This is the Real Reason ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Isn’t Streaming on Netflix in the United States and Probably Never Will
Fans of The Big Bang Theory have been desperate to see the famed sitcom hit the streaming giant Netflix. While Sheldon Cooper, Leonard Hofstadter and the rest of the gang can be seen on Netflix in several markets, the show is currently unavailable for streaming in the United States. Fans can purchase digital seasons on Amazon and TBS offers a few streaming episodes at a time through its over-the-top offering, but Netflix isn’t about to add the series and there is apparently an excellent reason. The Big Bang Theory will have a streaming home come the spring of 2020.
What regions have The Big Bang Theory on Netflix?
The Big Bang Theory may not stream on Netflix in the United States, but that doesn’t mean the acclaimed series isn’t available in other countries. The United Kingdom has been streaming the series on Netflix for quite some time. British subscribers currently have access to the show’s entire 12-season run.
The Netherlands, Australia, and Singapore recently added the series to their catalog, too. Although it appears that only the first seven seasons are available at the moment. Subscribers in Brazil, Colombia, Luxembourg, South Korea, and Thailand also have access to Sheldon Cooper’s antics via Netflix.
Where will U.S fans be able to stream The Big Bang Theory?
If you have no interest in purchasing individual seasons of the acclaimed show, you will eventually be able to stream it. In a landmark deal, HBO Max won the rights to stream The Big Bang Theory exclusively. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the deal could easily be worth billions, although the precise details of the agreement have not been released.
HBO Max happily forked over $425 million for the rights to Friends. The platform will be the only service streaming the iconic show for the next five years. The deal includes all 10 seasons of Friends and all 12 seasons of The Big Bang Theory for fans, along with plenty of other acclaimed series.
When will the show be available?
HBO Max is planning a pretty big entrance into the streaming competition. The service, backed by Warner Brothers, is set to debut in May 2020. The show is expected to be available for streaming on the day HBO Max officially launches, and it will be in good company. Friends will also join the streaming giant after being pulled from Netflix on Jan. 1.
Along with Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and some of HBO’s most beloved series, the streaming service will launch original content, as well, according to The Los Angeles Times. HBO max will be more expensive than its competitors. It is currently priced at $14.99. In comparison, Apple TV+ is presently being offered for $4.99 and Disney+ costs $6.99 per month. Netflix’s base subscription is $8.99 per month, while ad-free Hulu is retailing for $11.99 per month.
