It feels like some sort of divine intervention that I can stomach The Pitt because anyone who knows me knows that I’m way too anxious to handle medical dramas. On top of my anxiety, I struggle with OCD, and that factors into why I usually can’t watch medical dramas beyond your average procedural (i.e., 9-1-1 or Chicago Fire). But for the first time in my career, I started feeling like I was seriously missing out when everyone was talking about The Pitt on social media. And so, I forced myself to try.
And again, it feels like some sort of divine miracle. Or it’s the power of this show’s mastery and charm. I don’t know. I don’t have the answer. But with the finale a week away, now’s the best time to catch up, so here’s an anxious gal’s attempt to convince those of you who are hesitant to try.
The Pitt’s Unique Pacing Is Its Strength
Now, if you do have medical anxiety like me, here’s what I think makes The Pitt work. Thus far, the first season is taking place entirely within one day. As horrifically stressful as every episode is because of how slammed the emergency room gets, something about the pacing makes it easier to manage. For instance, I couldn’t even get through the pilot for House without actively freaking out. (And this was before the COVID-19 days when my medical anxiety wasn’t nearly as bad as it is now.)
With The Pitt, we see an intriguing balance where viewers get to know the patients enough to care about them, but we’re also granted an even more compelling arc with each of the doctors that almost makes it impossible not to want to be there for them virtually. There really isn’t any logical reason for this, and I know that this isn’t going to make me someone who’ll start watching more medical dramas outside of procedurals. Still, it’s a miracle I can be grateful for because this show is worth every minute. Literally. Physically. In every way. So, if you’re anything like me, maybe give it a shot.
The Performances Are Incredible
More often than not, procedurals and network dramas aren’t part of the awards discourse, but with The Pitt airing on Max, there’s a huge possibility that it’ll enter more radars. And it should because each performer brings something evocative to every scene they’re in, delivering a full range of emotions each time.
Hannah Waddingham said it best in her Emmy-winning speech: “West End musical performers should be on the screen more.” And I’d say the same goes for Broadway performers as well because those with theatre backgrounds do something incomparable every time, and The Pitt cast has a few of them in its circle. (The fun part is figuring out who, so I’ll opt out of saying it here.)
Plus, the show stars Noah Wyle. Need I say more?
The Characters Are Well-Rounded and Complex
In order for me to get attached to a show, I need to see characters worth rooting for. Whether they’re complex individuals hiding a plethora of heartaches or sweet baby angels you want to protect, the characters will always hold a higher place for me than the plot. And on The Pitt, the characters are the type I’m going to think about for a long, long time. Even if the show was canceled (which it isn’t), and we solely had a season with them, they’d each still be worth loving and appreciating.
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The careful writing that goes into establishing each of these characters is no small feat. It bears repeating that though we’ve only had them for a single day, it feels like they’ve been on our TV screens for years. The show spends enough time with each ensemble cast member to ensure that the viewers know enough about them to stay invested. In short, they’re everything, Your Honor.
Writers Aren’t Shying Away From Important (And Necessary) Conversations
I know very little about medicine, so I can’t vouch for how accurate the show is with jargon and such, but I can certainly note that it’s easy to respect the conversations about vaccinations, procedures, and everything in between. In a world where people continue to wrongfully believe that Google is also a doctor, I can’t imagine how frustrating it must be for the professionals trying to save lives. I can’t imagine how frustrating it must be when some random person on social media can hold more power than someone with an actual degree and experience in the field.
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Thus, I’m grateful that the series doesn’t shy away from conversations surrounding vaccinations, how people behave, and the care that human beings need when it comes to being transparent about what’s going on with them. All of these details are so worthy of respect.
The Relationships Are Fascinating
Yes, we’re going to make everything romantic because why the heck not? Now, there aren’t any canon relationships on the show yet (though it’s implied that Wyle’s Dr. Robby and Tracy Ifeachor’s Dr. Collins dated), it’s still fun to ship because the internet is a lovely place when people let other people think what they want about fictional pairings. At the same time, though again, this is all taking place within one day, the relationships these characters are building with one another are so gripping that there’s not a single dynamic that’s dull or lacking. Even characters with animosity toward one another are riveting to watch.
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As human beings, we form bonds wherever we go, and the workplace relationships we’re watching on this show are thoroughly incredible. Mentors and mentees, patients and doctors, or even equals in every way, the show does an enamoring job of bringing different people into one space and allowing them to grow as a result of those around them.
The Pitt is now streaming on Max.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Max