Okay, so I’m absolutely devastated, but apparently someone in the know – like, a real industry person – is saying Real Housewives of Australia is… over? Like, dead? I can’t even process this. It’s my absolute favorite, and the thought of no more fabulous drama, designer outfits, and those iconic Aussie ladies… it’s just heartbreaking. I refuse to believe it, honestly. But apparently, it’s true. My Housewives obsession is crumbling before my eyes!
Matchbox Pictures, a production company owned by Universal International Studios, unexpectedly shut down this week, causing surprise and concern within the television industry.
The Sydney-based production company brought back both The Real Housewives of Melbourne in 2021 – after it had been off the air for three years – and The Real Housewives of Sydney in 2023.
According to a source at Daily Mail, producers were already considering a new direction for the Melbourne housewives series when the announcement was made.
‘As it stands right now, Housewives Australia is effectively dead,’ they said.
‘Without Matchbox, there is no active engine behind the franchise. Everything has come to a halt.’
The insider confirmed that a new season of The Real Housewives of Melbourne was in the works.
‘There were absolutely conversations happening,’ they said.
People were suggesting some legendary players, and there was a lot of hope that Melbourne could make a significant comeback.
Many of the women involved were completely surprised by this news. They really believed the show had a future.
The source also cautioned against assuming the film series will be back in production anytime soon, even with new producers potentially involved.
‘Housewives isn’t a show you just hand over and reboot instantly,’ they explained.
Matchbox was responsible for maintaining client relationships, understanding the right approach for each project, and establishing a consistent creative style. Their departure leaves a significant gap in our capabilities.
Now that the Sydney and Melbourne versions of The Real Housewives are available on Binge and Foxtel, sources say the networks are considering whether to continue making the show.
‘The brand isn’t gone forever,’ said another insider.
‘But right now? It’s absolutely in limbo.’
Matchbox Pictures launched the series in Australia in 2014, and it quickly turned cast members like Sydney’s Terry Biviano and Melbourne’s Gina Liano into well-known personalities.
Daily Mail has approached Binge and Foxtel for comment.
The closure of Matchbox Pictures is the sad end to one of Australian TV’s biggest success stories.
Established in 2008 by a team of producers including Tony Ayres, Penny Chapman, Helen Bowden, Michael McMahon, and Helen Pankhurst, the company created the acclaimed TV series The Slap (2011) and House of Gods (2024).
Its recent Netflix hit The Survivors has already reached an audience of 28 million viewers.
Matchbox Pictures also created the award-winning series Nowhere Boys (2013) and Safe Harbour (2018), both of which received International Emmy Awards. They were also behind the 2020 ABC drama, Stateless, starring Cate Blanchett, which sparked conversation.
The brand is currently enjoying success with the ABC comedy series Dog Park.
Universal first invested in the company back in 2014 and then completed its purchase in 2018. The company released a statement saying:
After a thorough review of the company and the animation industry, Matchbox will be closing down after 18 years – 12 years after being acquired by NBCUniversal.
Universal International Studios remains dedicated to Australia, but is changing how it works in the region to align with new business goals.
In the future, the company will consider new production possibilities and work with local creators and professionals individually, as specific projects develop.
Matchbox Pictures is closing its offices in Sydney and Melbourne, resulting in the loss of 30 jobs.
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2026-02-21 10:04