This story has been updated to reflect the most recent developments.
Friends is NOT leaving Netflix, despite information on the streaming service over the weekend leading many fans to believe it was.
The enduringly popular series has been on Netflix for several years now, whenever fans needed a good laugh — or even a good cry.
So they went into a frenzy when it looked like the streaming giant was removing the hit series from its archives.
From the relationship evolution of Ross (David Schwimmer) and Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) to the unlikely pairing of Monica (Courteney Cox) and Chandler (Matthew Perry), the show has been a staple for many Netflix viewers for years.
Even though it has been 15 years since the series’ official season finale aired on NBC, the show is still widely popular in both the United States and the United Kingdom. So it’s no wonder fans were left freaking out after being left thinking that it was being taken off the streaming service.
WHAT DID FRIENDS EVER DO TO YOU @netflix pic.twitter.com/9DgJKhYiMN
— jenn? (@Jennwybieracki_) December 2, 2018
However, Netflix’s chief content officer Ted Sarandos has since revealed that the claims were just “a rumor”. While the show’s departure may still happen at some point in the future (see below), it is staying on Netflix for now.
Friends being taken off Netflix rumor
It appeared that Friends was leaving Netflix on January 1, 2019, after user accounts began showing a notification saying the programme was “available until 01/01/2019”.
That would have meant there was less than a month for people to get their Friends fix in before the show left the streaming giant.
This did not go over well with viewers, who took to social media to vent their frustrations.
Can’t sleep so was trying to enjoy some Friends.. then Netflix gives me the notification that friends is LEAVING NETFLIX ON JANUARY 1st.
My day is ruined at only 7:30 am.. and also my 2019.— bri? (@brimillllla) December 2, 2018
Since then, the “January 1” departure date has been removed from the Friends’ show page on Netflix.
Why would Friends leave Netflix at all?
Friends leaving Netflix at some point is still a very real possibility. Why? Because WarnerMedia, which produced the show, looks set to launch its own streaming platform next year — a move they announced back in October. Disney is also launching a similar service.
If Friends is eventually taken off Netflix, one thing’s for sure — it isn’t going to go down well with fans. Aside from the usual upset tweets this time around, some even threatened to cancel their subscriptions to the streaming giant.
FRIENDS IS LEAVING NETFLIX ON JANUARY 1ST.
In other news, I will be canceling my Netflix subscription on January 1st.
— •Katie (@katietheasian1) December 2, 2018
Friend is officially leaving Netflix on January 1st I am cancelling my subscription you guys are the worst @netflix
— olivia ℠ ? (@o_goodman) December 2, 2018
WarnerMedia has not yet commented on Friends and the potential for it leaving Netflix. Stay tuned!