Our worries have been confirmed: The Office is saying good-bye to Netflix in 2021.
NBCUniversal announced the move Tuesday, confirming the hit workplace comedy will leave the platform at the end of next year once its contract with Netflix is over. This is disappointing news not only for fans, but also for the streaming giant, as The Office is reportedly its No. 1 show.
So, where can you watch all nine seasons of The Office once 2021 rolls in? Exclusively on NBCUniversal's forthcoming streaming platform.
"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," Bonnie Hammer, chairman of NBCUniversal direct-to-consumer and digital enterprises, said in a statement. "We can’t wait to welcome the gang from Dunder Mifflin to NBCUniversal’s new streaming service."
According to CNBC, a source with knowledge on the matter claims Netflix made a $90 million offer to extend its streaming rights to the cult comedy; however, NBCUniversal came through with the winning bid of $100 million. It's also worth noting that the sitcom was produced by Universal Television—a subsidiary of the NBCUniversal Television Group—in association with Deedle-Dee Productions and Reveille Productions.
The American version of The Office premiered in March 2005, and went on to receive both commercial and critical success. Throughout its eight-year run, the show received a number of prestigious accolades, including multiple Emmys, NAACP Image Awards, a Peabody, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Golden Globe.
NBCUniversal's ad-supported streamer, which is expected to launch next year, will feature movies and TV programs from the company and outside studios as well original programming.
