When and Where 'Friends' Will Be Available to Stream in 2020

Could we be any more sad that Friends is leaving Netflix? I don’t think so. But even though the beloved series won’t be available on the streaming service starting Jan. 1, 2020, there will be other ways of getting your fix of the Central Perk gang for the five-month lapse until it makes its big debut on HBO Max in May. Unfortunately, much like Monica Geller's boots from hell, it will cost a pretty penny.

The Verge reports that Amazon, iTunes, and YouTube carry all 10 seasons of the show to rent or buy. At the time of writing, Amazon is selling the physical collection for $70, iTunes is charging $140 to stream, and YouTube is charging $200 or $19.99 a season to stream. This is quite expensive considering the basic Netflix subscription is $12.99 per month. In addition, when Friends debuts on WarnerMedia’s HBO Max service, subscribers will have to pay $14.99 a month, which isn't a huge difference from Netflix, but it is just enough to be annoying.

Though it is a slight inconvenient for fans, it is a huge loss for Netflix. Not only are they losing Friends this year, the second-most-streamed show, but in 2021 they will also be losing The Office (the most-streamed show) to Peacock.

So Netflix users, if I were you, I’d spend the next two days getting my Friends fill before midnight strikes on New Year’s… I know I am.