Friends is officially returning to Channel 4 after 15 years

The iconic sitcom will be back on screens in January 2027, and fans will be able to watch it for free.

The Emmy Award-winning series will return to its original UK home after last airing on the broadcaster in 2011, giving viewers the chance to revisit one of television's most iconic comedies.

The show will be available to watch and stream for free on both Channel 4 and E4, making it easier than ever for fans to catch up with their favourite episodes.

First hitting screens in 1994, Friends follows six friends living in New York as they navigate relationships, careers and the ups and downs of everyday life.

The series stars Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green, Courteney Cox as Monica Geller, Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay, David Schwimmer as Ross Geller, Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani and Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing.

Across its 10 seasons, it became a global phenomenon, with its memorable storylines and characters continuing to attract new generations of viewers decades after it first aired.

Channel 4's director of content strategy, Kiran Nataraja, said the broadcaster was delighted to welcome the series back.

The show won six Emmy Awards during its run, including Outstanding Comedy Series in 2002.