Friends to leave Netflix UK at the end of the year, sparking disappointment among fans

One of the most popular sitcoms in television history is set to leave Netflix in the United Kingdom at the end of the year, prompting an emotional reaction from fans who have made the show a staple of their streaming routines. Friends, the long-running American comedy that originally aired between 1994 and 2004, will depart the platform on 30 December.

Netflix has not confirmed where the series will move next, but the timing coincides with the upcoming launch of HBO Max in the UK. The streaming service, which already carries Friends in the United States, is widely expected to become the new home for the show once it leaves Netflix.

The news quickly spread across social media, where many viewers expressed genuine sadness. One fan described the development as “probably the worst thing that has ever happened to me,” while another wrote that she felt “genuinely heartbroken.” Friends continues to air on the UK’s Comedy Central network, but streaming has become the preferred way for many fans to watch and rewatch the series in their own time.

The series features Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer as six young adults navigating work, relationships and life in New York City. Over ten seasons and 236 episodes, Friends became one of the most influential sitcoms of all time. It continues to attract new global audiences, particularly younger viewers who discovered the show on streaming platforms.

Friends remains culturally significant more than two decades after its finale. Its humour, memorable catchphrases and iconic scenes still circulate on social media, while themed merchandise, quizzes and fan gatherings have kept the series relevant for multiple generations.

The show’s enormous success also drew countless celebrity guest stars. Over the years, actors including George Clooney, Reese Witherspoon, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Bruce Willis, Susan Sarandon, and Robin Williams made appearances, adding to the show’s appeal and pop culture legacy.

In 2021, the main cast reunited for a highly anticipated one off special hosted by James Corden. The event brought the actors back to the original sets, where they reflected on behind the scenes memories, shared personal stories and celebrated the enduring global impact of the series.

The Friends community suffered a major loss two years later when Matthew Perry, who played Chandler Bing, died in Los Angeles. A post mortem examination found high levels of ketamine in his system, and coroners determined that the acute effects of the substance caused his death. Fans and cast members around the world paid tribute to Perry, remembering his sharp comedic timing and the deep affection audiences held for his character.

As speculation grows about which platform will secure the rights to Friends in the UK, longtime viewers say they hope the transition will be smooth and that the series will remain easily accessible. For millions of fans, Friends is more than a sitcom; it is a nostalgic comfort watch that continues to resonate, no matter where it streams.