Friends is one of the oldest yet timeless sitcoms, created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman. It was aired on NBC on 22nd September 1994. It is based on the story of 6 friends who, despite having unique personalities, get through challenges in their 20s related to family, career, relationships, etc while sticking together during good and bad times. The beauty of the show is that it portrays the whole struggle as satirical. ‘Friends’ is not available on Hulu directly. Although, you can watch it by linking Hulu on HBO max app or browser. Hulu base plan starts from $6.99/month above which, HBO Max add-on costs $14.99/month after 7 days free trial, ends unless cancelled.
This way of watching it just adds another layer to its access. Instead, there are several other platforms where the show is streamed. Also, if you’re a subscriber of Hulu, you might as well try watching Brooklyn 99, a similarly fresh comedy TV show.
Steps to Watch Friends on Hulu
- Go to HBO Max mobile app or browser
- On the sign-in page, DO NOT go ahead with your regular info. Instead, click on ‘link your provider’.
- Click on Hulu and then login the way you do for HBO Max.
You have to follow the above step only once whenever you’re linking it to any new device.
The Complicacy No One Signed Up For
Apparently, Hulu advertisements have been misleading which is the cause of outrage among the users. It is being said that AT&T is withholding HBO Max from many providers. Hence, people with Hulu subscriptions along with HBO max add on are not able to see any exclusive content, which fails the basic motive. They’re stuck with original HBO content on 3rd party platforms.
Users are paying extra for adding HBO max on Hulu and still missing on to major content. This is making people cancel Hulu with HBO max subscription altogether and go to HBO directly instead.
Alternative Ways to Watch Friends
‘Friends’ can be watched on Google Play, Microsoft Store, iTunes, Direct TV, VUDU. You can watch all episodes here by purchasing them.
| Alternatives | Links |
| iTunes | https://tv.apple.com/us |
| Microsoft Store | https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/season-1/8d6kgwzldj9m?activetab=pivot:overviewtab |
| Google Store | https://play.google.com/store/tv/show?id=9gafBzJ8wOk&cdid=tvseason-dpSN0ll1z2ybNIIEZo-P6w&hl=en&gl=US |
| VUDU | https://www.vudu.com/content/movies/tvlist |
| DirectTV | https://www.directv.com//tv/FOX-and-Friends-UW1uODBwRXNCOHM9/Episode-dkF4VmdoeXgvNlFHaTdkRHA2TjUvQT09 |
- You can watch Apple TV+ on apple TV, iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Airplay. iTunes gives you a free trial for 7 days and then it costs $4.99/month.
Note: The current offers help new subscribers get 6 months of Apple Music free with eligible Air Pods, HomePod speaker or Beats headphones. Also, you get complimentary 3 months of Apple TV+ on buying a new iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Tv or Mac (T&C apply).
- On Microsoft Store, you can buy all 10 seasons for $19.99 each.
- While on the other hand, each season costs $9.99 on Google Store.
- For Vudu as well, each season costs $19.99 and here, you can buy a single episode at $1.99.
- DirectTV offers several packages among which the cheapest is DirectTV entertainment, 160+ channel access (including Cartoon Network, Comedy Central, ESPN etc), and costs $74.99/month (plus taxes for 24 months).
Conclusion
Friends is a heartfelt show which is popular among all ages because of its relatable content. Due to TV politics, it is not available on Hulu directly, though it can still be watched on Hulu through HBO max. It is also streamed on multiple other platforms like Google Play, Microsoft Store, iTunes, Direct TV, VUDU, which offer equally rich content with competitive prices and offers.
Just the unavailability of Friends doesn’t make Hulu any less of an option among other streaming platforms. There are several other features that Hulu has, such as Hulu Live TV and Watch party to virtually watch movies with friends. Like Netflix and Amazon, Hulu also creates its original content. Its content is much more varied, accessible, and discoverable now. It also gives the provision of parental control.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Friends available on Netflix?
In the US, Friends is not streaming on Netflix anymore (Taken down on 1st January 2020) but there are other selective countries like India where Friends is among the most-watched series.
- Is Friends available on Amazon?
Friends cannot be watched on Amazon even with the subscription. It can be bought as per both, episode, and season, costing $2.99 and $19.99 respectively.
- How and where can I watch Friends for free?
Piracy is a federal crime and leads to imprisonment for more than a year if found guilty. Currently, Friends can only be watched on the above-mentioned VOD platforms. There is no legal way of watching or downloading it for free. One shall restrict themselves from accessing it by unlawful means.
- Is Hulu Watch Party free for users?
Yes, Hulu Watch Party is free for all users having the Hulu subscription.
