Parents' Guide to

Red Band Society

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Likable teens tackle tough circumstances in moving dramedy.

TV Fox Drama 2014
Red Band Society Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 12+

Based on 5 parent reviews

TornadoCreator
TornadoCreator Parent of 13-year-old
August 8, 2018
age 10+

Heart-wrenching but genuinely beautiful.

This show is one of the best teen dramas I've ever scene. It doesn't make the teens out as perfect angels; they make mistakes, some quite severe, but it's portrayal is believable which is refreshing. The premise is quite intense, with all the kids having life-threatening illnesses. As a disabled person myself I can respect the realism they approached this with, and the acting was incredible. Subtle scenes showing the kids handling chronic pain, depression, and the extreme trauma of their conditions realistically, and not always positively, where the highlight for me. The show handled sex and general teen rebellion well, and realistically, especially given the extreme situations the characters are in. I believe this show has one of the most compassionate messages of almost any show I know. Despite their struggles, these terminally ill children are constantly putting each others feelings first, showing genuine care and love in a way that is truly uplifting and beautiful. So long children watching this show are able to understand that the bad things characters do; mistakes, drugs, bursts of anger, etc. are due to the struggles with illness, and learn to sympathise with the illness rather than emulate the behaviour, (which is never glorified but also not preachy), they'll get a lot out of this. This show will teach kids compassion, understanding, sympathy, and give them a sense of perspective as otherwise healthy kids watching will learn to empathise with people with truly life changing illness; while disabled children watching will find this speaks to them personally and will likely feel very emotional just knowing someone understands their pain. I personally found myself in tears at some of the more powerful scenes when watching it alone, and would recommend this show to any parent who wants something that'll make their kids thing, feel, and empathise without feeling preached to.
Arabella B.
Arabella B. Parent of 10, 12, 14, 17 and 18+-year-old
October 19, 2016
age 12+

Awesome show!!!

My daughters (ages 17 and 14) birth love this show! It gives a realistic image if what teenagers are really like and Hw high schOol is. The characters hook up sometimes and there IS some strong language and one of the characters NEEDS TO PUT SOME CLOTHES ON, INCLUDING A BRA!!! Other then that it is a very compelling dreamed with many interesting plot twists!!! A+ rating :)
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What's the Story?

RED BAND SOCIETY is a drama series based on a true story about a group of teens who share their ups and downs as long-term hospital patients. At the group's center is Leo (Charlie Rowe), a cancer survivor who becomes an unexpected mentor to his new roommate, Jordi (Nolan Sotillo), when Jordi arrives to start a similar course of treatment. Leo's friend Dash (Astro) refuses to let cystic fibrosis dampen his zest for life and often is the ringleader in planning fun for the group. Despite coping with an eating disorder, Emma (Ciara Bravo) continues an on-again, off-again relationship with Leo, but it's complicated by the arrival of Kara (Zoe Levin), whose heart condition inspires a change of attitude for this long-time mean girl. And then there's Charlie (Griffin Gluck), who narrates the story from a coma but manages to touch the lives of his ward mates nonetheless. Overseeing the group are the sharp-tongued-but-kind-hearted Nurse Jackson (Octavia Spencer) and compassionate pediatric surgeon Dr. McAndrew (Dave Annable).

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (17 ):

Red Band Society is an uplifting reminder of the indomitable human spirit, and the fact that its message is portrayed by teens makes it all the more exceptional. These characters are far from perfect angels, and each battles his or her own demons -- both physical and emotional -- as the story progresses. But surprisingly that doesn't dampen their appeal; instead it makes them more relatable as they muddle through not only the normal coming-of-age tragedies and joys but also the uncertainties of fighting for their lives at the same time. It's tough to say which is the more positive message: that the kids never give in to self-pity or helplessness or that they use their common circumstances to overcome differences and form unexpected bonds that see them through the tough times.

With the likes of Steven Spielberg's Amblin Television and Emmy winner Spencer on board, it's tough to say where this series could go astray. The story will move you, and the cast's performances are inspired. And, although their connections are rooted in their common life battles, the nitty-gritty of the hospital experience and treatment plans takes a backseat to the teens' relationships with each other and with their compassionate mentors. That said, be sure your kids can handle the implications of the characters' situations -- and their sometimes age-inappropriate behavior with regard to smoking, drinking, and physical encounters -- before you tune in with them.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how the characters' struggles compare to their kids' own. Do the teens' relationships seem real? To what degree are your tweens' friends integral to their ability to conquer challenges?

  • Are social castes real in your tweens' experience? How malleable are titles such as "jock," "popular," and "nerd"? Do any opportunities exist to challenge these definitions?

  • What role do mentors play in your success? Why are good role models important to have? Who are some of your tweens' role models? What is it about them that they'd like to emulate?

TV Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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