Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for the finale of Season 1 of The Pitt. Initially, I was skeptical about The Pitt. The premise felt worn out: Noah Wyle returning to a hospital drama seemed unoriginal. I adored <em>ER</em>; I watched every episode during its original airing, and John Carter, portrayed by Wyle, was my favorite character. However, the thought of him being typecast in a role that echoed his past annoyed me. Medical dramas have saturated the television landscape. Isn’t it time for something fresh? Eventually, the buzz surrounding The Pitt piqued my interest, so I decided to dive in last week. Despite being several episodes behind, I am genuinely amazed by what I discovered.

Firstly, The Pitt delivers a level of realism that surpasses even ER, which was already groundbreaking in its storytelling. The decision to air it on Max, rather than traditional network television, allows for a gritty authenticity rarely seen in medical dramas. It almost feels documentary-like in its presentation. While the relationships between characters are compelling, they are not the focal point of the show. What truly captivated me was the unique storytelling technique employed: each episode encapsulates one hour of a fifteen-hour shift. This narrative structure vividly portrays the chaotic environment of an ER pit, where time is a luxury they simply cannot afford. In essence, The Pitt is not a mere revival of ER, nor can it be compared to Grey’s Anatomy. It evokes nostalgia reminiscent of another classic: 24, a show I also hold dear!

‘The Pitt’ Faces Legal Action Over Allegations of Copying ‘ER’

It turns out I wasn’t alone in perceiving The Pitt as a potential ER imitation. The family of the late Michael Crichton, who created the iconic NBC series, shares similar sentiments. Crichton is known not only for his literary masterpiece, Jurassic Park, but also for directing groundbreaking films like Westworld. Unfortunately, Crichton passed away in 2008, but his estate has initiated legal proceedings against the creators of The Pitt, claiming the show is an unauthorized continuation of ER. This legal controversy has been a source of distress for Wyle, who conveyed 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.”

Yes, The Pitt features producers from ER, namely John Wells and R. Scott Gemmill, and having Noah Wyle in a hospital context inevitably invites comparisons to his most famous role. However, if another actor had portrayed Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, the comparisons to ER may not have been so pronounced. Despite Wyle’s involvement, it remains impossible to watch The Pitt without thinking of 24.

Uncovering the Parallels: ‘The Pitt’ and ’24’

24 debuted at a crucial moment in television history. Launching on FOX in November 2001, it emerged as a response to post-9/11 anxieties, offering viewers a thrilling escape. We eagerly tuned in weekly to watch the formidable hero, Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland), confront terrorism. The series distinguished itself through its innovative storytelling format. With twenty-four episodes, each episode unfolded in real-time, with 24‘s relentless ticking clock creating a palpable sense of urgency as Bauer raced against time to thwart disasters. Across nine seasons and a feature film, Bauer faced an unending barrage of challenges—did he ever take a bathroom break?

While The Pitt and 24 may initially seem like vastly different series, they share a crucial element: the real-time approach intensifies the stakes, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. If, like me, you find yourself lagging behind on The Pitt, the desire to binge-watch becomes irresistible. Each episode concludes with a cliffhanger, compelling you to dive straight into the next. Even though we can take a pause, the characters remain entrenched in their turmoil. Their chaos doesn’t allow for any respite. There are striking similarities between Bauer and Robby. Both characters endure immense personal loss and trauma, yet continue to forge ahead. Bauer’s struggles echo through Robby’s experience, who grapples with the physical and emotional scars left by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, both characters embody heroism, surrounded by fellow heroes dedicated to saving lives, whether at the Counter Terrorist Unit or within the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital.

Healthcare professionals have praised The Pitt for its authenticity, touching on everything from the dialogue to the depiction of hospital politics and pressing issues like funding and staffing shortages. Similar to how Jack Bauer always faced obstacles that hindered his mission, the personnel in The Pitt are never able to provide care without encountering additional challenges. In 24, just as Bauer would resolve one crisis, another would emerge before he could catch his breath. This relentless pace also characterizes The Pitt, ramping up the intensity. It’s like ER taken to an extreme. As soon as the medical staff treats one patient, another emergency arrives, preventing them from regrouping. While Jack Bauer is a formidable hero, even he would struggle in the chaos of the ER pit.

A Bold Claim: ‘The Pitt’ Outdoes ’24’ in Intensity

I would contend that The Pitt may actually surpass 24 in terms of intensity. While I was captivated by 24, I often felt I could detach from it. Despite its suspenseful nature, there was an element of theatricality. In contrast, The Pitt presents a grittier, more authentic narrative. It’s must-see television, but I wouldn’t classify it as enjoyable viewing. In 24, Jack Bauer moved rapidly between different settings, which was essential to the plot. However, the characters in The Pitt are confined to one location, creating a claustrophobic tension that enhances the suspense.

In 24, while some characters remained constant, the storyline evolved each season, introducing new leads and narratives. This is a model The Pitt could adopt. Excitingly, it has already been renewed for a second season, which producers disclosed to Deadline will take place over a Fourth of July weekend. Viewers can expect victims arriving in the ER with severe injuries! What if, much like 24, The Pitt showcased 15 hours of different doctors and nurses working various shifts within the same hospital? While familiar faces, such as Noah Wyle, may return, we could also meet new characters from the night shift and other departments of the hospital.

<em>The Wire</em> successfully experimented with diverse storylines and characters each season. Similarly, <em>The</em> White Lotus has embraced this approach. The Pitt has brilliantly merged the successful elements from these two classic shows to carve out something even more compelling. Now, we eagerly await Season 2 to discover what unfolds next. The anticipation is palpable as we watch the clock tick down.

All episodes of The Pitt Season 1 are available for streaming on Max in the United States.