After the wild, widespread success of a certain feature film about teenagers with terminal illness, it's no surprise that "Red Band Society," the new hospital comedy-drama on FOX, was riding a giant wave of buzz for its big premiere last night. Narrated by Charlie, a kid in a coma who is nevertheless aware of everything going on around him, the show boasts an intriguing premise and an all-star cast, including Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer. But did it live up to expectations?

In a word: Yep. At least, if the morning-after chatter 'round the internet is any indication. Here's a roundup of what professional critics and viewers at home had to say about "Red Band Society."

People praised the show for avoiding maudlin melodrama:

"'Red Band Society''s humanity lies for the most part in its loose, skeptical humor – the humor of the patients. The kids are underdogs both by fact of being sick and simply by being kids, and they know it. As long as they breathe in and out, they can't help expressing that."

And according to a reviewer at NPR, this show might just be to the current crop of teens what "My So-Called Life" was to 1990s kids.

"We all deserve our goopy montages that succeed both because of and despite Coldplay, our caring adults who seem to understand, our reluctant friendships and shy romances."

Meanwhile, Twitter erupted immediately with heartfelt appreciation.

Some fans practically couldn't contain themselves.

And a whole new generation discovered the delights of Dave Annable's perfect face.

That said, the show wasn't immune from cheeky criticism...

...Or, according to some, resorting to lazy teen stereotypes.

And some viewers couldn't quite suspend their disbelief when it came to the details.

Yet, people love it despite its flaws -- which is how you know it's got staying power.

"Red Band Society" airs Wednesday nights on FOX.