Netflix losing two most popular shows as competitors launch new streaming services

A new HBO streaming service will have exclusive rights to all 236 episodes of the sitcom “Friends,” taking away another one of Netflix’s most popular series as competitors launch new streaming services. 

WarnerMedia unveiled HBO Max on Tuesday, announcing it will also exclusively stream “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” “Pretty Little Liars” and “Riverdale” spinoff “Katy Keene,” according to a release shared by Business Wire. 

Netflix has reportedly paid $100 million to WarnerMedia for the rights to stream Friends through 2019. {mosads}

Netflix lost another popular series, “The Office,” as the show returns to its original network NBC. 

NBC announced in June it will begin exclusively streaming the comedy on its standalone streaming service beginning in 2021, Variety reports.  

According to Vox, Netflix viewing data shows the two comedy series were the most viewed on the streaming service. “The Office” accounted for more than 7 percent of all Netflix views, and “Friends” accounted for about 4 percent from January-November 2018. 

HBO also plans to create a range of original content for its new streaming service, according to the company release. 

The streaming service will also have exclusive movie production deals with Academy Award-winning actress and producer Reese Witherspoon.