A drama described as 'relentless and intense' and holding a 96% rating is now available for streaming. Many viewers have called this series some of the finest television in recent memory.
A Medical Drama That Stands Out
One critic stated, 'This is one of the best medical dramas I have ever seen.' While not new to the genre—having enjoyed shows like Scrubs, Grey's Anatomy (at least through season 17), and the personal favorite House—this 2025 medical drama has reignited a passion for the category.
HBO's The Pitt is set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, following the staff of the emergency room at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. The series is the second project for writer R. Scott Gemmill and executive producers John Wells and Noah Wyle, who previously collaborated on the wildly popular ER (1994–2009).
Post-COVID Realities
The show is set in a post-COVID world, with the pandemic leaving emotional scars on everyone, particularly Dr. Michael 'Robby' Robinavitch (Noah Wyle). He begins his shift on the fourth anniversary of his mentor's death from COVID-19.
Unique Format
Every episode of The Pitt unfolds over one hour of a shift, with the entire series covering a single day at work. Beyond the chaos of the emergency room and his own grief, Dr. Robby must also manage five medical interns, teaching them the ropes as best he can.
The show is completely gripping across both seasons and, according to IMDb reviews, offers one of the most realistic portrayals of emergency room operations.
Authentic Praise from Healthcare Workers
One reviewer wrote: 'ER healthcare worker here and I can honestly say I have never seen another show with more realism about what life in the ER is really like. This show captures it all. Bravo to the writers, directors, and actors. Well done!'
Another commented: 'I work in healthcare and this show is an accurate depiction of what takes place in a very busy urban Emergency Department. The scenes of intubation, codes, and family grief are real and happen on a daily basis if not hourly.'
A third called the show 'intense and relentless.'
What Makes The Pitt Special
One of the most praised aspects of The Pitt is its realism. Unlike shows like Grey's Anatomy, where absurd events occur daily, The Pitt lets the real-life drama of emergency medicine speak for itself. When doctors rush to save lives, there are few arterial spurts of blood, no bombs dropped on patients, and no HR-worthy missteps.
Instead, the series tackles a mass shooting, homelessness, and forced deportation by ICE agents—sad realities of life in the US—but handles these issues with grace and decorum. Grief is never exploited, and the interpersonal relationships between characters are nuanced and well-crafted.
With a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Pitt truly represents some of the best television available. The series is now streaming on HBO Max.
