Noah Wyle (‘ER’) puts his scrubs back on in the new hospital drama, ‘The Pitt’
Noah Wyle (‘ER’) puts his scrubs back on in the new hospital drama, ‘The Pitt’
Experience a 15-hour hospital shift in real-time with Max’s new emergency room series.
Health care workers have been through hell and back over the last five years, and one new show is looking to give you an inside look at the daily grind they go through to save people’s lives. From executive producer John Wells, creator of hit shows like “ER” and “West Wing” comes “The Pitt” - a new original series that unfolds in a Pittsburgh hospital’s ER during a grueling 15-hour shift. Each episode focuses on a single hour, capturing the relentless pressure, emotional toll, and life-or-death decisions these healthcare heroes face. Starring Noah Wyle as a dedicated ER doctor, “The Pitt” is a raw and urgent look at the toll saving lives takes on those who do it every day. Here’s everything you need to know about “The Pitt,” premiering on Thursday, Jan. 9 on Max.
How to watch ‘The Pitt’
- When: Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 at 3 a.m. ET
- TV: Max
- Stream: Watch with a subscription to Max.
- From anywhere: Watch with a subscription to a VPN.
Everything you need to know about ‘The Pitt’:
What is ‘The Pitt’ about?
“Being here means no matter how good you are, or how hard you try… someone might die. That’s called being an emergency medical doctor.” The stakes of the “The Pitt” are set out pretty clearly by Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch in the trailer above. The new series takes you right into the heart of a Pittsburgh hospital’s emergency room, where the clock never stops ticking and every second counts. Each episode covers just one hour of a chaotic 15-hour shift, making you feel like you’re living the intensity alongside the doctors and nurses. It’s not just about medical emergencies - it dives deep into the personal struggles and emotional weight these healthcare workers carry as they try to save lives under relentless pressure.
At the center of the action is Noah Wyle (who spent 11 seasons as Dr. John Carter on “ER”) who is back in scrubs as Dr. “Robby,” a veteran ER doctor. He’s backed by a diverse team, including the calm and composed Dr. Collins (Tracey Ifeachor), the compassionate Dr. Langdon (Patrick Marron Ball), and ambitious newcomer Dr. Santos (Isa Briones).
What makes The Pitt stand out is its unique real-time storytelling. Instead of jumping days or weeks between episodes, you experience the drama minute by minute - 15 episodes, 15 hours in total. The approach creates constant tension and keeps you fully immersed in the world of emergency medicine. On top of that, the show doesn’t shy away from the bigger picture, spotlighting important issues like burnout, understaffing, and the emotional strain healthcare workers face daily. If you’ve been looking for a replacement for “ER” since it ended in more than 15 years ago, “The Pitt” is as good a bet as any.
What time will episodes of ‘The Pitt’ come on Max?
“The Pitt” drops on Max on Thursday, Jan. 9 with the first two episodes. After that, new episodes will roll out every Thursday, with the season finale set for Thursday, April 10, 2025. Max usually adds new shows around 3 a.m. ET, so you can expect “The Pitt” to hit the platform at that time on release days.
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Who are the main characters of ‘The Pitt’?
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Dr. Michael “Robby” Rabinavitch - Noah Wyle plays Dr. Robby, who leads the ER with years of experience under his belt. Calm under pressure but deeply affected by the weight of his job, he’s the kind of doctor who puts his patients first, even when it takes a personal toll.
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Dr. Collins - Tracy Ifeachor plays Dr. Collins, a skilled and composed ER physician, known for her steady hand in emergencies. She keeps a major personal secret hidden from the team, trying to balance her demanding job with the life-changing reality she’s facing.
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Dr. Langdon - Patrick Marron Ball as Dr. Langdon brings heart and humor to the ER. He’s a confident and supportive presence for his colleagues, often the one lifting spirits when tension runs high.
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Dr. Mohan - Supriya Ganesh plays Dr. Mohan, a third-year resident still finding her footing. Compassionate to a fault, she struggles with the emotional strain that comes with working in life-or-death situations.
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Dr. McKay - Played by Fiona Dourif, she juggles life as both an ER doctor and a single mom. Her scrappy, no-nonsense approach helps her manage the chaos of the ER while staying fiercely protective of her child at home.
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Dr. Melissa “Mel” King - Taylor Dearden plays Mel, a new intern whose awkwardness often masks her genuine determination to learn and make a difference. She’s eager to prove herself, even when the fast pace of the ER overwhelms her.
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Dr. Trinity Santos - Played by Isa Briones, she’s bold, direct, and unafraid to speak her mind. While her bluntness can rub others the wrong way, her dedication to the work is undeniable.
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Dennis Whitaker - Gerran Howell plays Dennis Whitaker, an intern with small-town roots, bringing a grounded, humble work ethic to the ER. His background makes the chaos of the hospital feel like a whole new world, but he’s determined to keep up.
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Victoria Javad - Shabana Azeez takes the role of Javad, a medical prodigy, starting her internship at just 20 years old. Her brilliance sets her apart, but the pressure to live up to her potential weighs heavily on her.
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Dana Evans Played by Katherine LaNasa, Evans runs the administrative side of the hospital with a sharp focus on efficiency. Balancing patient care with hospital politics often puts her at odds with the doctors working the floor.
Who is creator behind ‘The Pitt’?
“The Pitt” is created by R. Scott Gemmill, a veteran TV writer and producer with deep roots in medical dramas. Having worked extensively on “ER,” Gemmill brings firsthand experience in crafting emotionally charged, fast-paced stories set in hospital environments. He teams up with executive producer John Wells, known for “The West Wing” and “ER,” and lead actor Noah Wyle, who also played a central role in “ER” for 11 seasons. With some of the genre’s most experienced voices, “The Pitt” should deliver a gripping, character-driven look at the challenges of life in a busy Pittsburgh trauma center.
Here’s how to watch some of John Wells’ other hit shows:
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ER
September 19, 1994ER explores the inner workings of an urban teaching hospital and the critical issues faced by the dedicated physicians and staff of its overburdened emergency room.
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The West Wing
September 22, 1999The West Wing provides a glimpse into presidential politics in the nation’s capital as it tells the stories of the members of a fictional presidential administration. These interesting characters have humor and dedication that touches the heart while the politics that they discuss touch on everyday life.
