“Friends” becomes the second major sitcom to be removed from Netflix’s stable, following NBCUniversal’s decision last month to remove “The Office” from beginning in 2021, to use for its own upcoming streaming service. HBO Max will also have a bevy of original content including four Greg Berlanti-produced films and two romantic comedies from Reese Witherspoon. HBO Max has slated seven original series for the service, including a “Dune” spinoff from Denis Villeneuve (who is also directing the big-screen reboot), the Ansel Elgort-starring “Tokyo Vice” and a “Gremlins” animated series. “HBO Max will bring together the diverse riches of WarnerMedia to create programming and user experiences not seen before in a streaming platform. HBO’s world-class programming leads the way, the quality of which will be the guiding principle for our new array of Max Originals, our exciting acquisitions, and the very best of the Warner Bros. libraries, starting with the phenomenon that is ‘Friends,’” Robert Greenblatt, chairman, WarnerMedia Entertainment and Direct-To-Consumer, said. “Under the leadership of two of the strongest creative visionaries — Casey Bloys (HBO) and Kevin Reilly (original content and acquisitions) — and two of the most experienced digital experts — Tony Goncalves and Andy Forssell — I have no doubt they and their dedicated teams will deliver the world’s best storytelling to audiences of all ages wherever and whenever they want it.” The expected high price point is due to HBO’s existing contracts with TV providers. The pay cable network already has its own standalone service (HBO Now) that costs $15 a month, the same as its pay-TV subscription price. WarnerMedia would risk violating contracts if it charged a lesser price for an over-the-top (OTT) subscription. Netflix’s subscriptions go between $9-$16 a month, while Hulu offers plans that start at $6 a month. Disney+, which will be available on Nov. 12, is starting at $7 a month. HBO Max joins a crowded field of newcomers in the streaming arena, which will see Apple and Disney enter the market this year and NBCUniversal coming in alongside WarnerMedia in 2020. You can see a logo for HBO Max below:The One Where We Have To Say Goodbye.
— Netflix (@netflix) July 9, 2019
We’re sorry to see Friends go to Warner's streaming service at the beginning of 2020 (in The US). Thanks for the memories, gang ☕
![HBO Max logo - black](https://i0.wp.com/www.thewrap.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/HBO-Ma-logo-black.jpg?resize=618%2C412)