Medical shows have existed from the start of visual media, with many such as Grey’s Anatomy, Chicago Med, and House, remaining popular to this day, yet one can not help but wonder, what role does medical accuracy play? Many of these shows, no matter how praised they are, are lacking in that aspect. That’s where The Pitt, released on January 9th, 2025, on HBO max, comes in, being praised by reviewers all around, as one of the most medically accurate shows made so far.
The Pitt takes a very different approach from many other shows, instead of focusing on workplace drama it showcases the emotional toll that ER workers face on a day to day basis. Pam Davis, the Director of Communications from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte even went as far as to state that of the many medical directors that he’s interviewed about the show, most state how, “The show offers audiences a raw glimpse into a health care system on the brink. It shines a light on complex, urgent issues— hospital boarding, limited resources, and the mounting toll of trauma and mass casualty events.” This positive outlook is clearly shared as the series earned a total of 13 nominations for the 2025 Emmy Awards. Including writing, directing, outstanding drama series, lead actor, and supporting actor. The Pitt, with its intense focus on medical accuracy, shatters previously set expectations for medical shows. Even with just one season, the show manages to create an intense atmosphere unrivaled by other shows. Unlike its predecessors, the clear focus on accuracy and the toll that comes with this job manages to not only entertain, but also educate the audience. Medical inaccuracies in these shows create inaccurate expectations in many of us. Most of these shows don’t show the true chaos that occurs on a day to day basis in ERs. Overall, the Pitt, is a show great in all aspects, managing to represent the day to day life of urgent care workers, while also remaining an entertaining watch.