On January 1st, 2020, Netflix removed several popular shows and movies from its platform, including some beloved titles like Friends. This list is for streamers, TV fans, and anyone who wants to stay updated on what’s leaving Netflix so they can catch up or find alternatives before it’s gone. Here’s a detailed look at the main titles leaving and why they matter.
1. Friends (Seasons 1-10)
Perhaps the most talked-about departure, Friends, the iconic sitcom featuring Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer, left Netflix in early 2020. The show’s move to HBO Max was part of a broader licensing shift, ending a decade-long availability on Netflix. For many, Friends is a nostalgic staple, offering comfort and laughter, making it a must-watch before it’s gone from Netflix.
2. The Office (U.S.)
The American version of The Office, starring Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, and John Krasinski, was a Netflix favorite due to its hilarious portrayal of office life. Its departure signaled a licensing change, as NBCUniversal took back rights to stream the series on its own platform, Peacock. Fans who want to binge the series should do so before January 1st, as it’s a key part of many viewers’ comedy rotation.
3. Grey’s Anatomy (Seasons 1-15)
This long-running medical drama, starring Ellen Pompeo and Sandra Oh, was a staple for fans of emotional storytelling and medical intrigue. Its removal was tied to licensing agreements, and while some seasons remain available elsewhere, the full series was pulled from Netflix at the start of 2020. If you’re a Grey’s Anatomy fan, now’s your chance to catch up on the episodes before they vanish from Netflix’s catalog.
4. Parks and Recreation
Starring Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, and Nick Offerman, Parks and Recreation was a beloved comedy series praised for its witty humor and heartfelt moments. Its licensing rights moved to other platforms, making it unavailable on Netflix after January 1st. For new viewers, it’s a great opportunity to watch the show on Hulu or other streaming services before it’s gone.
5. How I Met Your Mother
This popular sitcom featuring Neil Patrick Harris and Cobie Smulders was a favorite for its clever storytelling and memorable characters. Its departure from Netflix was part of a licensing shuffle, with rights moving to other platforms like Hulu and CBS All Access. If you haven’t seen it yet, now’s your chance to binge the entire series before it’s removed from Netflix.
6. The Big Bang Theory
The hit sitcom starring Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, and Kaley Cuoco was a staple for comedy lovers. Its licensing rights shifted to HBO Max, leading to its removal from Netflix on January 1st. Fans wanting to revisit Sheldon and Leonard’s adventures should do so soon, as the show will only be available on new platforms moving forward.
7. New Girl
Starring Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, and Max Greenfield, New Girl was praised for its quirky humor and relatable characters. Its licensing rights moved to Hulu, and it was removed from Netflix at the start of 2020. If you’re new to the series, consider watching it on Hulu before it leaves Netflix entirely.
8. The Crown (Seasons 1-3)
This critically acclaimed series about Queen Elizabeth II, starring Claire Foy and Olivia Colman, was part of Netflix’s original lineup but had licensing agreements that led to its removal from other platforms. While seasons 1-3 remained on Netflix, later seasons moved elsewhere, and early seasons may have been temporarily unavailable for a brief period during licensing shifts. Fans should verify availability before planning their binge.
9. 13 Reasons Why
This controversial teen drama, starring Kate Walsh and Dylan Minnette, was a Netflix original that drew attention for its provocative themes. Its licensing rights were complex, leading to its removal from Netflix in early 2020, as rights were sold to other networks and platforms. If you want to watch or re-watch, do so before it’s permanently gone from Netflix.
10. Lucifer (Seasons 1-4)
The popular series starring Tom Ellis as Lucifer Morningstar was a Netflix hit, but its licensing rights were transferred to other platforms, leading to its removal from Netflix starting January 1st, 2020. Fans looking to catch up on Lucifer’s devilish adventures should do so now, as it’s a key series for fans of supernatural crime dramas.
How to Choose
When deciding what to watch after these departures, consider the following: First, check if the series is available on your current streaming services like Hulu, Peacock, HBO Max, or Amazon Prime. Second, think about whether you prefer binge-watching the entire series or just catching up on specific seasons. Lastly, evaluate the original content you enjoy—if you’re a fan of comedy, drama, or crime, look for similar shows within your current subscriptions to fill the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will Friends ever return to Netflix? Currently, Friends is exclusive to HBO Max, and there are no plans for it to return to Netflix. Fans should consider subscribing to HBO Max or purchasing episodes elsewhere.
- Are these shows available on other platforms now? Many have moved to platforms like Hulu, Peacock, HBO Max, or CBS All Access, so check their catalogs for availability.
- Why did Netflix lose these titles? Licensing agreements often change, and studios sometimes choose to license their content to other services for better deals or strategic reasons.
- Is there a way to keep watching these shows legally? Yes, most are available for purchase on digital stores like Amazon, iTunes, or Google Play, or through their new streaming platforms.
- What about new seasons of these shows? Some series like The Crown or Lucifer may have new seasons on other platforms, so stay updated on their streaming rights.
Final Thoughts
The departure of these popular shows from Netflix on January 1st, 2020, marked a significant shift in streaming rights. While it may be disappointing for fans, it also highlights the importance of staying informed about where your favorite series are moving. Whether you choose to binge before they leave or explore new platforms, now is the perfect time to plan your viewing strategy and discover new favorites. Remember, the entertainment landscape is constantly evolving, so keep an eye on licensing updates to ensure you don’t miss out on your beloved shows.
Related
- Coheed and Cambria 2020 Tour Dates Announced and What to Know
- The Mandalorian Season 2 Release Confirmed for October 2020
- Lamb of God Releases New Video for ‘Checkmate’ Song