Friends Is Leaving US Netflix In 2020

There's been rumours and speculation swirling for months, but it's now confirmed that Friends will be leaving US Netflix.

The hit sitcom will be taken off the streaming service in 2020, meaning our pals across the pond have only got a few months to re-watch every single episode for the millionth time.

Warner Bros

Friends will move over to WarnerMedia's streaming service, HBO Max, as of next year.

For UK fans it seems as though there's nothing to worry about just yet, with Netflix UK tweeting to say there is 'no change for now'.

In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, WarnerMedia chairman Robert Greenblatt said: "HBO Max will bring together the diverse riches of WarnerMedia to create programming and user experiences not seen before in a streaming platform.

"HBO's world-class programming leads the way, the quality of which will be the guiding principle for our new array of Max Originals, our exciting acquisitions, and the very best of the Warner Bros. libraries, starting with the phenomenon that is Friends."

Sharing the sad news on the US Netflix official account, the streaming giant wrote:

Naturally, fans of the show didn't react well to the news, with one posting: "I'm cancelling my subscription. I literally have Netflix for Friends. It's so popular. I do not understand."

While another wrote: "First The Office and now Friends? This is ridiculous Netflix."

A third asked: "This may sound dramatic, but do I really need Netflix if they're getting rid of Friends and The Office?"

However, others said the (eye-watering) figure Netflix forked out to keep the show could now be spent on original programming *cough* or renewing Santa Clarita Diet, if you're reading this Netflix *cough*.

Twitter

The news comes just off the back of the announcement that the US version of The Office is moving over NBCUniversal when their existing deal ends in 2021.

A statement from Netflix US said: "We're sad that NBC has decided to take The Office back for its own streaming platform - but members can binge watch the show to their hearts' content ad-free on Netflix until January 2021."

Topics: TV and Film, US Entertainment, Netflix

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19