Although these characters would probably never truly exist in real life (after all who can afford such an apartment in NYC on a waitress' salary) the problems they face are certainly real. Rachel and Ross have been through all stages of a relationship; throughout that time I know I could realte to them at every step. Ross has been through a divorce and is now helping to raise his son even though his ex-wife does not always include him. Pheobe is continually coming to terms with her shattered family, and Monica and Ross still behave in classic sister-brother fashion. The show uses comedy to deal with difficult situations, giving the viewers a release from the stresses of day-to-day life.

According to executive producers Kevin Bright, Marta Kauffman and David Crane: "'Friends' is a show about love, sex, careers and a time in life when everything is possible. It's about searching for commitment and security -- and a fear of commitment and security. And, most of all, it's a show about friendship -- because when a person is young and single in the city, friends and family are synonymous." These creators of the show have won critical acclaim and rating success along with the cast. Since its debut season (1994-95), "Friends" has received 12 Emmy nominations, including two for Outstanding Comedy Series. Additionally, the cast won a Screen Actors Guild award in 1996 for Outstanding Ensemble Performance in a Comedy Series. (Information provided by NBC.com).

"FRIENDS," along with other NBC comedies, have a large following among members of GenerationX. Over 100 web sites about the show are in existance, as well as fan clubs, and informal groups of people who talk about the show in day-to-day conversation. Most of my friends watch the show, and in fact we all watch it together and talk about it afterward. As I walk around campus I can also pick up bits of conversation about the show and hear people using popular phrases derived from "FRIENDS."

In addition to conversation, members of GenerationX are displaying their affection for the show in the forms of t-shirts and other merchandizing. Just head to NBC's home page and you will be able to shop their catalog of "FRIENDS" products. The characters' favorite hangout, Central Perk, has helped to increase the popularity of coffee shops and huge coffee mugs showing up across the country.

"FRIENDS" is definately a show with staying power, and I hope that it will be on for many more seasons. As long as the writers allow the characters to develop, they cannot go wrong. Reaching GenerationX can be a difficult task, and "FRIENDS" does not attempt, nor claim to reach us all. However, the show is a strong force and a model for how to connect to an often unreachable generation.

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