How to watch Friends on Netflix in 2024
If you are a fan of the much-beloved American sitcom Friends, you might be disappointed knowing Friends is unavailable on Netflix US. The popular show left the regional library in January 2020 due to licensing renegotiation. Thankfully, this change didn't affect other countries, meaning you can tune into Friends while traveling elsewhere.
Of course, going on a trip abroad seems troublesome just to watch Friends. Instead, we recommend using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to change your digital location and bypass Netflix's geographical restrictions. It'll allow you to watch Friends on Netflix in the US and anywhere else the show is unavailable.
This article will explain where to watch Friends and the list of the best VPNs for watching this show on Netflix no matter where you are.
How to watch Friends with a VPN
- Choose a well-performing streaming VPN – we recommend NordVPN.
- Download and install the software on your preferred home theater device.
- Launch the VPN app and create an account.
- Sit back and enjoy watching Friends on Netflix!
Why do you need a VPN to watch Friends online?
Practically all streaming services, including Netflix, have licensing and distribution agreements with movie production companies. In short, it means that streaming services can broadcast certain movies and TV shows only in specific regions, leading to different content libraries worldwide.
For example, Friends is available in Netflix libraries in the UK, Canada, Australia, and more. Meanwhile, the show can't be broadcast in the US because Max has the right to distribute the show there. Thus, Netflix subscribers in the US must use a streaming VPN to gain access to a foreign content library.
Additionally, a VPN encrypts your internet connection, thus enhancing your overall security and privacy. What’s more, it prevents your internet service provider from throttling your connection speed while streaming content. That means a high-quality virtual private network is versatile and helpful in many situations besides unlocking Friends.
Best VPNs to watch Friends on Netflix anywhere
- NordVPN – overall best VPN for watching Friends
- Surfshark VPN – budget-friendly VPN for streaming Friends
- Atlas VPN – best freemium VPN for unblocking Friends
It's crucial to point that that not every VPN can ensure an awesome streaming experience while unlocking Friends on Netflix. Let’s shed some light on the research criteria based on which we chose the top VPNs for this task.
- Ability to bypass geo-restrictions of almost all popular streaming platforms, especially Netflix
- Large server fleet to choose from in regions where Friends is available
- Security features and independently audited zero-logs policy
- Super-fast speeds to prevent buffering
- Compatibility with various operating systems and streaming devices
- Value for money
- Free trials and money-back guarantees
Since the market is overcrowded with VPNs, choosing the best with incredible streaming performance is an intimidating task. And so, we tested around 30 services to uncover the best out there. Let’s find out the features of each VPN provider, along with their perks and possible drawbacks.
1. NordVPN – best VPN for watching Friends
The top option for watching Friends on Netflix is NordVPN. The service operates an impressive fleet of over 5900 servers in 60+ countries. With this VPN, you can enjoy a great streaming experience since it has solid bypassing capabilities and allows you to access countless geo-restricted shows anywhere. Besides Netflix, NordVPN is an excellent contender for Max, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming services.
NordVPN customers will enjoy blazing-fast connection speeds thanks to the proprietary NordLynx protocol. Moreover, the service won’t disappoint you on the security front too. For example, you're protected using a reliable zero-logs policy, 100% RAM-only servers, AES-256 encryption, and two kill switches on most platforms.
One NordVPN account permits up to 6 simultaneous connections. If that's somehow not enough, consider installing the VPN on a router. Additionally, using Smart DNS doesn't count towards the connection limit and enables you to unlock content on devices without VPN app support.
All these perks are within reach for a mere $2.99/month. Best of all, you're free to change your mind later, thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee. On the other hand, you can also start off with the risk-free 7-day trial on the Google Play Store.
2. SurfsharkVPN – streaming-centric VPN for unlimited devices
Surfshark is an excellent choice for unblocking Friends on Netflix if you need a VPN for your entire family and their extended relatives. The service grants impressive performance, is reasonably priced, and supports unlimited simultaneous connections with one subscription.
Surfshark ensures buffer-free streaming with the WireGuard tunneling protocol. Moreover, it easily bypasses geo-restrictions and allows you to access Friends and other shows on top streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more.
With over 3200 servers in 100 countries, Surfshark unlocks an unfathomable variety of foreign content. Furthermore, its impressive variety of security features makes it a top choice for those who want to stream Friends without worrying about privacy issues.
Get Surfshark VPN on your side for a paltry sum of $1.99/month. Consider grabbing the 7-day free trial on your preferred mobile app store if you're having second thoughts. Otherwise, don't hesitate to take advantage of the generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. Atlas VPN – freemium VPN for watching Friends
Atlas VPN is a worthwhile freemium VPN that supports several popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, Max, and others. Most importantly, the 1000+ server fleet across 42+ countries has more than enough variety for unlocking Friends and other coveted pieces of cinema from abroad.
Users should combine the specialized Streaming servers with the cutting-edge WireGuard protocol for a flawless movie-watching experience. You can also enjoy unprecedented browsing speeds using the available 10 Gbps servers.
On the other hand, you're not strapped for choice if security is your priority. For example, MultiHop+ servers allow you to route your connection through multiple VPN servers while intermittently changing your location. Plus, Breach Scanner will make sure your personal information isn't making the rounds on exposed databases.
Although the service offers a free plan, it's unsuitable for changing your Netflix region and unlocking Friends. Therefore, we suggest investing $1.64/month in a premium subscription for the best results. And don't worry if your expectations aren't met because each plan includes a lengthy 30-day money-back guarantee.
Where to watch Friends
Friends is unavailable in many countries on Netflix - not to mention in the US, where the streaming giant does not have the right to broadcast the infamous TV show. On the flip side, you can watch it on several alternative streaming sites if you're an American resident.
Here's a table covering your options to view Friends based on streaming service and location. It'll make it easier to find the perfect VPN connection spot.
| Streaming service | Countries where you can watch Friends |
| Netflix | UK, Australia, India, Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Turkey, Switzerland |
| Amazon Prime | UK, US |
| Max | US |
| Binge | Australia |
| Crave | Canada |
What else can you watch with VPN on Netflix?
Netflix libraries vary based on location. You might have the opportunity to watch some shows in a particular region but cannot view them in others. So, to watch your desired show, use a VPN to change your location to a specific country.
Here are some popular shows you can watch on Netflix using a VPN.
| Show Name | Number of seasons available | Genre |
| FUBAR | 1 | Action & Adventure, Drama, Comedy |
| All American | 2 | Drama |
| S.W.A.T. | 6 | Crime, Action & Adventure, Drama |
| Fake Profile | 1 | Drama |
| Manifest | 4 | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi & Fantasy |
| La Reina del Sur | 3 | Drama, Crime |
| Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story | 1 | Drama |
| The Ultimatum: Queer Love | 1 | Reality |
| Barbecue Showdown | 2 | Reality |
| Tale of the Nine Tailed | 1 | Fantasy, Action, Romance, Horror |
Can I use a free VPN to watch Friends on Netflix?
Briefly put, using a free VPN to watch Friends is not a viable option. Most notably, free VPNs have inferior unblocking capabilities, abysmal connection speeds, minuscule server options, and unreasonable monthly data caps. These aspects make it virtually impossible to alter your Netflix region and access Friends abroad.
Even worse, some free VPNs collect and sell your personal information to third parties since you're not paying for a subscription. After all, how else are they supposed to stay afloat?
As such, the most surefire method to watch Friends for free is using a free trial of premium VPNs. here are some of our suggestions:
- NordVPN – The best option for those who are on a tight budget and want to stream their favorite shows without compromising speed and security. You can try it for 7 days or opt for a premium plan and avail of its 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark – The top choice for those who need unlimited simultaneous connections. You can try it free for 7 days or sign up for a paid plan for an additional 30 days.
- Atlas VPN – The best freemium VPN offers 5 GB of monthly data on the free plan. This reliable costless VPN offers excellent speed, security features, and more.
VPN not working while trying to watch Friends
Many potential roadblocks can get in the way of your efforts to unblock Friends abroad. And while the chances of encountering issues with a reliable VPN are low, they're not zero. As such, it's worth familiarizing yourself with some potential problems and their solutions.
- Your streaming service has upgraded its geo-blocking protocols and blacklisted your VPN's servers.
- Your device's GPS location and IP address are mismatched.
- Your VPN has poor unblocking capabilities.
- Your actual IP address is leaking.
- Cookies on your device are letting the streaming service know your actual location.
If you face any of these issues, here are the solutions that help you can try to resolve these issues:
- Turn on the leak protection setting on your VPN.
- Try a different browser.
- Clear all caches and cookies from your device.
- Contact the VPN's customer support team for assistance.
- Try a reliable VPN that can unblock almost all popular streaming sites, such as NordVPN.
Everything you should know about Friends
Friends is one of the most famous American classic sitcoms aired in 1994 and has 10 seasons. Although the season ended in 2004, this iconic TV series is still popular. This show revolves around the story of six friends living in New York.
Moving on to characters of this TV series, it follows six friends — Rachel, Ross, Chandler, Joey, Monica, and Phoebe, each with their unique personalities and quirks.
Friends is famous for its witty humor and iconic catchphrases. Throughout the series, you can watch the characters navigating through love, life, career changes, and all sorts of pitfalls.
This show is full of entertainment and has everything from Monica's wedding and Chandler and Monica's surprise adoption to Ross's on-again, off-again relationship with Rachel.
The show has garnered much appreciation for its strong script, humorous characters, and timeless appeal. Even though it's off-air now, its cultural phenomenon still attracts new fans.
As a whole, Friends has left an indelible mark on pop culture. Watch this show if you are looking for good humor or a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Final thoughts
Suffice to say, Friends is everyone’s all-time favorite show. However, it's not available on Netflix for US residents. But it's still possible to watch this iconic series with your friends anywhere in the world using a VPN.
With a VPN, you can access any streaming site, like Netflix, and bypass geo-restrictions. No matter where you live, it's easy to stream this content without worrying about security issues. We recommend you try NordVPN, which can unblock many popular streaming sites and help you watch your favorite shows. So get ready to relive the iconic 90’s show with your friends.
FAQ
What countries have Friends on Netflix?
The TV show Friends is available in these Netflix regions – Australia, Switzerland, Italy, Turkey, Belgium, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. Most importantly, it's completely unavailable in the US (unless you have a reliable VPN like NordVPN).
Is Friends on Netflix?
Yes, friends is available in certain Netflix regions like Australia, the UK, France, Germany, and more. On the other hand, it's unavailable in the expansive Netflix US library.
Where can I watch Friends online?
You can watch Friends on various Netflix libraries, such as UK, Australia, and Belgium. Alternatively, you can watch the show on other streaming services like Max, Binge, Crave, and Amazon Prime Video.
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