Bay continue to provide entertainment that keeps audiences coming back year after year.