Pop Commentary

The new HBO Max show “The Pitt” is a safe place to land for those of us who have given up on “Grey’s Anatomy.” I was a loyal “Grey’s” viewer for a long time, but they lost me with the recent seasons. This is a good replacement because it seems more realistic and it’s less corny.

If you’re unfamiliar with “The Pitt,” the show is an examination of the challenges health care workers face as seen through the lens of the staff of a Pittsburgh hospital. Each episode follows an hour of the chief attendant’s 15-hour shift in the emergency room and that model makes the show very bingeable.

The show is really well made, so even if you don’t usually like medical dramas, I think you’ll still enjoy it.

I also thought the acting was fantastic. Noah Wyle does a great job as the lead and all the other actors gave really dropped-in performances as well.

Each episode has at least one moment where you’re surprised or disgusted by something. I enjoyed that because it kept the audience on their toes.

The show also tackles some really important subjects, which is great, but some of the dialogue was a little heavy handed and preachy.

I’ve never worked in an ER, but it seemed like the pace of the action was a little exaggerated. The patients really just keep coming and most of them have really dramatic ailments. I’d be interested to hear what real-life ER professionals think about that.

And no spoilers, but there is a big event towards the end of the season that ramps the drama up to 100. It kept things interesting, but it also felt a little excessive.

Lastly, there were nurses in the cast, but they were mainly side characters. I think the show could benefit from including more storylines about them.

Those are just some nitpicky complaints, though. I really enjoyed season one and I’m looking forward to season two, which is expected to come out next January.

Have you watched “The Pitt?” Let me know what you thought in the comments and follow Pop Commentary on social media for more pop culture reviews and news!