In the last couple of years, network television has been seriously lacking a show with a good combination of humor, sadness and good story lines. “The Red Band Society,” which premiered on Fox last Wednesday, brings all this to the table with an added bonus; it is about teenagers living in a hospital.

It is what “Glee” always aspired to be, with its clever writing and a shining cast. It is a modern-day version of the “Breakfast Club,” but instead of a Saturday detention in the library, there are chemo sessions and operating rooms.

In last week’s episode, we meet Emma, Leo, Dash, Jordie and Kara, who are all staying in the same hospital for various medical reasons.

The characters come together and, although they are far from being friends, they begin the process of helping each other through the struggles of being sick and the looming possibility of death.

Charlie, who has been in a coma since before the pilot’s beginning, narrates the hour-long dramedy.
He watches over the other characters as they embark on their own health crises and even speaks to cancer-stricken Leo during surgery and recently diagnosed Kara when she passes out from her heart condition.

It is almost refreshing that the narrator is not in the complete drama-filled spotlight.

In fact, there is no central character. All of the characters share equal screen time and you get to know each of them and their medical and personal backgrounds.

Academy-award winner Octavia Spencer tops off the very small adult cast with a stunning performance as sassy, angry-yet-caring Nurse Jackson.

The show will be a breakout hit for the network, maybe even network television itself. There is a promising season ahead and, hopefully, many to come. While there were only 4 million viewers for the pilot episode, next week may pull in more, as the show will quickly become a classic among young adults.

The “Red Band Society” airs every Wednesday at 9 p.m. on Fox.

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