Hit US sitcom Friends to return to Channel 4 from next year

The Emmy Award-winning sitcom Friends will return to Channel 4 from 2027.

The US series debuted in 1994 and follows six friends: Rachel Green, Monica Geller, Phoebe Buffay, Ross Geller, Chandler Bing, and Joey Tribbiani, as they navigate life, love, and work in New York City.

The show ran for ten series and made stars out of its cast, which included Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer.

The hit show was last broadcast on Channel 4 in 2011 and will return in January 2027.

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.”

The series won six Emmy awards including Outstanding Comedy Series in 2002 with Kudrow winning the best supporting actress in a comedy series category in 1998 with Anniston picking up the lead actress in a comedy series award in 2002.

Polly Scates, head of acquisitions at Channel 4, said: “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.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Friends home to Channel 4.”

It comes after Perry, who was also known for appearances in films including Fools Rush In (1997), The Whole Nine Yards (2000), and 17 Again (2009), died in October 2023 from an accidental overdose.

Perry’s former live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who played a central role in the actor’s descent into ketamine addiction and injected him with the fatal dose of the drug, was sentenced to three years and five months in prison.

The LA County medical examiner found that ketamine was the primary cause of death and drowning was a secondary cause.

Friends will be available to watch and stream for free on Channel 4 and E4.