“Grey’s Anatomy.” “Chicago Med.” “The Good Doctor.” “The Resident.” Many medical dramas have surfaced over the years, but the HBO Original series and Emmy-winner “The Pitt” stands out for its actors and its realism—not only in its patient cases, but also in its representation of the healthcare system.

   The 15-episode series unfolds in a fictional medical Trauma Center in Pittsburgh, with each episode depicting an hour of a shift in the ER. The show tackles a variety of patient cases, including racial bias in treatments, conversations with grieving families, and the handling of suspected abuse and sex trafficking.

   Beyond depictions of real-world healthcare problems, “The Pitt” also puts an emphasis on the mental and physical toll taken by medical workers. It highlights issues such as understaffing, overworking, and workplace violence. A study published by the American Hospital Association highlights the depicted abuse medical workers face.

   According to the study, “In the U.S., up to 76% of health care workers have reported experiencing violence, with over 80% experiencing verbal violence and 33% experiencing physical violence.”

   To achieve this level of authenticity and depth, producers brought emergency medicine physicians onto the set to help with guiding medical procedures and ensuring correct use of terminology. A study by the National Library of Medicine emphasizes such a need for reliability.

   As stated by the study, “The influence of these dramas … extends to viewers’ perceptions of healthcare and medical professionals, underscoring the need for accurate and responsible portrayal of health issues in the media.”

   The show’s attention to detail and meticulous approach is what sets “The Pitt” apart from other medical shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy”—while largely medically correct, “Grey’s Anatomy” does not get into as much procedural detail as “The Pitt” does. With the support of makeup and prosthetics artists, producers of “The Pitt” ensured that every contusion, fracture, and laceration appeared detailed and true to life.

   This dedication to realism helped the series as well as its lead actor and executive producer, Noah Wyle, receive several Emmy Awards. Critics especially praised the show for its cast, performances, and realistic look at American healthcare systems.

  With 13 Emmy nominations and three wins, “The Pitt” has dedicated its success to the healthcare workers it represents.

   “To anybody who’s going on shift or coming off shift tonight, thank you for being in that job,” Wyle said on stage. “This is for you.”

   Building on this impact, the second season of “The Pitt” is expected to premiere Jan. 2026, continuing its commitment to authenticity and representation. See you there!