Cast of Friends / NBC
Iconic sitcom Friends will return to Channel 4 in the New Year, it has been announced.
The show, which ran for 10 seasons and 236 episodes, received a first-run broadcast on Channel 4 and E4 in the late ’90s and early ’00s.
After ending in 2004, Friends became a staple of the E4 schedules in repeats but several years later it made the move to Comedy Central and Netflix.
From January 2027, HBO Max will remain the comedy’s primary streaming home but the entire show will also be available for free on Channel 4 streaming, while episodes will also air on E4.
Kiran Nataraja, director of content strategy at Channel 4, 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.”
