A "Class" Act on Mondays

I wasn’t really clear on the concept of “The Class.” But now, having seen the premiere, I have to say it’s a good one. And more importantly, it’s funny.

Ethan (the adorable Jason Ritter) decides to throw a special party for his fiancé. Since they met in third grade, he decides to celebrate the anniversary of the day they met by inviting as many members of their third grade class as he can find. There are sisters Lina (Heather Goldenhersh) and Kat (Lizzy Caplan). Lina is a perpetual optimist who has just found her boyfriend in bed with another woman, while Kat is a perpetual pessimist. Holly (Lucy Punch) is still holding a grudge against Kyle (Sean Maguire) for dumping her on prom night to fool around with another guy; and ironically, has married a rather effeminate man. Duncan (Jon Bernthal) still lives at home and his old girlfriend, Nicole (Andrea Anders), is the unhappy trophy wife of a former pro football player. Richie (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) actually postpones his suicide to attend the party.

The party, however, turns out to be a disaster for Ethan, as his fiancé breaks up with him for going too overboard with his romantic gestures and the only one left to console him is Kat. It’s not so bad for Nicole and Duncan who decide to rekindle their relationship; and Richie finds a reason to live when he goes out with Lina. Too bad he accidentally hits her with his car at the end of the date.

“The Class” is not the most hilarious show on TV, but it is funny, and the characters are endearing. Plus, the show presents some intriguing possibilities as to how the classmates will continue to stay connected.

But if the show stretches those connections (a la “Reunion”), things could go astray. But since one of the show’s creators is David Crane, who co-created “Friends,” I’m willing to give it the benefit of the doubt.

And you should too.

“The Class” airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on CBS.