Why has The Inbetweeners been removed from YouTube?

It doesn’t seem to be for the reason people are thinking

The Inbetweeners fans are in uproar after realising that the sitcom is no longer available to watch on YouTube's streaming service – although it’s not for the reason they’re thinking.

Every episode of the sitcom is now unavailable to view on the platform and no official reason has been given for the removal, but YouTube has confirmed it had no involvement in the decision.

Viewers hoping to watch The Inbetweeners on YouTube are met with the words: “This channel doesn’t have any content.”

The news comes after shows including Little Britain and The League of Gentlemen were taken down from BBC iPlayer, Britbox and Netflix amid concerns about its use of blackface and racist humour.

However, while some are wondering whether The Inbetweeners is the latest comedy show to be axed from streaming services, C4 has confirmed the decision is due to copyright reasons.

“The rights owner of The Inbetweeners (outside the UK) has changed from DRG to Banijay Group, so the standalone YouTube channel showing The Inbetweeners content has been taken down for the time being," a C4 spokesperson said. "Full episodes are still available on All 4.”

Fans were quick to criticise the removal on social media, although others were on hand to assure people it was due to the show’s arrival on BritBox.

The Inbetweeners, which originally aired on C4, stars Simon Bird, Blake Harrison, Joe Thomas and James Buckley.

The Independent has contacted YouTube and BritBox for comment.