Medical dramas are nothing new when it comes to the entertainment industry; “Grey’s Anatomy,” “ER” and “Scrubs” are probably some of the first few that come to mind for people purely because of their widespread popularity and easily recognizable cast. So what made those shows so successful as they have garnered widespread acclaim for upwards of 20 years? The answer- they are intelligently formatted with just the right amount of fast-paced, jaw-dropping medical cases, which are then balanced with the complicated relationships of the medical professionals, McDreamy and Meredith or otherwise. Now, another question arises- what makes “The Pitt” so different from all the shows before it?
Especially because there’s not much variation that can be done in a hospital scenario; patients come in, they wait, they’re cared for, they leave- rinse, wash, repeat. It’s a cycle. And yet, “The Pitt” has succeeded in setting itself apart by adopting this real-time structure. Each episode is one hour of a 15-hour shift at this Pittsburgh Medical Trauma Hospital; this approach, with each episode name being the hour you’re about to enter, makes the viewer acutely aware of the time and urgency and pressure that define every moment of emergency room staff. Each second can literally mean life or death for any patient and “The Pitt” does a fantastic job of forcing this nagging fact into the back of your mind. Even NPR notes how this show shines at being “expansively compassionate,” while also remaining “devastatingly sad.”
At the heart of the series is Noah Wyle’s character, Dr. Michael “Robby” Rabinovitch, the senior attending physician. Wyle, renowned for his role in another medical series “ER,” brings depth and authenticity to Dr. Robby. His performance artfully conveys the ethical complications that come with being a seasoned ER doctor, while showing his own experience with personal loss. In nearly every episode, the viewer can’t help but feel for him because he is clearly carrying an enormous amount of baggage but feels unable to communicate with anyone else; partly due to his trauma, but also due to the field he is in– there is rarely a spare moment to use the bathroom let alone tell someone about your emotions.
Supporting Wyle is a diverse ensemble cast that enriches the narrative tapestry of “The Pitt.” Tracy Ifeachor excels in her role as Dr. Heather Collins, a trusted colleague of Robby’s, while Fiona Dourif portrays Dr. Cassie McKay; besides being doctors, they all share a sizable amount of trauma and complicated pasts. Katherine LaNasa’s performance of Dana Evans, the charge nurse who keeps the ER running as smooth as can be, amidst intense chaos, adds another layer of depth and realism to the series. Her role serves to communicate that things are never going to be perfect, so people are needed to keep things moving. Additionally, there are a number of medical students and lower-level residents, introduced in the first episode, that reflect the multifaceted dynamics of authentic medical teams. Each character is deliberate with all of them increasing the level of depth and emotion behind the show and its themes.
One of the most commendable aspects of “The Pitt” is its commitment to realism. The series refuses to exclude the truth of emergency medicine, as anything from violence against healthcare workers to serious understaffing is given time in the spotlight. Even true medical professionals have gone on the record, commending the show for its accurate medical procedures and heart-wrenching emotional obstacles.
Beyond their immediate medical roles, the characters of “The Pitt” serve as vessels for larger thematic explorations. Dr. Robby represents resilience in the face of encompassing grief and burnout; he is an unfortunate testimony to the toll that a career in emergency medicine has on a person. Dr. Heather Collins brings a compassionate and unyielding presence, frequently advocating for patient rights even when it means challenging hospital bureaucracy. Dr. Cassie McKay, a resident with a troubled past, embodies the theme of redemption, striving to prove that mistakes do not define one’s future. Meanwhile, Dana Evans, as the charge nurse, highlights the often-overlooked emotional labor of healthcare workers, as she navigates patient conflicts to keep the ER running smoothly.
Since its premiere, “The Pitt” has garnered significant critical acclaim. The series boasts a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus stating, “Setting the trials and tribulations of hospital life on a timer, ‘The Pitt’ combines multiple tried-and-true formulas to create a bracingly fresh medical drama.” The production quality of “The Pitt” is noteworthy. The cinematography and shooting style capture the chaotic and quick pace of the emergency room, utilizing handheld camera work and dynamic angles to immerse viewers in the action. The use of authentic medical equipment, such as the Butterfly iQ handheld ultrasound device, adds to the show’s credibility.
Sufficeit to say, “The Pitt” gives a new name to the medical drama genre thanks to its immersive time structure, heart-stopping performances, and steadfast strength in the face of various, wide-reaching social issues. Viewers will be welcomed into this do-or-die world of fast-paced, whiplash emergency medicine with the guarantee to stun everytime it crosses your screen. No matter if you’re a forever fan of medical dramas or just interested in this new series, “The Pitt” is a fantastic place to begin.
