Noah Wyle Is Sensational in Scrubs in New ER Drama The Pitt

If you’ve seen or heard anything about The Pitt, the medical drama that debuts on Max on January 9, you’ve probably come to the conclusion that it’s a blend of ER and 24. In some ways you’d be right.  

Each episode follows an hour of a 15-hour shift in real-time at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, which is derisively referred to as The Pitt. Hello, 24! The series was created by R. Scott Gemmill and produced by John Wells, two ER alums. It even has a former ER star—Noah Wyle—as its lead, co-executive producer, and writer of episodes four and nine. 

Once you start watching The Pitt, however, you’ll quickly come to appreciate that it stands on its own merits. Filled with realism, heart, and just the right touches of humor, this is the best medical drama I’ve seen in years. And much of its success is due to its multi-hyphenate star, Noah Wyle. 

With all due respect to Dr. McCoy, Dr. Grey, and Dr. Quinn, if I have to have a fictional doctor treat me in an emergency situation I’d go with Dr. Robinavitch (Wyle), aka Dr. Robby. Throughout the 10 episodes I had access to, Wyle consistently impressed. While experienced enough to spout medical jargon with ease, Wyle’s ability to deftly display the complexity of a man that’s a friend, mentor, teacher, and cheerleader with the level of compassion, professionalism, attention to detail, and expertise his job requires is astounding. 

Make no mistake, Dr. Robby isn’t Superman. He’s struggling with the death of a mentor that was a father figure to him, he can be a pain in the ass to hospital administrators, and he’s not exactly a doting father. But these flaws give him layers. Most importantly, you never feel Dr. Robby is portrayed by an actor. Instead you’ll see him interact with staff and patients and ponder a move to Pittsburgh to get his level of care. Noah Wyle is outstanding. Or as I wrote in my notes while watching screeners, “Wyle is crushing it.” 

While the chief attendant is the clear focus of The Pitt, the series is blessed with a bevy of fascinating supporting characters in a unique medical hierarchy. 

When Dr. Robby isn’t around, everyone answers to senior residents Collins (Tracey Ifeachor) or Langdon (Patrick Ball). The quiet and contemplative Collins, dealing with a personal issue that’s sure to become public, is a nice balance to the loud and brash Langdon, who one person dubs “Dr. Ken.” 

Third and second year residents Mohan (Supriya Ganesh), McKay (Fiona Dourif), and King (Taylor Dearden) are a step below Collins and Langdon. Mohan is nicknamed Slow Mo for not churning patients fast enough. McKay mysteriously wears an ankle monitor for reasons revealed throughout the season. King is geeky and awkward, yet endearing. These three are an odd mix but can certainly hold their own. 

Audiences are sure to relate to the new medical students whose first day is highlighted in the work shift. Santos (Isa Briones), Whitaker (Gerran Howell), and Javadi (Shabana Azeez) are eager to please but inexperienced. It’s often through their perspective that viewers learn what some of the technical jargon means, the dilemmas hospitals often face, and why the American medical system is a hot mess. 

This diverse potpourri of medical experts, along with charge nurse Dana (the vivacious Katherine LaNasa), deal with medical emergencies at top speed, and as you might expect for an ER, it isn’t always pretty. The Pitt is a show on a streaming service after all, so injuries are sometimes graphic. 

To be sure, viewers will see typical emergency room stuff—drug overdoses, broken bones, burns, etc. But if you’re squeamish, you might want to look away when someone’s collarbone is pulled out of their lungs with forceps, a nail is removed from a man’s open chest, or a guy’s collapsed face is put back in place. I had no idea what a degloved foot was (google it at your own peril), but I do now. The Pitt will make you feel like you’re actually in an emergency room. 

The Pitt isn’t just realistic when it comes to physical injuries, it’s even more powerful when displaying emotional trauma. Being in an emergency room can be a life changing experience in the worst way possible and The Pitt throws some of those situations straight at you. Watching people struggle with pain, heartbreak, and loss on this show can be devastating so get the tissues ready. A high level of emotional heft is a testament to this show’s authenticity.  

While The Pitt has realism to spare, it also balances the challenges experienced by its patients and staff with humor, dignity, and heart. Staff will often tease each other, make bets on silly things, and have genuine affection for one another. The show beautifully builds a sense of familiarity, community, and trust.

Even though it’s riveting, The Pitt isn’t perfect. The first episode is a jumble of characters and lacks exposition, the Dr. Robby vs. Hospital Admin beef doesn’t go deep enough, and because of its subject matter it can be a tough watch. But it’s also a world that’s flat out addictive to reside in. A powerful moment with Dr. Robby midway through the season perfectly exemplifies this. 

Through multiple episodes Dr. Robby helps two siblings deal with the death of their father. After the father passes, the pair are heartbroken so Robby tells them about the Hawaiian practice of Ho’oponopono, which are four simple phrases to help heal the soul. They are: I love you. Thank you. I forgive you. Please forgive me. This touching moment, which takes place over multiple scenes, is so beautifully acted and filmed that it had me in tears. 

It’s times of sincerity like this, along with this series’ many other incredible traits, that makes The Pitt the best new medical drama in years. 

The first two episodes of The Pitt premiere on Max on Jan. 9. Subsequent episodes release weekly on Thursdays through April 10. 

Terry Terrones is a Television Critics Association and Critics Choice Association member, licensed drone pilot, and aspiring hand model. When he’s not marveling at Noah Wyle’s acting chops, you can find him hiking in the mountains of Colorado. You can follow him on Twitter @terryterrones.

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