Health Beyond the Blog: HBO Max’s “The Pitt”

“The Pitt” shows the realities of life in emergency medicine and the challenges that accompany it.

by Stephanie Oehler

The emergency room is notorious for nonstop intensity that pushes healthcare workers to points of extreme exhaustion. HBO’s new medical drama, The Pitt, gives viewers a look into the relentless chaos of emergency medicine at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital. The first season, which premiered on January 9th, 2025, features 15 episodes that each capture one hour of a single grueling 7 am to 10 pm emergency department shift.

The first few episodes waste no time drawing viewers in. The medical team encounters cases like a young boy who accidentally ingested his father’s cannabis gummies, a non-English speaking patient whose leg is severed after being pushed onto subway tracks, and a man with a shock collar glued to his neck by his girlfriend.

The intrapersonal dynamics among the hospital staff are also a highlight of the series. The medical team is composed of different experience levels including senior attendings, residents, nurses, and medical students. The show combines moments of realism with moments of comic relief, such as when the youngest medical student faints at the sight of a served leg and is quickly nicknamed “crash” by an older resident. These moments add warmth and humor to an otherwise serious environment, perfectly encapsulating the camaraderie and slight awkwardness that often characterize clinical teams. 

Another major theme is the overwhelming pressure placed on providers by hospital administrators to maintain efficiency at all costs. The show’s fast-paced nature reflects the emotional whiplash of emergency medicine. For example, the single ER attending on duty, Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, is shown in the second episode going right from informing parents that their 18-year-old son is brain dead to having to override an elderly man’s do-not-resuscitate order at the demand of his family. The show also illustrates the overcrowded nature of hospital emergency rooms, with patients being wheeled into the hallway to make room for new waves of patients.

The Pitt is a perfect representation of why so many healthcare providers experience burnout. The fast-paced nature of the series mixed with fascinating medical cases and moments of comedic relief make it impossible for viewers to look away.

The Pitt is now streaming on HBO Max.