Friends to leave Netflix US in 2020 in favour of Warner’s streaming platform

Netflix US 'sorry' to see beloved sitcom go

Friends will leave Netflix US in 2020 to head to Warner’s streaming platform.

Netflix US announced on Twitter on Tuesday that the beloved sitcom’s days on its catalogue are officially coming to an end.

“We’re sorry to see Friends go to WarnerMedia‘s streaming service at the beginning of 2020 (in the US),” the streaming giant tweeted.

“Thanks for the memories, gang.”

Rumours that Friends, which is distributed by Warner Bros Television, might leave Netflix in the US have swirled for several months now.

Netflix paid a reported $100m (£80m) in December 2018 to keep the TV show on its platform through 2019.

The news came as WarnerMedia unveiled more details about its own streaming service, which will be called HBO Max and will debut in 2020.

HBO Max will combine the HBO catalogue (which includes shows such as Game of Thrones) with content from other networks, including Warner Bros, CNN, TBS, and DC Entertainment.

In addition to all 236 episodes of Friends, series such as The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Pretty Little Liars will be available exclusively on the platform.

New shows, including a Riverdale spinoff, and original films will also premiere on the service.