In a move that will delight long-time fans, McDonald's UK has resurrected its beloved tradition of collectible cups, introducing a nostalgic new range that harks back to the fast-food giant's popular offerings from the 1990s and 2000s. The chain has partnered with Warner Bros to launch four exclusive Friends-themed mugs, sparking excitement among collectors and enthusiasts of the iconic sitcom.
A Blast from the Past with a Modern Twist
For decades, McDonald's was renowned for including limited-edition collectible cups in its Happy Meals, featuring everything from Coca-Cola glasses to Disney memorabilia. These items became cherished keepsakes, but such promotions had largely disappeared in recent years. Now, McDonald's UK is reviving this concept with a contemporary collaboration, unveiling four brand-new mugs inspired by the beloved TV show Friends.
The designs pay homage to key elements from the series: one mug showcases the iconic orange couch from Central Perk, another features Monica's distinctive yellow peephole frame, a third highlights the fountain seen in the opening credits, and the final mug is adorned with the Central Perk logo. Each piece feels like a genuine throwback to the era when collectible cups were a staple of the McDonald's experience.
The Catch: Winning, Not Buying
However, there is a significant catch for those eager to add these mugs to their collection. Unlike previous promotions where items could be purchased directly, these Friends mugs are not available for sale in restaurants. Instead, only 4,000 limited-edition sets have been produced, and they can only be obtained through a competition.
To enter, customers must use the McDonald's app to purchase the special Friends Meal. Upon doing so, they will be offered the chance to win the complete set of four mugs. This exclusive approach means that securing the mugs will be highly competitive, with availability tied directly to the Friends Meal promotion period.
Limited Availability and Timing
The Friends Meal launched on February 3, 2026, and will remain on the menu for six weeks. Consequently, the opportunity to win the mugs is similarly time-limited. Once the 4,000 sets are claimed, they will be gone for good, adding urgency for fans hoping to snag them. The mugs are expected to be highly sought-after, given their nostalgic appeal and limited quantity.
What Is the Friends Meal?
Dubbed the 'ultimate adult Happy Meal', the Friends Meal includes a choice of a McPlant, Big Mac, or 9 Chicken McNuggets, accompanied by fries, a drink, and a collectible figurine of a Friends character. Six figurines are available, each representing a main character with a cute nod to the show: Rachel serving coffee, Monica in chef whites, Chandler holding a chick, Joey with a duck, Phoebe playing guitar, and Ross alongside his monkey Marcel.
Prices for the meal start from £9.09 for a medium Big Mac or McPlant meal, rising to £9.19 for a medium 9-piece Chicken McNugget meal. Large meals cost £9.99 for the Big Mac and McPlant options and £10.09 for the McNuggets. Collecting all six figurines could prove expensive, as they are added randomly to meals, meaning duplicates are possible and multiple purchases may be necessary.
No Separate Purchases Allowed
In a departure from past practices where Happy Meal toys could sometimes be bought individually, McDonald's has confirmed that the Friends figurines will not be available for separate purchase. Customers must buy the meal to receive a figurine, and while they can request specific characters, staff are not encouraged to accommodate such requests due to varying stock levels across restaurants.
For those who miss out on the mugs, the figurines offer an alternative collectible, though the cost can add up quickly. For example, purchasing six medium Big Mac meals to try and collect all characters would cost £54.54, with no guarantee of success.
A Nostalgic Campaign with Broad Appeal
This promotion taps into the enduring popularity of Friends and the nostalgia for McDonald's collectible items, likely resonating strongly with millennials and long-time fans. The limited nature of the mugs and the competition-based acquisition method are designed to create buzz and exclusivity, driving app engagement and meal sales during the six-week period.
As McDonald's UK continues to innovate with collaborations and limited-time offers, this Friends-themed initiative marks a clever blend of retro charm and modern marketing tactics, promising to be a highlight for foodies and collectors alike in early 2026.
