The show Friends is one that is favored by many. Rachel Green, Ross Geller, Monica Geller, Joey Tribbiani, Chandler Bing and Phoebe Buffay are “20 to 30 something year-olds” living with one another in the heart of New York City, Manhattan. Over the course of ten years, the six friends go through a lot; between family trouble, romances, fights, laughs, tears and surprises, they learn what it really means to be true friends. Viewers relate to the six characters through their jokes, struggles, and joy.

Recently, there was a rumor stating that Netflix would be deleting the show off their website as of January 1, 2019. After hearing this, many, teens especially, didn’t take it too well. Their responses were very harsh. On Twitter, some who heard this were very frustrated. For example, many kept talking about unsubscribing to Netflix if they decide to delete the show.  Christine Ding (12) agreed,  saying how  “that is the only show that keeps [her] in a good mood on a regular basis.”

Thankfully, Netflix announced that “the holiday armadillo has granted your wish; ‘Friends’ will still be there for you in the US throughout 2019.” It is questioned why would Netflix even think about deleting such a popular and favored show. Apparently, the license for a TV series or movie is only set for a certain period of time, which means every title eventually comes up for renewal. At that point, many factors are taken into consideration to determine if the title should be renewed. There are also times when it isn’t up to Netflix to renew, such as when a licensing period ends and a show or movie goes to another TV channel or service. In other circumstances, Netflix works with studio partners on a rotating selection of content or  Netflix can’t renew it and puts the money towards other content that is popular. According to the New York Times, Netflix is willing to pay around $100 million for the rights to continue streaming the show until the end of 2019, which is an increase from the $30 million that Netflix previously paid.

Although other shows will never replace the show Friends, there are many similar shows if Friends  ever did get deleted. For example, there is How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory, That 70s Show, and The Office. In addition,  Seinfeld, Brooklyn 99, Arrested Development, and Parks and Recreation could be other great options.