Original Coverage & Source Attribution: deadline.com
It’s the one where Channel 4 swooped back in.
The UK free-to-air broadcaster has landed rights to the iconic American comedy series and will air all 10 seasons from Januay 2027 on the Channel 4 VoD player and E4.
NBC’s Friends reached an entire generation of Brits when it aired on Channel 4 linear then E4 through the 90s and noughties. Channel 4 was the show’s original UK broadcast home when it kicked off in the mid-1990s and Friends then moved to E4 when the digital channel launched in 2001, one of a number of U.S. imports that defined that channel’s offering along with the likes of Big Brother.
Starring Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer, along with a host of A-list guest stars, the show following six 20-somethings making their way in New York is undoubtedly one of the biggest comedies of all time.
Since Friends left Channel 4, it has aired on the likes of Netflix in the UK (and worldwide), where it did huge numbers, Skydance UK network 5 and Comedy Central.
HBO Max will remain Friends’ UK streaming home but Channel 4 will have free-to-air rights. The deal was struck by the Skydance-owned Warner Bros. sales arm, moving the show away from Skydance UK network 5. It is one of the big show deals revealed since the Skydance deal closed and comes as TV sales market MIPCOM concludes, with distribution execs from Skydance’s new sales arms out in full force in Cannes.
The news also comes with Channel 4 entering a new era. Programmes chief David Brindley will start in a few weeks and around 50% of the commissioning team is being laid off.
Channel 4 content strategy boss Kiran Nataraja 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.”
Polly Scates, who struck the deal for Channel 4, added: “Most of us remember exactly where we were when we watched the Friends finale. This iconic series has enduring appeal and continues to bring together audiences of all ages.”
