Why 'Friends' is no longer as funny as it used to be Go ahead and fall in love with the characters all over again. Just don't expect them to love you back. May 24, 2021 — 12:05pm Text size Copy shortlink: In the opening moments of a 2000 episode of "Friends," Monica is trying to convince the gang that she doesn't have the flu when there's a knock on the apartment door. The six characters react as if Central Perk just ran out of coffee. Who dares to intrude on their exclusive club? The moment probably won't make the highlight reel during "Friends: The Reunion," available Thursday on HBO Max, but it's one of the most telling bits in the sitcom's 10-year run.