Friends is staying on Netflix, at least for now

Variety

Fans of Friends reruns on Netflix series went into a tizzy after a message on Netflix's Friends page stated that the series was "Available Until 01/01/2019," which led to a petition to save Friends on Netflix. Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos told The Hollywood Reporter today the "departure is a rumor." The message has since been deleted from the Netflix Friends page. The message seemed believable because WarnerMedia is planning to launch its own streaming service, and it is believed that Friends will be major part of its package. But Entertainment Weekly and Variety are reporting that there may be talks between Netflix and Warner Bros. TV for the streaming service to retain the streaming rights. Friends, which debuted on Netflix on Jan. 1, 2019, has been one of its most popular shows. UPDATE: Netflix tweets Friends will be available "throughout 2019."