‘Is this the end of an era?’ Friends leaves netflix, fans in shock – where will the beloved sitcom stream next?
It’s safe to say that this week has been a sad one for fans of Friends the world over. On 30 December 2025, the show was officially removed from Netflix, where it had been streaming for years and was one of the most-watched shows on the platform. For many, the news has felt a lot like losing touch with a group of old pals. After all, who hasn’t grown up with Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Joey and Phoebe? Fans on Twitter, Instagram and Reddit have been expressing their sense of loss through sad GIFs, emoji tears, and nostalgia-ridden throwbacks. A user who described Friends as their “comfort show” tweeted, “WE HAVE BEEN THROUGH SO MUCH TOGETHER (netflix + me)” adding “Sad that this was my Netflix nightly ritual is gone.” Another user said a virtual “good night” to the show using a crying emoji.
@netflix @NetflixUK taking FRIENDS off of Netflix is SO unnecessary. Currently cancelling my membership cause wth made you think this was okay? This is the only reason I was still paying for it. It’s such a comfort show for me I literally cannot sleep without it #friends pic.twitter.com/WGZCTx8Ci4
— arabelladave (@arabelladave) December 31, 2025
Friends streaming rights not renewed by Netflix
“Friends” is no longer on Netflix because the platform has chosen not to renew its streaming rights for the sitcom. Netflix reportedly paid between $80-100 million a year for the streaming rights, but that cost proved too steep, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The show, which originally aired in the 1990s and ran for ten seasons, is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedies of all time and was popular for its laughs, heart and nostalgic friendship stories. Friends’ long and successful run includes several Emmy wins, a record-breaking final episode, and a globally adored (although divisive) revival.
Friends not on Netflix: Where to watch it now?
Friends is no longer on Netflix, but that doesn’t mean you can’t watch the sitcom. Where you can find the show next is a bit up in the air. Friends might have moved to another streaming service, but no one has confirmed which one. There are rumors that HBO Max (now called Max) will soon be streaming the show, which makes sense since it was produced by Warner Bros., the company that owns Max. Max has been expanding, and it will be launching in the UK and Ireland early next year, which has only increased speculation.
Fans in India can watch Friends episodes on Comedy Central, and all 236 episodes are also available to fans who own the DVDs or Blu-rays. The official Friends YouTube channel also has a number of full episodes, if you can’t wait and want to rewatch Friends on a fixed screen. Netflix has put a “Remind Me” button on its Friends page as well, just in case the streaming giant does bring it back in the future. If you’re a true fan of the show, you don’t have to give up hope that one day you’ll be able to watch Friends on a streaming service again.
Friends originally aired in the 1990s and ran for ten seasons
Friends is a sitcom that originally aired on NBC from 1994 to 2004. Friends was created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, and its final episode became the most-watched series finale at the time. It has since become one of the most popular sitcoms of all time, and its impact on pop culture has continued into the 2020s, with the show seeing a revival in recent years.