It’s official, Friends and Netflix are going on a break, and there’s no sign of them getting back together.
The streamer devastated Friends devotees with the news that today will not only usher in a new year, but also kick off a Friends-free era on the platform.
The sitcom, with its giant coffee cups, never-ending Ross and Rachel courtship and not-so-realistic picture of New York real estate, has been a certifiable hit on Netflix. So much so that when the possibility that the 90s escapism might be leaving reared its head in 2018, fans were apoplectic.
Then, Netflix struck a reported $100million agreement to keep the show on the platform. Now, it appears there’s not such a loophole out.
The show’s Netflix profile put up an eviction notice earlier this month, letting subscribers know that Friends would be gone by December 30.
So if you’re one of the Friends fanatics now staring down a long, hard 2026 in the laughless wilderness, we’ve got the lowdown on where else in the streaming landscape you can find Ross, Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, and Chandler, played by the late Matthew Perry.
Why is Friends leaving Netflix UK?
In short, we don’t know. Metro previously contacted Netflix to shed some light on the situation, but heard nothing back.
The most likely explanation is that Warner Bros. Discovery, the company that owns Friends, has not renewed its agreement with Netflix because they want to be able to stream the show exclusively on their own platform.
That was the reason Netflix nearly lost Friends in 2018.
It would make sense, since the streamer for Warner Bros. Discovery, HBO Max, is set to launch in the UK (as well as Germany and Italy) in early 2026.
The streamer’s content – think HBO hits like The Last of Us, Euphoria, The White Lotus, and House of the Dragon – has traditionally gone out via Sky.
But under the Warner Bros. banner, the streamer will also have the rights to shows like Friends and Big Bang Theory, as well as the upcoming Harry Potter adaptation for TV.
Could Friends spin-off show Joey be heading there too? It’s no longer available on the Friends YouTube channel in the UK, where it was available to stream for free.
What does this all mean for Netflix? There’s still plenty of TV and film to enjoy on there. If anything, TV viewers might have to get used to certain shows heading to other platforms. After all, Big Bang Theory has also nowdeparted.
How are fans reacting to Friends leaving Netflix?
In short – not well.
For many, the show was a comfort watch – often left on in the background at night, like a lullaby to helped invite a peaceful night’s rest.
Amy Hargitay-Visage on X was one of those using it this way: ‘Rip Friends on Netflix. How will I ever sleep now?’
And for others, watching Friends was an everyday ritual like your cleaning teeth or making a cup of coffee.
This was the case for Kirst, who scorned: ‘Thanks a lot Netflix. Ruined my year. No more watching Friends daily. What ever will I do now…’
To say the show meant a lot to people is an understatement.
Natalie McLean lamented: ‘Taking Friends off Netflix tonight is actually giving me anxiety – it’s my go-to comfort show, what am I going to do?’
But like all good things they eventually come to an end – and that end is today.
Where can Friends be streamed after it leaves Netflix?
Fear not, Friendsaholics! There are other places to stream the show.