Netflix quietly removing one of most watched shows of all time - fans are furious

Could we BE any more gutted?

It's officially happening - it's time to, as Rachel Green would say, 'go on a break' as one of Netflix's most beloved shows is being removed from the streaming platform.

Unfortunately yes, if you didn't already guess, we are talking about Friends.

Fans have been horrified to discover that the iconic American sitcom will be leaving Netflix in the UK and Ireland at the end of this month - 30 December to be specific.

The TV show ran from 1994 to 2004 and has been a staple on the streamer's catalogue for years.

If you've been living under a rock and aren't familiar, it follows the lives of six friends who are living in Manhattan, New York City - Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), Rachel Green, (Jennifer Aniston), Monica Geller (Courtney Cox), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Joey Tribbiani (Matt Le Blanc) and Chandler Bing (the late Matthew Perry).

Fans are heartbroken after finding out that Friends is leaving Netflix at the end of the month (NBC)

For millions of people around the world, it's become a comfort show and a firm favourite, with fans reeling off iconic lines and moments from the show in their day-to-day lives, so it's safe to say, people are devastated.

It has not yet been announced which streamer it will move to, so fans will simply have to hold tight for now and make the most of it before it disappears.

If you have the time, we suggest grabbing all your pals, a load of snacks, and attempting to do a mammoth rewatch.

According to the BBC, the timing is interesting, as it comes as HBO Max, which carries the show in the US, is preparing to launch in the UK, so it could hopefully end up there.

It also airs on Comedy Central and Channel 5 in the UK, so you can catch the odd episode there to tide you over.

Friends is one of the most successful sitcoms out there, so of course fans are devastated it's set to leave Netflix in the new year (Warner Bros. Television)

Nonetheless, as we say, fans have been taken to social media to express their shock and sadness at the surprise move.

One Twitter user angrily penned: "@netflix Why, Why, Why is #Friends leaving #Netflix. SHAME ON YOU!!!!" while a second added: "What will I watch while breathing now??? That's it No Netflix after this month!!! #Friends #Netflix."

And a third demanded: "You cannot take friends off Netflix. It is my anti-depressant at night. Every night without fail I watch it @NetflixUK."

A fourth wrote: "I'm gonna cancel my Netflix subscription if they really get rid of friends by the end of the year."

"Sorry but @netflix needs to sort this out, why the hell are they getting rid of friends and big bang theory. I’m cancelling my Netflix subscription as soon as they’ve gone. Nothing else that’s half decent on there!" wrote another.

The beloved show has been a Netflix staple for years (NBC)

And someone else angrily penned: "How can @netflix be taking friends off in UK? Literally the ONLY thing I go onto Netflix everyday for, I watch it non stop back to back, my absolute comfort show, may as well cancel my subscription."

Another devastated fan agreed: "I have Friends on as background noise and have done for YEARS. Can’t sleep? Friends. When I was studying in Uni? Friends. When I’m having a bad day? Friends. The fact Netflix UK is taking it off… I honestly can’t believe it."

Hear, hear!