It has been two decades since Friends ended its run. As always the show has been cherished as one of the most beloved sitcoms in television history. This classic comedy aired first on September 22, 1994, and went on for 10 seasons until May 6, 2004, on NBC.
Marta Kauffman and David Crane were responsible for the creation of this show. The show seamlessly brings together situational humor, slapstick comedy, pop culture references, and double entendres, as it continues to garner fans from all over the world.
In 2024, all the Central Perk nostalgia is still available universally and there are several streaming options for the show today. Here's a detailed guide exploring every avenue.
List of options to stream Friends in 2024
1) HBO Max:
Friends was originally produced by WB TV, making it a property of the Warner group. After its run was complete on NBC, HBO Max (owned by Warner Bros. Discovery) picked up the show for a hefty price.
In 2024, HBO Max provides access to the entire 10-season run, along with the reunion special titled Friends: The Reunion. Viewers can choose between any of the 236 episodes in HD quality at any point in time.
HBO Max also offers various features, including, offline viewing, multiple device streams, and personalized recommendations. The ad-free version costs $15.99 per month or $149.99 billed annually.
2) Netflix:
In several countries including the UK, Canada, Australia, and India, one can watch the popular American sitcom, with all 10 seasons available to stream. The special titled Friends: The Reunion is, however, not available.
In the US, however, Friends is not available on Netflix. The basic subscription plans start at $6.99 per month going all the way up to $22.99 per month for the premium plan.
3) Amazon Prime Video:
One can watch Friends on Amazon Prime Video, however, the selection may vary at times, often available for rental or purchase options. You can watch one episode, starting at $2.99 while a whole season costs $19.99.
Alternatively, if you are a collector, you may purchase the Friends: The Complete Series Collection from Amazon starting at $90.
4) Warner Bros. Discovery:
Even if not so widely known, Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of HBO Max, has an option for fans to watch Friends. One can buy whole seasons at a time in the form of box sets, though availability may be limited and subject to change.
Also, Warner Bros. Discovery streaming bundles (cable TV service providers) available in multiple countries, offer HBO Max as part of the package, which would give viewers access to the show.
5) Traditional Television:
Even though digital platforms have taken over, the sitcom still makes some appearances on traditional television in the US. Various syndicated airings throughout the U.S. broadcast the episodes as part of their programming schedule.
6) Digital Purchase and Rental:
As mentioned earlier, purchase and rental options are available on platforms like Amazon Prime Video (via HBO Max). IOS users can access Apple TV, which also has a rental and buying option. Friends is a part of their huge library.
7) DVD and Blu-ray:
Warner Home Video debuted the complete collection of all seasons in Blu-ray format in 2012. This box set did not include deleted scenes which were available in previous DVD releases.
The 20th Anniversary Box Set came in white and was released in 2014. Another notable collector's box set is titled 'The One With All Ten Seasons', which came out in 2015.
Warner Home Video is set to release the entire series in Ultra HD Blu-ray later this year, on September 24. For passionate collectors, discs are a way of nostalgic expression and a method to preserve entertainment history.
Friends is not on NBC anymore
As we might know, Friends is not available any more on its original network, NBC. Rights for its streaming have been bought by HBO Max. Other networks like Hulu or Peacock also don't stream the series.
To conclude, in 2024, there are several different ways to watch Friends - and each of them is a great source to consume this classic sitcom.
From streaming and traditional television to physical media, there's a way for you to enjoy some of the beloved Central Perk timeless humor. It all depends on your budget and the device you want to use to enjoy this classic sitcom.
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