By the close of 2019, Netflix subscribers, who are die-hard-fans of the 90s sitcom ‘Friends’ will no longer have access to it on the platform. ‘Friends’ is officially moving to HBO Max, WarnerMedia’s new direct-to-consumer streaming service set to launch in 2020. Netflix tweeted, “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.”
It is reported that WarnerMedia paid in $85 million per year amassing a total of $425 million for five years to Netflix before landing streaming rights over the Emmy winning comedy ‘Friends’. The soon-to-launch platform has also accrued prolific producer Greg Berlanti and Oscar winning actress Reese Witherspoon, in a signed-up contract to produce original feature films as content on the platform. Berlanti will produce an initial four movies in the young adult genre, while Witherspoon will produce at least two films for the service under her Hello Sunshine production house.
Chairman of WarnerMedia Entertainment and Direct-to-Consumer Robert Greenblatt, disclosed about the pending streaming service, “HBO Max will bring together the diverse riches of WarnerMedia to create programming and user experiences not seen before in a streaming platform. HBO’s world-class programming leads the way, the quality of which will be the guiding principle for our new array of Max Originals, our exciting acquisitions, and the very best of the Warner Bros. libraries, starting with the phenomenon that is Friends.”
The remainder of the year will still have ‘Friends’ showing on Netflix. HBO Max is however yet to announce its pricing for the service.
