Medical shows are a staple of American television, and there has certainly been no shortage of them. From the dramatic shows “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Chicago Med” to the comedic show “Scrubs,” people already have so many options to choose from. Why are audiences obsessively talking about another new medical drama, “The Pitt?”
Currently in its second season, “The Pitt” takes a new approach. Having debuted a little over a year ago, the show is set in the fictional, understaffed, Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, aka “the Pitt.” Each hour-long episode represents one, real hour of a shift in the trauma center.
Many people gravitate to this show’s more realistic depiction of what it’s like working in a high-stress medical environment, from malpractice lawsuits to ICE raids to panic attacks and frustrating patients.
While there are truly so many characters, the show starts by following Dr. Michael ‘Robby’ Robinavitch, played by Noah Wyle, clocking in for a shift. Like him, you are immediately thrown into the chaos of the atmosphere, having no time to get settled. The show immediately starts with action, which not only adds to the realism and immersion, but sets the tone for “The Pitt” as a whole.
As I said, there are so many characters, but that doesn’t feel overwhelming. The show somehow makes it easy to follow along with all the different characters, and we get to see them interact and help each other out. Their interactions feel real, they get frustrated and worried for each other, and they make fun of each other, without all the interpersonal drama you might get from “Grey’s Anatomy.”
You also get a sense of different patients; some are friendly and regulars, others are more hostile and difficult. You see how different patients are treated and how they treat the staff. You also see the toll working in such a high-pressure environment takes on someone. In other words, you see that the staff is human.
The pacing of this show is amazing. Things go fast, you bounce between different characters and different storylines, but you still get to know everyone. Being things move fast, it feels impossible to get bored.
There’s not a whole lot of background music except for its opening and ending, which I think serves the show well. It doesn’t need a whole lot of the extra effect since there’s already so much going on.
Now, there are some downsides to the format. The seasons are 15 episodes long, which means if you want to binge, buckle up. Binging is also a bit difficult since the season releases one episode a week. However, you do get mini cliffhangers because every episode represents a single hour instead of a full day.
If you’re into medical shows, particularly dramas, “The Pitt” is worth a watch. You do need an HBO Max account, or if you have cable, the show’s on TNT and releases Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET. The show is very intense and uncomfortable at times, but that’s to be expected — check the warnings in the upper left-hand corner of the screen to make sure you’re good to watch it.
