Warner Bros.
"Friends"
- Netflix is investing heavily in original content, but licensed shows are still popular for the streaming giant.
- Here are 10 old TV shows that are popular with young audiences, thanks in large part to Netflix.
It's easier than ever for young TV viewers to discover new (old) shows thanks to streaming libraries.
Shows like "Friends" and "Supernatural" have been discovered by new audiences even though the former ended 15 years ago and the latter is in its 14th season. Both shows are available to stream on Netflix.
Television-tracking app TV Time provided Business Insider the 10 most popular old TV shows among viewers aged 13-17, based on data from its 12 million global users.
Netflix has built a robust library of original TV shows and movies, and will continue to invest heavily in original content (it's expected to spend $15 billion on content this year, according to Variety). Licensed shows are still a huge asset for the streaming giant, though.
The internet exploded in December when a note on the Netflix "Friends" page said the show would be unavailable beginning in 2019. Netflix quickly removed the note, and assured users that the show would be available through 2019 after striking a deal with AT&T, which will be able to include the show on its own streaming service that it is expected to launch later this year.
Netflix is paying up to $100 million for the rights to "Friends," The New York Times reported, up from the $30 million it was spending for the show before.
Other old TV shows not on Netflix have found new life, as well, like "The Simpsons," the new season of which is available on Hulu.
Below are 10 old TV shows being discovered by young audiences: