In its second season, 'The Pitt' grapples with a surprisingly common type of hospital emergency. Warrick Page/HBO Max

(SAN DIEGO) HBO Max’s enormously popular television series “The Pitt” is receiving plaudits for its realistic depiction of the trials and tribulations of health care in an urban emergency room.

Now in its second season, which premiered on Jan. 8, 2026, the show follows Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch (played by Noah Wyle) and his colleagues through a single 15-hour clinical shift, divided into one-hour episodes. The team treats patients against a backdrop of all-too-common American societal plagues, from substance use disorder to medical bankruptcies and mass shootings.

Originally published on theconversation.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.