Set three months after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, HBO's new series 'Treme' follows, quite simply, a loosely-connected network of New Orleans residents as they struggle to pick up their lives in the wake of the disaster.

But given that this is the latest effort from David Simon -- the much-heralded creator of the seminal HBO series 'The Wire' -- this drama proves to be so much more than just that.

Those expecting a Big Easy version of 'The Wire,' however, are out of luck. This is no police drama, and the city's politics are largely unexplored. The series takes its title from Faubourg Tremé, the historic New Orleans neighborhood adjacent to the French Quarter thought to be the birthplace of jazz. And the music from this multi-cultural, multi-storied, proud yet battered city pulses like a heartbeat throughout.

There's been no shortage of talent gracing this drama. The ensemble cast includes 'Wire' vets Wendell Pierce (a New Orleans native) and Clarke Peters, Khandi Alexander, Kim Dickens, Melissa Leo, John Goodman and Steve Zahn, in his first regular TV series role. Guest appearances from musicians such as Allen Toussaint, Elvis Costello, Dr. John and Kermit Ruffins lend authenticity.

Nor has there been a shortage of media coverage leading up to 'Treme's April 11 premiere. Sadly, part of that has been due to the unexpected death of one of the team's writers, David Mills. But 'Treme' is also being hailed as more than just another television program: It's an event. While some have noted the series' meandering pace, many critics have been praising Simon and co-creator Eric Overmyer's new series for its ability to immediately transport viewers on a musical journey into the heartbeat and the heartbreak of this weird and wonderful city.

Read what the critics had to say after the jump.

It's that time of the day here at Inside TV, when we put down the remote and check in with our silver screen siblings over at Inside Movies.

• You may have heard of a little movie opening up tomorrow: 'The Twilight Saga: New Moon.' You can find out what the critics are saying in the film's review roundup.

• My So-Called Dress: Claire Danes arrives at the premiere of her new film 'Me & Orson Welles' and gives the crowd more than just a smile. Check out the NSFW pics.

• With Werner Herzog's remake of cult classic 'Bad Lieutenant' opening up this weekend, Inside Movies cozies up with the acclaimed director to discuss Hurricane Katrina, new-age humbug and why it's OK with him if you laugh at his films.

• From 'Frankenstein' to 'The Wizard of Oz,' take a trip through Hollywood's Golden age in a collection of best '30s movies.

• Looks like Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan aren't the only rom-com pair that audiences love. Take a look at some romantic comedy couples that should consider an onscreeen reunion.

• And finally, a linguist in Minnesota actually taught his son to speak Klingon instead of English, and the results just might surprise you!