How to Watch Friends on Netflix from the US and Elsewhere
Friends is easily one of the most famous TV series, with the show garnering a cult following. Thankfully, the show which many watch and rewatch every year is still available to stream on Netflix, so let’s see how we can binge it again.
The first time Friends aired was back in 1994, and it ran until 2004 – 10 wonderful seasons that have shaped many people today. Featuring Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer in the main roles, to say Friends was a massive success is an understatement.
Sixteen years after the show stopped airing, and we still get Friends references day in and day out, memes, and so on. Friends is a part of pop culture today and it’s not going anywhere. With an impending return of the main cast for a one-off special episode for HBO Max, we can’t help but want to relive the show again.
Can I watch Friends on Netflix?
Yes, you can! Just not in the United States. The rights for Friends over in the United States have moved to HBO Max, which is where they’ll stay for a long time.
However, since HBO Max is not yet present in any other country outside the US, Netflix continues to have streaming rights for Friends in other countries, including the United Kingdom and Canada.
Since each country has its own Netflix version, with its own collection of movies, shows, and documentaries, it’s impossible to watch content from another country without a little bit of extra help.
So, how can I watch Friends on Netflix from the US?
If you live in the United States or in any other country where Netflix no longer carries Friends, you don’t have to worry too much because we have a way to watch. All you need to have is a VPN.
VPNs are powerful tools that will route your Internet connection through its servers and assign a new IP address to your device. Furthermore, they also encrypt your connection in order to protect your identity and privacy.
Our recommendation is to use NordVPN. This is easily one of the best tools on the market, which was also obvious when we tested it here, on AddictiveTips. The service has thousands of servers at its disposal in close to a hundred countries, uses military-grade encryption, and works flawlessly, while also flying under the radar for Netflix.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Start by subscribing to NordVPN. They offer 3 months for free and a huge discount for the 2-year plan!
- Get the app installed and logged into your account before finding a server based in the United Kingdom or Canada to connect to.
- When the connection is established, you have to load Netflix in your browser (or relaunch the app on your device), look for Friends and start binging!
What if this method doesn’t work?
Netflix is notorious for the VPN-detection software it has on its platform, often blocking people using such tools from accessing their service. When using premium VPNs, however, this happens a lot less than you’d think, however.
If it does happen to you, however, you don’t have to give up just yet. Contacting Customer Support will get you the help you need. As you explain your situation to them, they’ll help you figure out how to find a server that works with Netflix in your chosen region. It will also help to clear your browser cookies.
Why not use a free VPN instead?
We know the Internet is full of free VPNs that are obviously attractive because you don’t have to pay for them. While we’re just as big of fans of free software as you are, in this instance, you should really avoid them. In fact, it’s in your best interest to do this.
Free VPNs are quite often dangerous. Over the years, many have been discovered to carry malware of some kind of another. Depending on the purpose of the malware, your data may very well be carted off straight into the “open arms” of the cybercriminals – personally identifiable information, banking details, account credentials, passwords, and so on. This can easily lead to identity theft, financial fraud, data breaches for your employer, and so on.
Editor’s note: NordVPN is our #1 choice for unblocking Netflix. Sign up for the 2-year plan with NordVPN at $3.49 per month, as well as 3 months for FREE. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included on all plans, so you can cancel any time and get your money back..
Of course, many other tools are perfectly “clean,” but there are many downsides to free tools, such as the fact that few financial resources mean little to no resources to upkeep loads of servers. With few servers and loads of users, you can be sure that your Internet speeds will suffer dramatically and you’ll barely be able to stream anything. This can get annoying quite quickly.
The attraction of using free services is great, but in the end it’s really not worth it because you put yourself in too much risk instead of paying a few bucks each month.
Parting words
We know how annoying it is to see that HBO Max “stole” Friends from Netflix over in the US, but it’s not much you can do about the situation. However, you can use NordVPN to circumvent any blockades you may face, which is great, no matter where you live.
If you need a VPN for a short while when traveling for example, you can get our top ranked VPN free of charge. NordVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. You will need to pay for the subscription, that’s a fact, but it allows full access for 30 days and then you cancel for a full refund. Their no-questions-asked cancellation policy lives up to its name.
