• by Teresa Buyikian , Yesterday

Fans of the monster hit show “Friends” can now get a limited-edition “Friends” meal at McDonald’s—as long as they’re NOT in the U.S.

The decidedly American sitcom’s meal includes one of six collectible figurines from the iconic cast: Phoebe, Rachel, Chandler, Joey, Monica or Ross, along with an entrée, fries and a drink. The figurines include various character-related details,  such as Phoebe’s guitar or Joey and Chandler with“feathered friends” Chick and Duck. The “Friends” meal also includes a limited-edition Monica's Marinara sauce packet.

Created in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, the meal launched in Germany last week following a local promotion in Spain, and will continue to roll out to more than 55 counties (but not the U.S. or Canada) throughout 2026.

As to why the meal isn’t available in the U.S., a representative for McDonald’s told Marketing Daily via email: “We love that ‘Friends’ is such an enduring cultural phenomenon that it inspired a meal that fans can enjoy in other parts of the world. Across the globe, everything our market-specific teams do starts with our local fans -- and given the success abroad with the meal in Spain, we saw more opportunity to bring it to other global markets outside of the U.S. I know the U.S. has some exciting things in the works for its customers, so stay tuned."

U.S. consumers are already voicing their displeasure at the meal’s unavailability in America on social media, with Delish recently reporting such comments as “convinced McDonald’s hates America,” while another said, “bro I'm so disappointed yes they need to bring these to the USA.”

To promote the meal, the brand created the McDonald’s x Friends quiz, which matches customers’ real McDonald’s ordering behaviors to the “Friends” personalities. The online quiz and accompanying social media campaign drives user-generated content with integrations across the McDonald's app, TikTok filters and Instagram experiences. The campaign was created with OAG TBWA\Worldwide and Adam&Eve London, and also includes upcoming paid content across TV, online video, social and owned channels.