Fans of The Big Bang Theory will need to find a new streaming home for the beloved sitcom as it departs Netflix in several regions throughout 2025. Despite its enduring popularity, all 12 seasons—totaling 279 episodes—are set to leave Netflix in phases, aligning with the global rollout of Max (formerly HBO Max).
Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and how it might affect fans worldwide.
Where and When Is The Big Bang Theory Leaving Netflix?
The departure starts on January 1, 2025, with Asian territories such as Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Hong Kong being the first to lose access. The final streaming date for these regions is December 30, 2024. Throughout the year, additional regions, including Australia, the UK, South Africa, and Germany, will see the show removed.
- Australia: Streaming rights extend until June 30, 2025, marking a mid-year departure.
- United Kingdom: The series will remain until December 31, 2025.
- South Africa and Germany: The show will also leave by the end of 2025.
Notably, the United States remains unaffected, as The Big Bang Theory has never been available on Netflix US. Instead, it remains exclusive to Max, along with the spin-off series Young Sheldon, which joined Max in late 2023.
Why Is The Big Bang Theory Leaving Netflix?
The decision to pull The Big Bang Theory from Netflix is part of a larger strategy by Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns Max. As Max expands into new territories, Warner Bros. is reclaiming rights to its flagship content, aiming to make Max the exclusive home for hit series like Friends and The Big Bang Theory.
By centralizing popular titles on its own platform, Max hopes to attract more subscribers in regions where it is newly launching. However, whether this approach will drive sign-ups remains to be seen.
The Show’s Continued Popularity on Netflix
Even with limited availability on Netflix—streaming in just over a dozen regions—The Big Bang Theory continues to pull impressive viewership numbers. According to Netflix’s Engagement Reports, each season garnered between 4 to 4.8 million views in the first half of 2024. These consistent metrics highlight the sitcom’s enduring appeal, years after its 2019 finale.
Max’s Global Expansion and the Fate of Other Shows
The timeline for The Big Bang Theory’s removal aligns with Max’s global rollout. For example:
- Australia: Max is expected to launch in the first half of 2025, coinciding with the show’s June exit from Netflix.
- United Kingdom: Max’s UK launch has been delayed until 2026, explaining why the show will remain available there until the end of 2025.
Additionally, other popular series like Friends and Rick & Morty are also being reclaimed by Max in these regions, hinting at a broader shift in Warner Bros.’ streaming strategy.
What’s Next for Fans?
Fans in affected regions will need to sign up for Max to continue enjoying The Big Bang Theory. Meanwhile, Young Sheldon, a spin-off chronicling Sheldon Cooper’s childhood, remains available on Netflix in some regions, providing an alternative for viewers looking to stay in the Big Bang universe.
While the change may disappoint longtime fans, it’s a reminder of the ever-evolving streaming landscape, where rights and exclusivity often dictate availability.
