The Class

The idea for The Class came to creators David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik while cleaning their basement, where they found a box of Crane's third-grade class photographs, prompting them to wonder what those classmates were like as adults.

Due to the strong reputation of creators David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik, CBS, Fox, and NBC all bid for a full season before even seeing a pilot, with NBC reportedly offering a 22-episode commitment; CBS ultimately won with an undisclosed offer.

Aaron Paul was a finalist for two of the lead roles on The Class but was passed over each time by the network, leaving him depressed until he later landed the role of Jesse Pinkman on Breaking Bad, a part he could audition for only because he wasn't tied down by The Class.

Lucy Punch, the first lead actress cast for the show in December 2005, was later fired when CBS ordered six additional episodes on the condition that per-episode costs be reduced, forcing the production to cut down from eight main cast members and halve its total staff.

Lizzy Caplan was cast last among the main leads, joining while she was still part of The WB drama Related, which was cancelled due to the UPN/WB merger that created The CW.

The Class was the first sitcom to broadcast a live table read and a live rehearsal session, streamed online on January 15 and January 17, 2007.

Everybody Loves Raymond showrunner Phil Rosenthal said CBS passed on his proposed spin-off focused on Brad Garrett's character so that The Class could be picked up instead.

After its cancellation, fans launched an unsuccessful campaign to save the show by mailing erasers, referencing its school theme, and printed Moroccan Chicken recipes inspired by a memorable episode featuring Lina's dinner party.