There are at least 30 new TV shows that have come out this fall, but Red Band Society is a keeper. It is a mix of a serious hospital drama, a family-friendly comedy, and a Nickelodeon show about a group of friends. However, Red Band Society has layers of complexity hidden by a curtain of laughs. It’s definitely one to record on the DVR or watch on Netflix. WARNING: SPOILERS!

The first episode introduces all the characters, gives some back-story and has a dramatic twist–classic. There are about 9 main characters, each with an interesting story that landed each of them in the hospital. All of the patients are staying there for a while, perhaps permanently.

All are high schoolers with serious diseases or ailments. Leo is a moody but sweet guy who lost his leg to cancer. His best friend is Dash, a smooth, cool guy with a lung disease. Next is Emma, previously Leo’s girlfriend, who is anorexic and the responsible one.

There is Charlie, a boy in a coma, who narrates the show, and can hear everything that’s going on, and new boy, Jordi, who is about to lose his leg, just like Leo, and is also moving in on Leo’s girl. Last of the kids is Kara, a mean-girl and cheerleader who thinks she is just in the hospital temporarily, while the reality is a lot worse; she needs a heart transplant.

All of the kids (except Emma, of course) do drugs, smoke and drink, but what else is there to do at a hospital?

Where are the adults? Although you hardly ever see parents, there are a few devoted caretakers at Ocean Park Hospital. For instance, Dr. McAndrew is the fatherly figure. He is a handsome doctor who is quite famous for his work.

Nurse Jackson is a scary, harsh nurse who really cares about the kids. Then there is Brittany, a new, sweet and innocent nurse who loves her job, but is unsure about how to handle it.

After meeting all of the characters, you learn how they all came to the hospital, and the ending of the episode is Jordi’s surgery, where he is about to get his leg cut off. The night before, all of the teenagers have a party up on the roof, and Leo makes a kind speech that gives everyone hope.

He also gives each kid a hospital band from each of his surgeries. They become united, for better or worse, and are known as The Red Band Society.

It’s a really great beginning to what is a heartwarming and interesting show, and will surely develop into a complex and intriguing season. Fox airs new episodes on Wednesdays, so be sure to watch!