One of the biggest shocks for comedy lovers in the UK and several international markets is now official: Friends and The Big Bang Theory—two of the most iconic sitcoms in television history—are scheduled to leave Netflix UK and multiple regions worldwide before the end of 2025. For millions of fans who rely on Netflix to binge-watch these comfort shows, this development marks a major shift in the streaming landscape.
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Both series have dominated global pop culture for decades, and their removal from Netflix will definitely leave a noticeable gap in the platform’s sitcom catalogue. Here’s everything you need to know about the departure dates, affected regions, and the likelihood of Netflix renewing these shows before their licenses expire.
Why Friends and The Big Bang Theory Leaving Netflix Is a Big Deal
Friends: A Timeless Classic
Since its debut in September 1994, Friends has remained a global phenomenon. Even more than 30 years later, the series continues to attract new generations of viewers. Its cultural impact is immense—from iconic dialogue and hairstyles to memorable romances and unforgettable comedic moments. For many, Friends is more than a show; it’s a daily comfort and a nostalgic escape.
When Friends arrived on Netflix UK, it became one of the platform’s most-watched titles, giving fans easy access to all ten seasons. The series consistently ranks high in weekly viewing charts and remains a massive crowd-puller for Netflix.
The Big Bang Theory: A New-Age Comedy Giant
Launched in 2007, The Big Bang Theory revolutionized sitcom culture by bringing “nerd life” and geek culture into the mainstream. Created by legendary producer Chuck Lorre, the show became an instant hit, eventually running for 12 successful seasons.
Its popularity was further reinforced by the success of its spin-offs, including the global favourite Young Sheldon and the recently launched spin-off Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. Ever since its debut on Netflix UK in 2016, The Big Bang Theory has remained a top-performing comedy title.
With both shows still generating millions of views per season, their departure from Netflix will undoubtedly disappoint countless subscribers.
When Is Friends Leaving Netflix UK?
Netflix viewers in the UK should brace themselves:
👉 All 10 seasons of Friends are officially scheduled to leave Netflix UK on December 31, 2025.
In addition to the UK, Friends will also be removed from Netflix in the following regions on December 30, 2025:
- Germany
- Italy
- South Africa
- Switzerland
This news means fans have a little over a year to stream the show on Netflix before its contract ends.
When Is The Big Bang Theory Leaving Netflix?
Similarly, all 12 seasons of The Big Bang Theory are set to exit Netflix in the following regions on December 31, 2025:
In these regions, TBBT will leave Netflix earlier, on December 30, 2025:
- Germany
- Italy
- South Africa
- Switzerland
Given how widely watched the show remains across global markets, its removal will significantly affect Netflix’s comedy lineup.
Why Are Friends and The Big Bang Theory Leaving Netflix?
The primary reason behind these departures is streaming license expiration. Major studios like Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns both titles, review licensing agreements every few years. With the rise of studio-owned platforms like HBO Max / Max, companies often pull back their popular shows to strengthen their own streaming libraries.
However, Netflix has previously renegotiated license renewals for Friends in several markets, sometimes at very high costs. This means the upcoming removal may not be final.
Is This Goodbye Forever? Maybe Not.
Although both shows are scheduled to leave, this may not be a permanent goodbye.
Netflix has a long history of renewing rights to massively popular titles—especially when they consistently appear in top 10 lists and bring in high daily watch-time.
Why Netflix might renew:
- Friends and The Big Bang Theory still generate millions of global views every month.
- Both series act as evergreen content, perfect for binge-watching.
- Sitcoms increase platform stickiness—subscribers stay longer due to rewatchable comfort shows.
So while the current removal date is official, fans shouldn’t rule out a last-minute extension or renewal.
What Happens If Netflix Fails to Renew the Rights?
If Netflix doesn’t secure a renewal, both shows are likely to migrate to:
- Max (HBO Max) in regions where the service is active
- Local television networks and broadcasters
- Other regional streaming platforms that purchase the rights
This kind of transition has happened before—Friends left US Netflix in early 2020 to stream exclusively on HBO Max.
Final Thoughts
The scheduled departure of Friends and The Big Bang Theory from Netflix UK and several international regions is undoubtedly a major moment for long-time fans. These shows have shaped comedy television for decades and remain two of the most-watched sitcoms in streaming history.
While the departure dates are set for late 2025, Netflix’s strong incentive to keep high-performing content means there’s still hope for contract renewal. Until then, fans have ample time to relive their favourite moments—from Ross and Rachel’s rollercoaster romance to the hilarious nerdy adventures of Sheldon, Leonard, Howard, Raj, and Penny.
Will You Miss Friends or The Big Bang Theory on Netflix?
Share your feelings in the comments! Are you binge-watching the shows before they leave? Which sitcom should Netflix add next?
