Netflix shuts down reports Friends is leaving the service in UK
Streamer has insisted the beloved sitcom would remain on its catalogue
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Netflix has responded to reports that Friends is leaving its catalogue – assuring fans that the beloved sitcom is here to stay.
The streaming service shared a message from its Twitter account for the UK and Ireland, consisting of an image of Monica Geller (Courteney Cox) holding up seven fingers.
Along with the picture, Netflix wrote: “How many times we need to tell you Friends isn’t leaving.”
The tweet appears to be a response to reports that emerged in December 2018, and again on Wednesday, saying that Friends would possibly be removed from Netflix in 2019.
The firm spent a reported $100m (£77.7m) to keep the series on its platform for another year.
In the US, Netflix assuaged fans’ fears by tweeting at the time: “The Holiday Armadillo has granted your wish: Friends will still be there for you in the US throughout 2019” – a reference, of course, to the character invented by Ross Geller during a season seven episode, in which he tries to teach his young son Ben about Hanukkah.
Netflix UK and Ireland previously shared a message reading: ”The One Where Friends is Going Nowhere, Don’t Worry” after someone asked whether the sitcom would be removed from the service.
Netflix’s latest tweet comes as a network executive has indicated it would not be a good idea for WarnerMedia to keep sharing “crown jewels” such as Friends when it launches its own streaming platform soon.
“Sharing destination assets like that, it’s not a good model to share,” Kevin Reilly, the head of content for the forthcoming service, said according to The Hollywood Reporter. “They should be exclusive to the service.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments