In the vast world of short-lived sitcoms (and it really is vast), The Class (CBS, 2006) stands out as one of those rare shows that didn’t quite get the attention it deserved—despite a stellar ensemble of actors who would soon go on to headline major projects across film and television.
Created by Friends co-creator David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik, The Class revolved around a group of third-grade classmates who are unexpectedly reunited as adults after one of them tries to propose to his girlfriend in front of their old school friends. What followed was a funny, surprisingly sweet exploration of friendship, love, and the randomness of reconnection.
While the premise was light and classic sitcom fare, the cast was anything but ordinary. Looking back on the show now, it’s incredible how many soon-to-be stars were packed into this one-season series:
- Jesse Tyler Ferguson played Richie, the sweet, neurotic guy with a heart of gold—years before he became a household name as Mitchell on Modern Family.
- Lizzy Caplan brought her signature wit and edge to Kat, showing early signs of the charisma she’d later bring to Party Down, Masters of Sex, and Mean Girls.
- Jason Ritter, son of the legendary John Ritter, played Ethan, the earnest lead of the group, and would later shine in shows like Parenthood and Kevin (Probably) Saves the World.
- Jon Bernthal, now known for his gritty turns in The Punisher and The Walking Dead, was nearly unrecognizable as the sweet but not too bright Kyle, a far cry from his later tough-guy roles. I couldn’t picture this teddy bear of a man waging a one-man war on crime.
- Lucy Punch, the British scene-stealer known for Bad Teacher, The Royals, and Motherland, played Holly with perfect comic timing and chaotic energy that made her a standout.
- Sean Maguire, beloved in the UK for his early role in EastEnders and later seen in the cult favorite Off Centre and as Robin Hood in Once Upon a Time, played the charming rogue British schoolteacher, adding international flair to the mix.
Despite its top-tier talent and strong comedic writing, The Class only lasted 19 episodes before being canceled. It even won an Emmy for Outstanding Casting, but that wasn’t enough to save it from early network scheduling woes and ratings struggles. Still, for fans of ensemble comedies and origin stories of now-famous faces, it’s a fascinating watch.
The Class is a great reminder that sometimes, shows with all the right ingredients don’t get their due—but they leave behind a time capsule of rising stars and what could have been.
If you’re into early 2000s comedy or love spotting actors before they blew up, this one-season wonder is well worth tracking down.
