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Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for the finale of Season 1 of The Pitt. Initially, I was skeptical about The Pitt. A hospital drama featuring Noah Wyle? It felt repetitive, especially since I adored ER and watched it religiously. Wyle’s role as John Carter was my favorite, yet the thought of him being typecast in a similar role was frustrating. However, after hearing more buzz about The Pitt, I decided to give it a try last week. Although I still have several episodes to catch up on, I am pleasantly surprised by what I discovered.
For starters, The Pitt feels more authentic than ER, which was already groundbreaking in its own right. Airing on Max instead of traditional network television allows for a unique rawness, almost documentary-like. While the show features compelling relationships, they are not the main focus. What truly captivated me was the structure of The Pitt: each episode depicts one hour in a fifteen-hour shift. This format immerses viewers in the chaotic reality of an ER, where time is of the essence. The Pitt is not ER, nor is it Grey’s Anatomy. Instead, it reminds me of another favorite from the past. The Pitt is the new 24, and I’m all for it!
‘The Pitt’ Faced Lawsuit for Alleged Similarities to ‘ER’
It wasn’t just my initial impression; many believed The Pitt would merely replicate ER. Even the family of Michael Crichton, the creator of ER, shared this sentiment. Crichton, known for Jurassic Park, passed away in 2008, but his estate has filed a lawsuit against The Pitt’s creators, claiming it is an unauthorized sequel to ER. This legal issue has impacted Wyle, who expressed to Variety, “This taints the legacy, and it shouldn’t have. At one point, this could have been a partnership. And when it wasn’t a partnership, it didn’t need to turn acrimonious. But on the 30th anniversary of ER, I’ve never felt less celebratory of that achievement than I do this year.”
While The Pitt features ER producers John Wells and R. Scott Gemmill, and Wyle’s presence inevitably evokes memories of his iconic character, Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, it’s crucial to note that if another actor portrayed Robby, the comparisons to ER would be less pronounced. Regardless of Wyle’s involvement, the resemblance to 24 is undeniable.
‘The Pitt’ Has More in Common With ’24’
24 premiered at a pivotal moment, launching on FOX in November 2001 amidst post-9/11 anxieties. Viewers found solace in watching Jack Bauer ( Kiefer Sutherland ) confront terrorists. The show’s unique storytelling format, consisting of twenty-four episodes each representing one hour in real-time, created a thrilling urgency. Bauer’s relentless race against time added to the adrenaline, making it impossible for him to pause, not even for a bathroom break!
Despite their apparent differences, The Pitt and 24 share a real-time storytelling approach that heightens tension and keeps viewers engaged. If you’re behind on The Pitt, it’s hard not to binge-watch it. Once an episode ends, you’re compelled to continue, as the characters remain entrenched in their turmoil. Robby and Bauer share many similarities. Both face significant personal losses and emotional burdens, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, both are heroes, surrounded by others who strive to save lives, whether at the Counter Terrorist Unit or the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital.
Medical professionals have praised The Pitt for its authenticity in dialogue and its portrayal of hospital politics, including challenges like funding and staffing. Similar to Jack Bauer’s struggles in 24, the characters in The Pitt can never simply treat patients without facing additional complications. Just as Bauer encountered new crises immediately after resolving one, The Pitt maintains a relentless pace. As soon as staff attend to one patient, another emergency arises before they can regain their composure. Jack Bauer may be a formidable hero, but even he wouldn’t thrive in such an environment.
In Truth, ‘The Pitt’ Is More Intense Than ’24’
Image via Max
In my opinion, The Pitt is even more gripping than 24. While I was a fan of the latter, it sometimes felt exaggerated. The Pitt, on the other hand, is raw and authentic. It’s compelling television, but I wouldn’t categorize it as enjoyable. In 24, characters could move between various locations, which was essential. However, in The Pitt, the characters are confined to one setting, creating a sense of claustrophobia that amplifies the suspense.
While 24 maintained many of the same characters, it introduced new narratives each season. This is a direction The Pitt could explore. It has already been renewed for a second season, set over a Fourth of July weekend. Expect to see patients arriving in the ER with injuries from fireworks! What if, like 24, The Pitt featured 15 hours of different doctors and nurses in the same hospital working different shifts? Some familiar faces, including Noah Wyle, could return, while new characters from the night shift and other departments could be introduced.
The Wire successfully changed its storylines and characters each season. TheWhite Lotus is doing the same. The Pitt can follow suit. It has effectively blended elements from two iconic series to create something unique. Now, we eagerly await Season 2 to see what unfolds next. The clock is ticking.
All episodes of The Pitt Season 1 are available for streaming on Max in the U.S.
