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One of the heavy-hitters that shot the Fox network to the top appeared in 1990 in the form of a high school teen drama. Originally titled "Class of Beverly Hills," it re-emerged after several alterations as "Beverly Hills, 90210." With an obnoxious and catchy theme song and a plentiful assortment of television's most attractive young actors, the hour-long teen soap opera helped in expanding the still-blossoming channel. Until "90210" gained acclaim, Fox was mostly known for its edgy comedies ("The Simpsons," "Married ...With Children" and "In Living Color").

It was a long time coming before The Peach Pit pals were taken seriously and had a devoted audience. But 10 seasons later, 90210's number is finally up, bringing to an end one of television's most monumental and memorable shows ever.

Freshman criminal justice major Danya Raye said she feels like she grew up with the show and the cast.

"They helped us overcome our issues and obstacles in our adolescent life," Raye said.

It was the realistic approach to pop culture topics such as sex, drugs and family dilemmas that attracted the show's audience.

"The show didn't start to take risks with the issues until a while after it premiered," said Mike Gaughan, a freshman criminal justice major.

Despite threats of cancellation, "90210" became one of the most-watched TV shows of all time, outliving spin-offs like "The Heights," "Melrose Place," and a plethora of others. At the time of 90210's arrival on the teen scene, the concept was new and fresh, unlike the currently popularity of the genre as seen with "Felicity" and "Dawson's Creek."

The actors were near nobodies at the time of its premiere. Only Jason Priestley, who played likable every-guy Brandon Walsh, had succeeded in an earlier series, "Sister Kate." His true claim to fame, though, came when he hit The Hills.

Sophomore Colleen McGrath, a nursing major, explained why Brandon was many viewers' favorite: "He was so down to earth, an average person who made it in the world without everything being handed to him on a silver platter."

The first major blow to the show came in 1994 when tabloid bad girl Shannon Doherty parted from the program to pursue a film career. Tiffani Amber-Theissen of "Saved By the Bell" took over as the show's buxom brunette, only later to leave after the exit of James Dean look-alike Luke Perry in 1995.

Priestley slowly phased his way out of the show, first directing a few episodes then going his own way to pursue a film career as well.

Gabrielle Carteris, who played lovable nerd Andrea, also departed with the birth of her child, while Brandon and Brenda's parents, the only two adults on the show, followed closely on her heels. By the show's eighth season, only four original cast members remained intact (Jenny Garth, Brian Austin Green, Tori Spelling and Ian Ziering). Perry's humble return was an attempt at revitalizing the show but was unable to save its increasingly declining ratings.

Even so, "90210" launched the careers of several current big-name stars like Matthew Perry of NBC's "Friends" and "Boys Don't Cry" Academy Award-winning actress, Hillary Swank.

But even a champion knows when it's down for the count.

Sari Cassese, a freshman theater major, said "I am very sad since I have been watching it since the very first episode, but I do think it's about time."

For die-hard fans like Cassese, is there a favorite episode among the lot? Some favored the one where Kelly was severely burned in a house fire, or where Scott accidentally killed himself with a handgun in the first season.

However, everyone agrees that there is no better time to say goodbye to the show than with the new millennium.

"It set out what it meant to do, and then some," said freshman communications major Matt Mercier. "It was the quintessential 1990s show and it should be remembered as such."

To the residents who spent a decade spinning stories in 90210, a fond farewell from 02115.

The two-hour series finale airs Wednesday, May 17, at 8 p.m. EDT on Fox.