Netflix Scores 'Friends' Streaming Rights

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

Netflix continues to add to its collection of library titles with the acquisition of 1990s comedy series Friends, the OTT service announced Wednesday.

Netflix will have access to all 10 seasons of the iconic Warner Bros./NBC series, starring Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer, said Network officials.

While the series is currently in syndication, it’s the first time all 236 episodes and 83 hours of  the Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions-produced Friends series will be available on a streaming subscription service.

Friends will debut on Netflix beginning Jan. 1, 2015, said Netflix officials.

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.