Netflix subscribers across the United Kingdom and Ireland have been dealt a heavy blow, with confirmation that the iconic sitcom Friends will be removed from the platform on December 30, 2025. The news has triggered a wave of disappointment among a dedicated fanbase who have relied on the show for comfort viewing for nearly a decade.
A Streaming Staple Comes to an End
The series, which originally aired from 1994 to 2004 and starred Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and the late Matthew Perry, has been a cornerstone of Netflix's UK library. The streaming giant secured the rights to the show almost eight years ago, making it a go-to for millions. Fans visiting the show's page on Netflix are now met with a notice confirming its departure at the end of the month, leaving just 29 days for final binge-watches.
The reaction on social media and forums like Reddit has been one of genuine upset. One user, Worried_Bear9012, lamented, ‘No! I listen to Friends every night to help me fall asleep.’ Another, DurpenHowser, resignedly noted their current rewatch would now be a ‘final one,’ while others bemoaned the loss of convenient, on-the-go viewing via their phones.
Where Will Friends Land Next?
While Netflix has not officially stated where the series is headed, widespread speculation points towards the impending UK launch of HBO Max in early 2026. The move would align with Warner Bros. Discovery's strategy to consolidate its major titles, including Friends, on its own streaming service. This has not been confirmed, however, leaving fans in a state of limbo.
In the meantime, practical advice has emerged from the community. As suggested by Reddit user RingRevolutionary552, purchasing the DVD box set – currently available from retailers like Zavvi for around £56 – guarantees uninterrupted access and includes bonus scenes not found in the streaming versions. Individual episodes are also available for purchase on digital platforms such as Apple TV and Rakuten.
A Legacy of Comfort Viewing
Friends' enduring popularity in the UK is undeniable. Long before its Netflix tenure, it enjoyed endless repeats on channels like E4 and Comedy Central. Its transition to streaming solidified its status as the ultimate comfort watch, a background companion for cooking, relaxing, or falling asleep for a generation of viewers.
The show's removal marks the end of an era for Netflix UK, prompting fans to seek alternative ways to visit Central Perk. Whether it finds a new home on HBO Max or remains a physical-media favourite, the passion of its fanbase ensures that, for them, Friends will always be there for you – even if it's not on Netflix.
