For more than 20 years, our TV screens have been plagued with medical dramas. Most notably, “Grey’s Anatomy,” “ER” and “Scrubs.” Since its release, “The Pitt” is giving all of them a run for their money.
“The Pitt” is a high-paced medical drama set in a hospital at the heart of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The show zooms in on each and every member of the emergency room, more commonly known as the pit.
Doctors, nurses and hospital staff alike have been calling it the most realistic medical show yet. The physical injuries and issues with patients are so true to life that medical students have said they use the show as a studying tool, attempting to diagnose before the doctors on the show do. The realism of the show does not stop at the blood, scars, cuts, guts and injuries. The depiction of the emotions of hospital staff, especially within the ER truly represents PTSD from the pandemic, burnout, as well as the physical and mental toll that comes with the job.
The plot is a perfect balance of character drama and patient drama, and for me that means less personal issues and more medicine. Unlike “Grey’s Anatomy,” where the main focus is the medical staff’s personal drama and relationships, “The Pitt” keeps medicine at the center of the story and only has a side of personal dilemma. The fast pace of the show keeps you continually entertained. Each staff member has their own issues and problems within the episode – and there are a lot – which leaves you with little cliffhangers within the episode as they switch the focus from staff to staff.
What truly makes this show unique is how the episodes and seasons are laid out. One season is a singular shift, and each episode is one hour of this shift. Although each season does depict one of the worst shifts you could have as a hospital worker. Not only that, but if you watch the show real time, a singular episode is released only once a week. I wait in anticipation and excitement for every Thursday night, this method of release keeps me further engaged with the show.
I have truly never watched another show like this. It is new, unique and a must watch. I highly recommend you check it out on HBO Max, maybe even binge so you can tune in to the next episode on Thursday.
