Netflix has confirmed Friends will stay on the streaming platform throughout 2019.
- READ MORE: 11 of the wildest Friends fan theories
Over the weekend, fans spotted a new date under the heading “Availability” on the programme’s landing page on the streaming platform. A section headed “details” suggested the show would only be available to view on Netflix until January 1, 2019. You can see that below on a screenshot of the US version of the site.
Netflix confirmed the show will remain on the UK version of the site. When a fan tweeted at the platform asking about the programme’s future, they responded: “The One Where Friends Is Going Nowhere, Don’t Worry.”
The One Where Friends is Going Nowhere, Don't Worry https://t.co/z5cxunwHA2
— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) December 3, 2018
They later issued another tweet reassuring US fans they would still be able to watch the hit show on Netflix too. “The Holiday Armadillo has granted your wish: “Friends” will still be there for you in the US throughout 2019,” the tweet read. A representative for Netflix also confirmed this to NME.
The Holiday Armadillo has granted your wish: “Friends” will still be there for you in the US throughout 2019 pic.twitter.com/Yd0VqRzk3r
— Netflix US (@netflix) December 3, 2018
Friends is expected to be removed from at least Netflix in the US at some point, however. It is expected to be included in Warner Bros.’ own streaming service, which is thought to be launching late next year.
Fans weren’t happy with the prospect of losing the show from their subscriptions, with many taking to Twitter to express their feelings about the show’s removal from the platform. “whoever decided to take friends off of netflix is a disgrace,” wrote one. “hulu here i come.”
“Friends is being taken off Netflix January first, which means it’s almost time to cancel my subscription,” added another. See those and more reactions below.
https://twitter.com/kmharris2003/status/1069290909995536386
Friends is being taken off Netflix January first, which means it’s almost time to cancel my subscription
— Vardges (@_Vardges) December 2, 2018
me finding out that Friends is getting taken off on netflix pic.twitter.com/obCbwDdOlz
— nicole (@anistonily) December 2, 2018
Ok if Netflix actually cancels friends I’m deleting my account
— Toni Lopez (@AntoinetteL0p3z) December 2, 2018
Friends is being taken off netflix.. this might be the worst news i’ve ever heard…
— Jenna Barrett (@jenna_barrett12) December 2, 2018
Earlier this year, Friends was revealed to be the UK’s most streamed show, beating the likes of The Grand Tour, The Crown, and Stranger Things.
All 10 seasons of the popular US sitcom arrived on Netflix in the UK in January 2018. New viewers were quick to criticise it for its lack of racial diversity, and sexist, sizeist, and homophobic jokes. Others raised questions about how the group could afford to live in such large apartments in New York on seemingly low wages.