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The Pitt

Medical dramas have been a staple of television since its inception. ST. ELSEWHERE, ER, and GRAY’S ANATOMY are amongst the most beloved series’ of all-time and have each delivered moments that are forever ingrained within the cultural zeitgeist.

Last year, a new production entered the chat. HBO Max’s THE PITT was unlike anything we had seen before. Starring former-ER lead Noah Wyle (who also served as co-producer, and part of the writing team), the series is presented in real-time as it covers one shift at Trauma Medical Center in Pittsburgh. As medical chaos unfolds amongst the crowded confines of the learning hospital, the PTSD-suffering Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch (Wyle) and his cohorts navigate complex personal issues while attempting to save the lives of the patients around them.

Unlike most modern high production level series (GAME OF THRONES, BETTER CALL SAUL, PLUR1BUS, etc.) that sometimes allow years to pass in-between seasons, THE PITT returned for its second season roughly one year after the release of the first. Making it even more impressive, each season consists of 15 breakneck episodes, far surpassing many of its high-profile counterparts.

Season 2 of the Pitt picks up 10 months after the events of season one. It is July 4th and Dr. Robby is set to leave on a three-month sabbatical, while new attending Dr. Al-Hashimi (Sepideh Moafi) is shadowing him to learn how things are run in the Pitt. She has plenty of experience (and baggage) herself, and cares much more about customer service scores and modern technology than the more medicine-based Robinavitch. Dr. Langdon (Patrick Ball) is back for his first day since completing rehab. With a fresh perspective and humility in his heart, he looks to make amends and save some lives. Also returning is head nurse Dana Evans (Katherine LaNasa), Dr. McKay (Fiona Durif), Dr. Mohan (Supriya Ganesh), Dr. King (Taylor Dearden), Dr. Santos (Isa Briones), Dr. Whitaker (Gerran Howell), and Dr. Javadi (Shabana Azeez.)

With its second season, THE PITT not only solidifies itself as one of the best shows on television, but one of the greatest the genre has ever seen. While it is natural to jump to hyperbolic exultations as a kneejerk reaction in the moment, further reflection will not dull the facts. Unlike other series in the same vein, nearly every second of THE PITT takes place on the grounds of the hospital. We don’t follow the staff home, or out on dates, or delve into random excursions. This isn’t to say that we don’t get to know characters, their exploits, their hopes, their fears, their relationships, their vulnerabilities and many other aspects of their personal lives. This all unfolds though crisp dialogue and the flawless performances by the ensemble cast (newcomers and returnees alike) while shocking medical mysteries and conditions unfurl around them.

Avoiding the sophomore slump is imperative for any series, and thankfully, THE PITT never misses a beat. The deft, often one-shot camerawork makes every scene crackle with frenetic energy, focusing on one event before seamlessly following another character as they tackle the next crisis that arises. As if the brutally realistic medical moments weren’t authentic enough, this seamless flow of action intertwined with relatable interpersonal conflictions heightens realism in a way that makes every moment must-see TV.