Why is Friends leaving Netflix? UK fans say they're going 'insane' as one of streamer's most rewatched shows is set to leave service by end of 2025

Friends is arguably one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. The show may now be more than 20 years old but episodes are shown on at least one TV channel every day.

For many years now, the show has also been available to watch on Netflix meaning that fans can watch it whenever they want - and as many times as they want.

But that won’t be the case for much longer as Netflix has confirmed that all 10 seasons of Friends, which ran between 1994 and 2004, will be removed from the streaming service by the end of the year. The last date you’ll be able to watch it is Tuesday December 30.

But, why is Netflix taking away one of its most rewatched shows? The reason for this isn’t 100% clear. Fans have been debating on Reddit. Some believe it could be because the show’s streaming license is about to expire.

But, many have pointed out that this has happened before and then the license is renewed at the last minute and the show is able to stay on the platform for another year. Some have even implied this could be done purposefully to encourage people to binge-watch.

Some fans, however, have speculated that the departure will be permanent this time as another streamer, HBO Max, is set to launch in the UK next year and they will want the rights to Friends to encourage people to sign up. This is the network that aired the Friends reunion special back in 2021.

It’s thought that HBO Max will launch in the UK early in 2026, possibly in March or April, so UK-based fans may have a three to four month gap where they cannot watch whichever episode of Friends they want whenever they wish.

On Reddit, people have expressed their frustration at this. “Nooooo!!!! I listen to Friends every night to help me fall asleep. What am I gonna do now?” someone questioned. Many others also said it was their “comfort show” to fall asleep to. “I thought I am the only one going all insane over Friends,” someone said.

Many are also upset by the idea of having to sign up to another streaming service to watch one of their favourite shows. “The idea of content being split across ANOTHER streaming service is so annoying,” one person said.

Some people said they have a fool-proof way to be able to watch Friends when they please - but it involves investing in technology which is considered dated by some. “I have the DVDs and a DVD player for this reason,” one person wrote. Another agreed: “Same... now I don't care which streaming service is getting Friends next.”

Netflix has not commented on why the show will be leaving, but you’ve got four weeks left to get your Friends fix. Unless you own the DVDs.