Friends to leave Netflix UK on 30 December, triggering a wave of anger and disappointment from viewers who rely on the sitcom as a daily comfort show. The platform has not disclosed which service will pick up streaming rights next, but the move comes as HBO Max, which holds the US rights, prepares its UK launch.
Fans described the announcement as devastating, calling the show a constant source of stability and routine. Many said they watch it every day to relax, cope with stress, or fall asleep.
The sitcom, featuring Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer, ran for 236 episodes across 10 seasons starting in 1994. It remains one of the most influential television series of its era, drawing major guest stars such as Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon, Brad Pitt, Bruce Willis and Susan Sarandon. The cast reunited in 2021 for a one-off special. Perry died in 2023, with a post-mortem confirming ketamine-related causes.
Friends also airs on Comedy Central and Channel 5 in the UK. The Big Bang Theory will exit Netflix later this month as well, prompting similar frustration from viewers who rely on both series as part of their daily routines.
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