It's a sad day for the Netflix-subscribed people of Scranton.
In a move that surprises no one but enrages everyone, NBC has officially announced its plans to pull all nine seasons of The Office from Netflix streaming, starting in 2021.
The series will then be re-homed to, you guessed it, NBCUniversal's exclusive streaming service — which will be free with ads to paying TV customers, but will reportedly run roughly the same cost of other streaming services for cable cutters. (More details on the service will be available closer to its launch in 2020.)
“The Office has become a staple of pop culture and is a rare gem whose relevance continues to grow at a time when fans have more entertainment choices than ever before,” said Bonnie Hammer, chairman of NBCUniversal direct-to-consumer and digital enterprises in NBC's official press release. “We can’t wait to welcome the gang from Dunder Mifflin to NBCUniversal’s new streaming service."
Netflix commented on the news via Twitter in typical diplomatic fashion.
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But many fans were less measured in their outrage. Some promised Michael Scott-style revenge.
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Others relied on the tried-and-true Kelly Kapoor indignation method.
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And plenty of us are struggling to cope altogether.
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For many, the content change marks the end of an era. The Office binges have become a standard practice for many Netflix subscribers, and the reality of impending subscription fatigue continues to deter many from even considering adding another service to their monthly bill.
Sigh. We loved you well, Dunder Mifflin. At least Friends is safe. (You know, for now.)
Topics Netflix The Office
