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Friends is leaving Netflix for good in 2020
10 July 2019, 12:54
Netflix viewers, prepare to say goodbye to Friends in 2020. Friends is leaving Netflix for HBO Max, WarnerMedia's upcoming streaming service.
Friends fans, you might want to sit down for this one. Friends is leaving Netflix in 2020 and heading to HBO Max, WarnerMedia's new streaming service. Late last year, Netflix signed an eye-watering $80 million rerun deal to keep the beloved 90s sitcom streaming on the platform "through 2019". But, as many predicted, WarnerMedia will now pursue exclusive streaming rights to the hit show, meaning it will be yanked from Netflix come 2020.
Netflix made the announcement on Twitter, labelling the situation, "The One Where We Have To Say Goodbye".
"We're sorry to see Friends go to Warner's streaming service at the beginning of 2020 (in The US)," the tweet read. "Thanks for the memories, gang."
The One Where We Have To Say Goodbye.
— Netflix US (@netflix) July 9, 2019
We’re sorry to see Friends go to Warner's streaming service at the beginning of 2020 (in The US). Thanks for the memories, gang ☕
Because Netflix licences shows like Friends and The Office, the platform can only offer those titles as long as they have an agreement in place with the rights holders. And Netflix pays a great deal for the privilege – as evidenced by the $80 million agreement reached last year to stream Friends for one more year.
Now Friends fans have reacted to the news and some are getting emotional that both Friends AND The Office are on the way out.
People crying to
— Cx.mron (@5xchris) July 9, 2019
Netflix about Friends
and The Office getting
removed: Netflix: pic.twitter.com/FwtNxFZe2J
The Office and FRIENDS both leaving Netflix. It’s like my best friends are changing schools
— Bobby Bones (@mrBobbyBones) July 9, 2019
I’m angry that Friends and The Office are being taken off Netflix. I know it’s not Netflix fault it’s the owners of the shows but it’s annoying that every channel wants to start their own steaming service like not everyone is going to fucking pay for every streaming service!!! pic.twitter.com/uBYxBK3DYG
— Karina (@kjv_888) July 9, 2019
my initial thought finding out that Friends will no longer be on netflix pic.twitter.com/eB5VAEZq8P
— nicole (@anistonily) July 9, 2019
According to Variety, Pretty Little Liars and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air will also leave Netflix for HBO Max when it launches next spring.
This follows months of headlines and theories about Disney yanking Disney-owned titles and properties from Netflix. Netflix's roster of Marvel shows (Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist) have also been cancelled in the wake of Disney's streaming plans. (Marvel is a Disney-owned company, after all).
With so many networks and companies throwing their hats into the streaming ring, there are bound to be more shake ups when it comes to licensed content on Netflix. Luckily, Netflix is releasing a ton of great original programming and more seasons of your favourite shows every week – hello Stranger Things 3!
