Red Band Society

:

Season 1
  • Network: FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 17, 2014
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 78 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 78
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 78
  3. Negative: 10 out of 78
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User Reviews

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  1. OpinionatedGuy
    Sep 18, 2014
    8
    To call this show "the cancer version of Glee without the musical" or the "TV version of The Fault in Our Stars" is not how you should describe this show. Yes, this could be Fox’s new Glee but it stands out alone without the stigma of being one.

    I would like to start this review with what’s wrong with the first episode. The setting of the hospital felt weird and unrealistic. It’s weird    To call this show "the cancer version of Glee without the musical" or the "TV version of The Fault in Our Stars" is not how you should describe this show. Yes, this could be Fox’s new Glee but it stands out alone without the stigma of being one.

    I would like to start this review with what’s wrong with the first episode. The setting of the hospital felt weird and unrealistic. It’s weird to see patients wearing the clothes in the show as if they never had a disease at all. Aren’t they supposed to wear their PJs or those hospital clothes? I find this part quite troubling. Also, is it actually possible to decorate your rented hospital room as if you’re in a college dorm? I don’t think most hospitals would allow this. If otherwise, that’s pretty cool but if this doesn’t happen on most hospitals, then it’s not realistic to me as far as I know.

    Another downside to this episode is that the adult characters seemed to be uninteresting. Even if the funny, witty Nurse Jackson, played by Oscar winner Octavia Spencer is not interesting enough to know her backstory.

    What really stole the show are the teenage characters which they have to carry the show and they did it wonderfully. They’re very likable and as a teenager writing this review seemed to be biased but hey, I like them! While they’re not the realistic portrayals of an average teenager, they’re not the unrealistic portrayals of an average teenager either. The way they think has a point and it makes sense and it’s something that comes from an average teenager, it’s just that it can be chessy and melodramatic at times. But nonetheless, this makes them likable for me to watch.

    While I do like them, it seemed like the most cliched character in the show was Kara. She is that cheerleader with a lot of problems that she uses her mean attitude to make herself better and I felt like I have seen that in another teenager book/movie/show. But her conflict is just enough to pass on how cliched the character is. I want to see the character develop and reflect on the things she has done.

    The character I relate to the most was Charlie. I think he is the most realistic character in the show. His thoughts are the ones that are realistic without being melodramatic. My concern for this character is how they will develop this character even though he has a coma. Will he wake up in the middle of the show? Time will tell.

    The teenage cast of the show played their roles well. It’s just enough to make me believe that they’re playing their characters as themselves, not just a bunch of teenage actors acting their characters.

    The tone of comedy and drama are balanced perfectly in this episode. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and has its fair share of light hearted moments.

    Lastly, the plot sure knows how to set up the storylines coming for some of the characters especially Kara, Charlie and Jordi.

    I hope this show grows a little bit more with many upcoming episodes along the way but this first episode of Red Band Society sold me to keep tuning in for more.    … Expand
  2. NotchFilter
    Sep 25, 2014
    6
    I'm torn on this show. Overall, I think it is a very good show. Lots of positive, good TV here.

    But I'm not the audience for this show. It looks to me as a TV show for teens and young adult. From that viewpoint, I think it would be a good solid 8.

    But it's not for me.
  3. Hollywoodsucks
    Oct 26, 2014
    0
    Horrible show. The sappy dialogue, overtly obvious characters and constant stream of inaccuracies make for a giant horse pill of a show to try and swallow. If I was playing a drinking game where I took a drink every time there was something wrong in the show, I would have alcohol poisoning within the first ten minutes of the show! As a nurse, I am offended by the writers' idea of aHorrible show. The sappy dialogue, overtly obvious characters and constant stream of inaccuracies make for a giant horse pill of a show to try and swallow. If I was playing a drinking game where I took a drink every time there was something wrong in the show, I would have alcohol poisoning within the first ten minutes of the show! As a nurse, I am offended by the writers' idea of a hospital and the people in it. writing about something as serious as fatal illness and the healthcare it requires is risky because it's inevitable that mistakes will be made. In this show's case it seems they went out of there way to get everything wrong and then add a little extra wrongness in for added spice. If this show survives the season I will lose the last shred of respect I hold for tv storytelling.… Expand
  4. young205
    Sep 18, 2014
    8
    This is what I would call a keeper. In that I don't want to lose it amoung all the crap that comes out of the normal TV fare. It's something new, fresh, and I think it will become more meaningful as time goes on. I'll be back next week with a follow-up.
  5. nutellaisgreat
    Oct 2, 2014
    0
    If you've had cancer or seen someone have cancer then you know that red band society is stupid and lying. People who have cancer are sickly and throw up. Instead of spending money and time on a stupid lying tv show that is so untruthful and false spend it on researching how to cure cancer. end this show now.
  6. cdsmusicchart
    Sep 22, 2014
    8
    "Red Band Society" is one of Fall 2014's most diverse shows. I'm giving it a 10/10 because Octavia Spencer is easily one of the most intriguing actresses out there and also because I feel that it has potential to become a big hit. With that being said, regular competition with "Modern Family", "Criminal Minds" and "Law & Order: SVU" will likely cause it to move to a less desirable time"Red Band Society" is one of Fall 2014's most diverse shows. I'm giving it a 10/10 because Octavia Spencer is easily one of the most intriguing actresses out there and also because I feel that it has potential to become a big hit. With that being said, regular competition with "Modern Family", "Criminal Minds" and "Law & Order: SVU" will likely cause it to move to a less desirable time slot, or worse, be the death of it.… Expand
  7. jlizada
    Sep 22, 2014
    8
    Everyone's been saying it's similar to Glee. I get where they're coming from. It is kind of cheesy. Okay, it's not kind of cheesy it really is cheesy. But if you like those feel good kind of shows then you'll enjoy this show.

    I found it enjoyable and it did make me feel a bit better after watching the episode, even if it deals with sick kids.
  8. roboplex22
    Sep 25, 2014
    7
    I like this show. It's funny, yet uplifting and it touches your heart at times. The three other points went down because this is the most unrealistic show I have seen in my life (except for cartoons). Being a teenager who has been hospitalized many times for various reasons, I can say that this is not how a hospital works. I know it's a TV show, but these kids do not look like they need toI like this show. It's funny, yet uplifting and it touches your heart at times. The three other points went down because this is the most unrealistic show I have seen in my life (except for cartoons). Being a teenager who has been hospitalized many times for various reasons, I can say that this is not how a hospital works. I know it's a TV show, but these kids do not look like they need to be in a hospital. If they can run around the hospital, to the roof, and have a party on the helipad without any complications, they're OK to go home, at least from my experiences. A hospital would never let the kids run wild around the hospital by themselves. I know, that wouldn't make for a good TV show, but it makes you think. I love the characters, they really hit close to home, and I really do hope that this show will not be lost in the sea of crap that's on cable television. Yeah, it's a bit cheesy, but I can overlook that, and the unrealistic side if the story continues to evolve, and just continues the way it's going.

    Oh, one last thing, I know it's a tiny detail, but if Leo was really undergoing Chemotherapy, those big bushy eyebrows (and eyelashes) of his wouldn't be there, along with his hair, which is already gone. Overall, I love the show, but there are some parts of the show that don't align with real life in the hospital.    … Expand
  9. TeleVisionary
    Oct 4, 2014
    2
    Red Band Society is waaay too manipulating. The show tries really hard to bring tears to your eyes, but I never got any tears because I felt it was trying to cleverly 'twist' and direct me into crying. Also, how can these kids be sick enough to be hospitalized yet run around the hospital like healthy vibrant teens?? None of them appear sick at all. RBS contains too much sappy, teen,Red Band Society is waaay too manipulating. The show tries really hard to bring tears to your eyes, but I never got any tears because I felt it was trying to cleverly 'twist' and direct me into crying. Also, how can these kids be sick enough to be hospitalized yet run around the hospital like healthy vibrant teens?? None of them appear sick at all. RBS contains too much sappy, teen, emotional exploitation for primetime TV... seems like a small notch above a Disney Channel show.… Expand
  10. mlg2015
    Oct 5, 2014
    10
    Before anyone jumps down my throat saying stuff like I obviously have never seen anyone suffer through a serious illness should shut up right now. I've witnessed numerous family (immediate and not) along with friends die to serious illnesses and sure this doesn't portray the severity of the situation, but so far from what the show has been offering... it never gave the impression that itBefore anyone jumps down my throat saying stuff like I obviously have never seen anyone suffer through a serious illness should shut up right now. I've witnessed numerous family (immediate and not) along with friends die to serious illnesses and sure this doesn't portray the severity of the situation, but so far from what the show has been offering... it never gave the impression that it would dive into the deep and much much much darker side of illness. It's supposed to be pretty light-hearted and sure it may not be for all audience types, but I enjoy it regardless.… Expand
  11. Emmashield
    Oct 8, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It is a pretty compelling show because you have no idea what's to be expected, like with Jordi who needed his leg cut off due to cancer, ended up not having to, Leo and Emma has this romance that fizzled when he ended it. I want more!… Expand
  12. RBSisLife
    Oct 8, 2014
    10
    This show is absolutely amazing. I'm so proud of Ciara. I've grew up watching her on Big Time Rush and to see her in a mature role is like a parent watching their child grow up. I'm so unbelievably proud of her, the cast, the show and the journey they are taking. This is going to be a show to watch.
  13. MnGal
    Oct 9, 2014
    9
    When you wake up in the morning, think "what day is it...okay..and tonight on TV is xyz ...YES!!. Can't wait. Appointment viewing!!" It's a good sign. That is how I feel about Red Band Society (and I am over 50). (A) I like the characters and want to see what happens...and that the cute one has cancer so bad they can't operate tells me he will die...which may be sad, but it's alsoWhen you wake up in the morning, think "what day is it...okay..and tonight on TV is xyz ...YES!!. Can't wait. Appointment viewing!!" It's a good sign. That is how I feel about Red Band Society (and I am over 50). (A) I like the characters and want to see what happens...and that the cute one has cancer so bad they can't operate tells me he will die...which may be sad, but it's also compelling. (B) insightful. 'You are more than your sick body. You are your soul.' Don't we all need to hear that more often? (C) Charlie, in a coma, is going to wake up some day (sweep's week probably) and when he does, how amaizingly fun will that be? (D) new people will (or should given the venue) be coming in. Other's will be leaving. Seriously -- cancer patients, anorexic patients, heart transplant patients -- there for years? No. Not if they want to be believable. I very much love this show. New concept!. My only negative is that the b*tch is too b*tchy. Bad writing. One dimensional. That has to stop soon. That she has a lesbian mom. Nice.… Expand
  14. Allicat198
    Oct 12, 2014
    9
    This show is all about facing your fears with hope and friendship. This is an aspiring show. More people should watch it to see what having hope really means.
  15. CatandMouse
    Oct 30, 2014
    0
    I wanted to like this show, but it's SO awful. I thought it would be appealing to adults as well as teens, but it delves way too much into the teen sappy drama/comedy category. It doesn't COMPARE to other great well-written shows like Modern Family or Glee. It should be moved to the CW or Nickelodeon channel to make room on FOX for something better than this.
  16. starfish1234
    Nov 6, 2014
    10
    Red Band Society is a really cute show. I am in my twenties. I wasn't sure I wanted to watch it at first because it looked kinda boring, but I gave it a try and fell in love with it! It's just so different than other shows. I am sick of watching the normal cop shows. This show is very inspiring, has humor, romance, and a lot of heart. And it's not just all the teenagers all the time, theRed Band Society is a really cute show. I am in my twenties. I wasn't sure I wanted to watch it at first because it looked kinda boring, but I gave it a try and fell in love with it! It's just so different than other shows. I am sick of watching the normal cop shows. This show is very inspiring, has humor, romance, and a lot of heart. And it's not just all the teenagers all the time, the adults make the show too. Can't wait to see more!… Expand
  17. emperorpenguin
    Oct 8, 2014
    9
    I think it's perfect to compare this show to Glee. It's a very heartfelt, uplifting, diverse, and funny series. Both shows have a very great first season (so far). But a hospital show with the same patients is practically like a high school show with the same students, it's hard to make them work. I mean what else that they can explore from this series, if the writers can't do a good jobI think it's perfect to compare this show to Glee. It's a very heartfelt, uplifting, diverse, and funny series. Both shows have a very great first season (so far). But a hospital show with the same patients is practically like a high school show with the same students, it's hard to make them work. I mean what else that they can explore from this series, if the writers can't do a good job this can turn into a super cheesy show like Glee. Octavia Spencer's acting is really good in this (although she doesn't get much scene), especially her facial expressions always give me chills. The other actors, especially the kids, are okay. But, i like how they are very different from each others. It makes this show a very good ensemble show.… Expand
  18. imhellspawn12
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Red band society brings a bunch of great teen actors to the scene and they all except for one have a cancer problem Ciara Bravo from big time rush ends up having a eating disorder.… Expand
  19. tvnewsguido
    Aug 24, 2014
    6
    "Cancer is SO hot right now!" - Fox Executive sometime during the development of this show.

    RBS is kind of fun, kind of funny, and not much else.

    They seem to have edited around Octavia Spencer's performance leaving nothing but some sass and some knowing looks.

    The pilot is watchable and will likely manipulate an emotional response in most viewers. I hope it gets better.
  20. reellm
    Jun 24, 2015
    7
    4/5★ A good show is built on the strength of its characters and the connection we as the viewers feel for them. Do we like them? Do we root for the couples and groan at the inevitable misunderstandings that drive 92.7% of drama TV shows?
    Red Band Society is a comedy drama set in one of the least comedic places on the planet: a children's hospital ward. Yet, despite its depressing settings    4/5★ A good show is built on the strength of its characters and the connection we as the viewers feel for them. Do we like them? Do we root for the couples and groan at the inevitable misunderstandings that drive 92.7% of drama TV shows?
    Red Band Society is a comedy drama set in one of the least comedic places on the planet: a children's hospital ward. Yet, despite its depressing settings and occasional Disneyish tone, the young cast overcome their stereotypes and make the show something worth watching.
    Verdict: Time worthy.    … Expand
  21. mksmith76g
    Nov 30, 2014
    8
    A good show but the writers need to be more realistic about the diseases these teens are dealing with and problems they would face yet at the same time being teens. Once again a broadcaster has a good show and poor writing. The actors are all doing a fine job but it is difficult to believe a Children's hospital lets their patients out running all over town one minute who can be deathly illA good show but the writers need to be more realistic about the diseases these teens are dealing with and problems they would face yet at the same time being teens. Once again a broadcaster has a good show and poor writing. The actors are all doing a fine job but it is difficult to believe a Children's hospital lets their patients out running all over town one minute who can be deathly ill the next. Plus it begs the question what insurance would pay for it...… Expand
  22. brookefarwell
    Dec 2, 2014
    9
    I love watching this show every week. I really enjoy every member of the cast. The red band society is a show I will watch every week for as long as it is on.
  23. TheEmpire
    Jan 25, 2015
    9
    At first you may not wanna watch Red Band Society, but I can guarantee there's no regrets. You'll like the characters, the actors, the scenario, the music, everything. Too bad it was canceled.

Awards & Rankings

68
#68 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 36
  3. Negative: 4 out of 36
  1. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    Sep 17, 2014
    88
    Red Band Society, which could turn out to be one of the best new shows of the fall, is like that, constantly catching you unexpectedly.
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  2. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Vicki Hyman
    Sep 17, 2014
    83
    The show is soapy for sure, but only at the end of the premiere does it descend into the borderline sappiness that could have been its calling card. It helps that the entire cast has charisma to spare--even the kid in the coma.
    Read full review
  3. The Huffington Post
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    Sep 17, 2014
    40
    To really hook into this drama, you have to care about the kids and their fates, but to me, they all remained predictable types throughout, and the show did a poor job of showcasing the terrific Octavia Spencer.
    Read full review
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