McDonald’s has been leaning hard into nostalgia lately, and 2026 is already shaping up to be a big year for throwbacks.
From secret menu drops to the return of old favourites, the fast food giant has made it clear it’s got Millennials firmly in its sights. Now, it’s gone one step further by tapping into one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time.
The fast food chain recently announced its team-up with Warner Bros to bring Friends back to UK restaurants in the form of what many fans are already calling an ‘adult Happy Meal’. Launched on Tuesday, 3 February, the collaboration bundles together a classic McDonald’s meal with collectable extras and themed packaging designed to hit peak 90s nostalgia.
At its core, the Friends Meal includes a Big Mac, McPlant, or nine Chicken McNuggets, plus fries and a drink, all served in specially designed packaging. Each meal also comes with a small collectable figurine, with dinky versions of Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler, and Ross available. There’s even a limited-edition dip called Monica’s Marinara, alongside shareboxes and probably the biggest draw of all: Friends-themed McCafé cups.
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However, while the figurines are guaranteed with each meal, the same can’t be said for the Friends mugs, and this is where things get tricky.
For the four Friends-themed mugs you can get from McDonald’s, you won’t be able to just order them at one of the restaurant’s counters. In fact, you can’t buy them at all. There are only 4,000 mug sets available nationwide, and the only way to get your hands on one is by winning it through the McDonald’s app after purchasing a Friends Meal.
Each mug features a different design, including the iconic orange sofa, Monica’s yellow peephole frame, the fountain from the opening credits, and the Central Perk logo. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Only by purchasing one of the Friends Meals on the McDonald’s app will give you a chance to win one of these special exclusive cups.
Fans elsewhere have already had a taste of the collaboration. The meal was previously launched in Spain to mark the show’s 30th anniversary and has since appeared in Germany, Cyprus, and Australia, with social media reaction ranging from excitement to full-blown fear of missing out.
When the UK collab was first announced, one Reddit user summed up the mood perfectly, writing: “Ooh omg!!!! I'll be buying that for the toy, which is a feeling I haven't felt for like 25 years.” Another added: “Suddenly i’m getting on the next flight to Spain.”
At least now, the latter won’t have to if they’re based in the United Kingdom.
Topics: McDonalds , TV and Film
Ben Williams