When you first start watching the new Max series "The Pitt", it might initially feel like a trip back in time to the popular medical drama "ER." Despite a star-studded cast that includes Noah Wyle, an ER familiar and a shared executive producer, R. Scott Gemmill, "The Pitt" manages to carve out an identity of its own thanks to unique structural and storytelling elements.
"The Pitt" takes place in a major hospital’s emergency department, but unlike "ER", the series is set in Pittsburgh and follows the work shift of Dr. Michael “Robby” Rabinovich almost in real time. Each episode documents an hour of Dr. Robby’s 15-hour shift in a style reminiscent of Fox's "24", creating an intense, frantically paced plot that incorporates topical issues like opioid abuse and the pandemic.
The medical drama showcases a central flurry of characters, with Dr. Robby, played by Wyle, serving as the anchoring presence amongst the chaos. Patients' stories develop across multiple episodes, giving viewers a more in-depth look at their experiences in the healthcare system. The shift to real-time storytelling and highlighting extended patient experiences presents a fresh take on the network medical show format.
The massive and varied cast includes standout characters such as Dana Evans (Katherine LaNasa), a charge nurse who manages the floor with military precision, and Dr. Santos (Isa Briones), a new resident who grapples with the pressures of her first day on the job. These characters form a swirling mass that becomes familiar through a series of brief interactions.
Dedicated to creating an authentic experience, "The Pitt" uses medical jargon and shared wisdom to immerse viewers in the workings of the ER. The setting is a prominent character in the story, with the frantic cogwheels of the hospital illuminated under fluorescent light.
Despite the intensity of the unusual diagnoses and outlandish injuries, "The Pitt" adds to the growing wave of medical shows portraying hospitals as overstretched safety nets, straying away from the glorified narratives of heroic medical saviors. Wyle's portrayal of Dr. Robby stands out with his infectiously warm and flawed character drawing in viewers.
The authenticity and grittiness of "The Pitt" come together to weave a story that depicts the very real struggles of working in a hectic emergency department, making for a fascinating watch. The first two episodes of "The Pitt" premiered on Max and the remaining episodes are set to air weekly on Thursdays.
