SiftPop

by Mike Hilty, Contributing Writer

There are a few genres that are just not in my wheelhouse. Reality TV, for instance, is not my jam, although I admit that I just haven’t found my proper entry point yet. I don’t actively seek out police procedurals. Then there are medical shows. Other than Scrubs and the early days of ER, I haven’t watched many medical shows, because there hasn’t been one that I found compelling enough to watch.

Then The Pitt dropped into my lap.

The Pitt is about the emergency room at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital, where doctors teach interns and residents about what it means to be part of modern medicine. Throughout the season, we see hour-by-hour, like the show 24, of a grueling 15-hour shift and the various patients that take the staff on an emotional journey.

The main thing I love about The Pitt is its structure. 15 episodes showcasing an entire shift at a hospital gives the audience a true-to-life feeling of what it’s like to work in medicine. Yes, I acknowledge that a lot of this is exaggerated for dramatic effect. However, I cannot deny that what I saw was chaotic, and incredible work from everyone. Unlike many medical shows, The Pitt doesn’t focus too much on the lives of the staff outside the hospital. Most of the story revolves around the events unfolding at the hospital that very day. Even if it does veer off a little to get to know a doctor or a nurse, it’s a story-relevant point.

The principal cast is divided into two groups. First up are those being taught about what it’s like to work in this hospital. Four doctors have their first day on the job during the first season. Each has a unique perspective, and traits that help them be remarkable during their first shift. High praise should be given to the amazing performances of all the interns on their first day, each of whom have stories that showcase what it means to be new, while also highlighting their talent. Dr. Javadi (Shabana Azeez) is a whiz kid who graduated from medical school in record time, only to discover that practical experience takes its toll, especially in traumatic situations. Dr. Santos (Isa Briones) is brash, but she evolves her bedside manner to connect more deeply with her patients, rather than viewing them as a car that needs to be fixed and shipped off. Dr. Whitaker (Gerran Howell) is from a small community, so adjusting to the hustle and bustle of city life, along with the fast-paced nature of an emergency room, drives him to succeed. Dr. King (Taylor Dearden) is as optimistic as they come, but certain patients challenge this immediately.

There are also several doctors and nurses who are here to teach these interns as attendings or residents. Dr. Collins (Tracy Ifeachor) is as tough as they come, having experienced some of the most tragic and personal events that a woman could face. Dr. Langdon’s (Patrick Ball) ambition gets the best of him, and he pays a deep price for how he copes with it. With her life falling apart, Dr. McKay (Fiona Dourif) must overcome some of her demons and insecurities. Finally, Dr. Mohan (Supriya Ganesh) takes excellent care of her patients, even if it means sacrificing the time she could spend with others who might also need her help. The Pitt also does a great job of recognizing the nursing staff. Starting with Dana (Katherine LaNasa), she’s been doing this job for a long time, while also coming to terms with what it means to be at the end of her rope. 

At the helm of this team is Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle), an excellent teacher who knows when to push, even if it can be abrasive. On the other hand, he cares deeply about the team, the hospital, and the patients. There are times when he has to morph into different roles for particular cases. For example, one minute he’s telling someone that their loved one is about to die, but the next minute, he is performing a gutsy procedure to save someone’s life. Whether he’s in a group or one-on-one, Dr. Robby is outstanding in every way, shape, and form, mainly due to Wyle. Since his days on ER, Wyle has resisted returning to medical shows, fearing it would typecast him. But The Pitt is the perfect situation for someone like him, who brings gravity to the role unlike the other characters.

Of course, part of what makes The Pitt work is the patients. The group has to deal with everything from overdoses, to freak accidents, to serious injuries. It can feel like whiplash at times, considering the number of patients they see. In 15 hours, the team probably treats hundreds of patients, while still having a line out the door.

On the other hand, this experience also highlights how much modern medicine has evolved, while showcasing the team’s talent. Some cases, particularly those involving children and those involving major events that occur during the final episodes, had me on the edge of my seat. It is a great mix, showcasing the diversity that each case can present.

The Pitt also doesn’t shy away from some of the tough conversations it has regarding modern medicine. The hospital’s operation is often discussed as more of a business than a place to help people. Whether it’s discussing corporate mergers or financial allocation, the business side of the hospital is often unappealing yet necessary. Some patient-centric stories have direct implications for the staff, such as how to handle someone who is overbearing and aggressive towards you, or how etiquette has become less formal since the pandemic. Speaking of, The Pitt even provides some assessment of the toll COVID-19 took on the staff who survived it. Each of these themes is incredible to assess.

The Pitt is one of my favorite shows of 2025. The performances, characters, and story blew me away. What sold me, though, was itsthe themes, and the downstream effects those have on one another. Wyle shows us why he’s perhaps one of the best TV doctors to ever put on the white coat. The Pitt is a special show, and one that stands out in 2025.

Rating: Loved It

The Pitt is currently streaming on Max

You can read more from Mike Hilty and follow him on Instagram, Letterboxd, and Serializd