The Pitt

I never watched many medical shows until I retired. Didn't want to bring the hospital home with me. Shows like House may have had good actors but were unrealistic fantasies when it came to real medicine. After retiring I watched all 15 seasons of ER over a few months. That show captured the reality of ER medicine as well as hospital politics, although it compressed time. Things happen fast, but not that fast or intense over an entire day, and not nearly as many open chest heart massages occur. But you really did get to see what it was like. Now The Pitt brings the same flavor of show as ER was. So if you enjoyed watching ER, you will like this.

There are a million doctor/hospital shows out there so you really need to be special to stick out and The Pitt absolutely does that. It's not hyperbole when I say it's by far the most realistic hospital show that's ever been made. I'll be shocked if this show doesn't get nominated for a bunch of awards, especially Noah Wyle in the lead role. I've always like Wyle but this is career defining performance. He's fantastic in every scene. I'm a binged, I love to binge watch shows, so much so that even for the shows that come out weekly I wait until the entire season is over before I start it so I can binge it. This is the first show I've ever seen that I can only watch a few episodes at a time because of how intense each mood each episode is. I'll still watch a few episodes each day and binge the entire season within 5 or 6 days but it's a work out doing it. I'm so glad that people have enjoyed it so much that it's already been renewed for another season.

I have watched and re-watched every episode. Great show. Huge entertainment value; the show challenges my view of doctors, nurses, and hospitals. It has raised my awareness of the stress and struggles of the job working in an ER. This show humanizes the people, and gives us a much more realistic view of their personal and professional struggles than we have ever seen in a hospital show. So interesting. Great cast and characters I care about. Every character is likable. The pacing, balance, and action in the show is superb. This is among my favorite shows of all time, and I can't wait for season two.

"The Pitt" emerges as a compelling and unflinching medical drama, offering a raw and realistic glimpse into the daily chaos and emotional intensity of a Pittsburgh hospital's emergency room. Created by R. Scott Gemmill, the show distinguishes itself with its expert pacing and gripping narratives, making it remarkably easy to get drawn into the lives and challenges faced by the frontline healthcare heroes.

Leading the ensemble cast is Noah Wyle, who delivers a standout performance as Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch. While reminiscent of his iconic role in "ER," Wyle imbues Robby with a seasoned gravitas, portraying a doctor deeply committed to his patients and staff while grappling with his own past trauma from the pandemic. The supporting cast is equally strong, creating a believable and engaging ensemble of doctors, nurses, and students, each with their own personal crises and professional hurdles.

What sets "The Pitt" apart is its commitment to realism. The medical details are portrayed with a level of accuracy rarely seen in television dramas, and the show doesn't shy away from depicting the often-gruesome realities of emergency medicine. The series also delves into the systemic issues plaguing the American healthcare system, including understaffing, dwindling resources, and the emotional toll these factors take on healthcare workers. While occasionally venturing into "teachable moments," these instances are largely integrated organically within the compelling patient-of-the-week storylines.

The show's visual style contributes to its immersive atmosphere. The understated direction and subtle editing maintain a strong momentum, seamlessly transitioning between high-stakes medical procedures and the quieter moments at the nurses' station. The lighting and set design further enhance the realistic feel, creating a bright yet not sterile environment that feels authentically like a busy urban hospital.

"The Pitt" manages to strike a delicate balance between thrilling medical emergencies, heartbreaking patient stories, and moments of dark humor, reflecting the multifaceted nature of life in an emergency room. It's a show that will keep you on the edge of your seat while also fostering a deep empathy for the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly on the front lines of healthcare. If you're looking for a medical drama that is both gripping and grounded in reality, "The Pitt" is undoubtedly one of the best new shows of 2025.

I'm a physician / psychiatrist, and I am so happy to have a medical show I enjoy!

I spent three months in the trauma bay of a busy inner city ER, as a med student, and many more many more years in the ER for other rotations and for work.

It's refreshing to see the ER portrayed in a realistic way. Also, mental health patients and their issues are handled appropriately and with empathy. I wish they showed psychiatrists and other specialists as they consult in the ER.

I experienced burnout and took time off, this show has been a major factor in me reconsidering returning to work. It has reminded me of the redeeming part of my work and all the wonderful colleagues I had. As medicine becomes increasingly monetized and scrutinized for productivity and bled dry by private equity it helped me remember why I have so much to do this job.