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The Pitt is a new medical drama on Max that uses a modern approach to a common tv format . It is led by veteran producers and star, Noah Wyle . The story follows the working staff in a trauma center which highlights not only the medical aspects of their journey but many struggles of working in the medical field today.
The show is set in the emergency department (ED) of Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, using real-world hospital Allegheny General for establishing an environment of realistic approach. Unlike its predecessor, this show is filming primarily in Burbank California giving it more flexibility with creative choices. Also it maintains a focus on gritty realism.
With real world elements we get a mixture of local insight, including many direct and indirect references to locations such as "Beers of the Burgh", "Giant Eagle" and "Primanti’s" giving that local Pittsburgh style of detail and connection to many living in this region.
Unlike a regular tv format with a variety of changes over different timeframes this show maintains that each episode happens in real time of one day at the hospital making each character show how it would all realistically unfold and creates a focus on fast passed moments. Each 1 hour episode focuses on an event or different issue within a 15 hour day.
"The Pitt" is unique as each hour represents an episode. It tracks 15 hours in an ER and how each challenge would need a specific timeframe to play out. Although seemingly odd, this idea allows for more details to shine. Each episode unfolds with a specific perspective by time. There are both long term subplots along with individual arcs giving each viewpoint more connection to what would be real in the setting of an emergency department.
The series boasts a strong cast led by Noah Wyle as Dr. Michael “ Robby ” Rabinavitch a seasoned doctor managing an overwhelmed ED in addition to his past trauma. The cast is diverse both in ethnicity and with age giving each role their own uniqueness while they struggle to make it through day by day with a variety of experiences.
Wyle shows a complex emotional mix playing a role of the main lead that shows both strength while also revealing his own mental health issues and a past of dealing with the covid pandemic. He is a symbol of calm in the storm while also battling a personal struggle from loss. His character becomes the glue to most events giving his role both depth and power.
Other characters include doctors in different levels such as residents or student and offer a look at a range of various struggles including mental health, emotional boundaries and self doubts of new challenges while working in such a serious environment. A range of talent comes together to form their specific identities in a very authentic approach.
The series focuses a great deal on realism with many scenes using true life techniques of emergency care in modern day settings. It also showcases very raw elements to a level that feels uncomfortable to the viewers giving the realness more impact throughout the viewing experience. The show also blends dark humor and touches on heavy and important conversations happening in healthcare.
The Pitt makes a conscious effort in making the ER seem like both a hectic real world work environment while incorporating personal story development. It highlights real aspects of care such as how overwhelmed the department can be and what it takes to move through each event as they come. At time the series seems very real and at other times uses common themes within hospital settings for character building,
With familiar faces it creates curiosity to fans of previous work by the team that came together to make this series a real one and this has gained traction with viewers old and new to the genre. But viewers also noticed there are similarites to past work and differences as well. reviews mention some struggle to completely see what separates it from other work or a complete distinction within a show they can appreciate outside of all that has already been known from these writers, directors or actors.
Some find the show to be a familiar pattern, one similar to previous show ER, with criticisms on the new character introductions and some melodrama that can make the viewing experience uneven and a concern for future viewing. However others claim that its approach is also both compelling and authentic to an overworked department.