All 10 seasons of the hit sitcom Friends will be available free-to-air on Channel 4 and its video-on-demand player from January 2027, marking the show's return to its original UK broadcaster after 15 years away.
The show's original UK home has secured the free-to-air broadcasting rights, giving viewers another way to watch Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler and Ross. Since leaving Channel 4, Friends has appeared on Netflix, Channel 5 and Comedy Central. HBO Max will remain its UK streaming destination, while Channel 4 will hold the free-to-air rights.
Channel 4 welcomes back an audience favourite
Kiran Nataraja, Channel 4's content strategy chief, said: "Friends has always been an audience favourite and we're delighted to welcome the show back to its original UK home, made possible through our valued relationship with Warner Bros. Its witty, character-led comedy and lasting popularity make it a natural fit for Channel 4. Cherished by long-time fans and continuing to attract new viewers, it will complement the distinctive programming across our slate."
Friends originally aired on NBC between 1994 and 2004, starring Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer as six friends navigating life in Manhattan. Its final episode, broadcast on 6 May 2004, attracted approximately 52.5 million American viewers, making it the fifth-most-watched series finale in US television history.
Enduring cultural impact
Across its 10-season run, Friends became one of television's most beloved and commercially successful programmes. Its influence extended well beyond the screen, leaving an enduring mark on popular culture. Jennifer Aniston's hairstyle, dubbed 'The Rachel', was copied by fans worldwide, while Joey's signature phrase, "How you doin'?", became instantly recognisable.
IMDb reviewers have also shared their affection for the series, with many calling it the "best ever". One wrote: "Can't remember any other time I didn't want a sitcom to end. Watching the last episode is hard to believe it's the last time you'll see the gang together. Show does a great job of keeping a wide array of episode themes throughout its 10-season run. You fall in love with the cast and this sitcom is simply a staple in American Television. Have rewatched the series 5 times and I own the entire DVD box set."
Another remarked: "Timeless piece of art. I love Friends as much now as an adult than I did when it was originally on 25 years ago when I was still a kid. It's just one of those all-time great sitcoms that are just as funny watching reruns as it was watching for the first time. Not many shows hold up and are just as funny today as they were 20+ years ago but Friends is absolutely one of those shows."
A further enthusiastic viewer declared: "Best series in the world to ever exist! The best thing shown on TV throughout history and nothing will probably ever beat this series for as long as I live."
All 10 seasons of Friends will be available from January 2027 on the Channel 4 VoD player and E4.
