In this intense new medical drama, Dr. Robby, the head of the emergency department affectionately known as "the Pitt," confronts both personal and professional challenges on a pivotal shift. Each year, he avoids working on the anniversary of his mentor's death, but this time, he is forced to face the chaos head-on.
As he navigates a strained healthcare system where patients are often "boarded" due to lack of beds and a critical nursing shortage, Robby reflects on the industry's shortcomings. He laments the lack of a living wage as a major contributor to the crisis, while also expressing his belief that patients should appreciate his hard work—after all, saving lives is the only satisfaction he craves. Yet, the hospital's management continues to demand more from him, without offering the support needed to improve the system.
The Pitt is set up so that each episode covers just one hour of a 15-hour shift at a Pittsburgh hospital. If you’re thinking of something like 24, with its fast pace and nonstop action, you'd be partially right. Aside from a few title cards marking the passage of time, the real-time aspect is almost unnoticeable, so it's easy to forget about it while watching.
The narrative expertly mirrors the chaotic and overwhelming nature of emergency care, with doctors and nurses constantly pushed to their limits, juggling multiple roles while caring for one another. The episode also introduces a new group of interns and medical students, including Javadi, who struggles with the pressure of not wanting to be seen as a "nepo baby" due to her mother's position as the chief of surgery. Her colleagues, however, are more focused on helping each other navigate the complexity of the job.
This series, which reunites ER stars Noah Wyle, creator John Wells, and producer R. Scott Gemmill, clearly carries the influence of its predecessor, with a similar focus on the fast-paced nature of emergency medicine. However, it also carves out its own identity by shifting between various patient cases, each with its own emotional weight. The real-time storytelling enhances the sense of urgency and uncertainty, making the viewer feel as though they’re right there in the thick of things with the staff.
As Robby and his colleague Collins face their personal struggles—Robby grappling with trauma from the pandemic, and Collins hiding her pregnancy—tensions build. The ensemble cast brings humanity to a system that is overwhelmed, but still striving to help. Through moments of compassion and tough decisions, the series offers a grounded portrayal of the sacrifices healthcare workers make.
Overall, the first two episodes offer a raw and emotional look at the healthcare system, setting the stage for a gripping season filled with challenges, personal growth, and the ongoing fight to make a broken system work. It might take me a few more episodes to stop referring to Dr Robby as "Carter" but The Pitt is certainly shaping up to be a great show.
The Pitt airs Thursday nights on Max.
