With "Beverly Hills 90210" showing the so-called problems of high school and "Melrose Place" attempting to portray life in the so-called real world after graduation, there is only one area of young adult life the Fox network isn't bringing to prime time -- college.

Now they're trying to fill that void with the show "Class of '96" premiering tonight.

But while "Class of '96" is similar to its predecessors, Fox has finally succeeded in creating a fairly accurate and believable portrayal of the lives of college students.

Sure, the six actors and actresses are all beautiful people, but at least on this show they possess more than just good looks.

"Class of '96" is centered around the lives of six freshmen at fictional Havenhurst College, a small, private, liberal arts school. Although it is an ensemble show, the main focus is on the hard working, middle-class David Morrissey, played by Jason Gedrick of Iron Eagle fame.

If tonight's show is any indication, "Class of '96" has a lot of potential. The interesting characters, although stereotypical, have substance and intriguing backgrounds and personalities. While none of the cast is really dealt with in detail, they could provide the basis for some strong storylines in future episodes.

In addition to Gedrick's character, there is Patty, the quirky aspiring actress, and the stuffy rich kid Whitney, who is being forced into following in his father's footsteps.

Tonight's episode is directed by actor Peter Horton of "thirtysomething," and "Class of '96" even has the same feel, complete with similar background music. It concentrates on the small, seemingly insignificant but important moments of college life.

The one flaw is that "Class of '96" lacks details. Some of the initial introductions and events are skipped over, leaving the audience wanting to know more. Time flies too quickly at Havenhurst; one minute they're moving in, and the next they're halfway through "Moby Dick."

Perhaps the lack of details isn't a fault of the writers -- it could just be a device to get viewers to return next week.

"Class of '96" has all the elements to be successful television without attempting to emulate "90210" and the like. At least it doesn't seem to be the type of show that would spawn a line of action figures.