We’ve long known this day was coming, but here it is: Netflix announced that The Office — which is to say the American version of the British instant classic, and one of the most watched pieces of content on the streaming giant — will be leaving for NBCUniversal’s forthcoming streaming service at the beginning of 2021.
We're sad that NBC has decided to take The Office back for its own streaming platform — but members can binge watch the show to their hearts' content ad-free on Netflix until January 2021
— Netflix (@netflix) June 25, 2019
“We’re sad that NBC has decided to take The Office back for its own streaming platform — but members can binge watch the show to their hearts’ content ad-free on Netflix until January 2021,” Netflix wrote on their Twitter account.
At their advance warning comes with ample preparatory time; Michael Scott and company won’t be skedaddling for a whole 18 months. That leaves you plenty of time to do your multiple spins through all nine seasons.
Of course, don’t forget to devote some time to another long-running NBC comedy program leaving an entire year prior to The Office: All 10 seasons of Friends will also be heading to NBCUniversal, but at the start of 2020, not 2021. If you’re wondering why The Office will be hanging around a little longer, that’s because Netflix — who paid a fortune to keep Friends through 2019 — also paid a fortune for The Office for even longer.
Reminder: Netflix paid $80M-$100M to keep #Friends for 2019 https://t.co/0mxkv09zol https://t.co/zutgsBCxqi
— Lesley Goldberg (@Snoodit) June 25, 2019
Keep in mind, you can also turn on your television and watch both The Office and Friends, which air fairly non-stop on syndication. And remember: If it seems like one day there will be nothing on Netflix worth watching, there’s always new Adam Sandler movies.
