13 Shows Like The Pitt You Should Watch Next

By early 2025, Max presented its audience with an exciting offering: a riveting medical drama titled “The Pitt.” This production, helmed by creative director John Wells, features Noah Wyle in the lead role. Unlike bringing “ER” onto the platform (which is already available), this is a fresh project from Wyle, Wells, and fellow “ER” alum R. Scott Gemmill. “The Pitt” is set within a bustling and understaffed emergency department in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where senior trauma attending Dr. Michael “Robby” Rabinavitch (played by Wyle) oversees a team of residents and medical students.

Apart from being another hard-hitting, authentic medical drama, “The Pitt” stands out due to its increased graphic content, as evident by the exposed degloved ankle in the pilot. What sets it apart is its unique “real time” storytelling structure, where each episode unfolds over the course of one hour within the emergency room. In other words, a single season encompasses a 15-hour shift in the department. If you’re already hooked on “The Pitt,” here are additional shows that you might enjoy, ranging from classic, long-running medical dramas to others employing the “real time” narrative style, as well as a hospital comedy with some grim undertones. Enjoy your binge-watching!

ER (1994-2009)

Speaking about outstanding medical dramas, it’s impossible not to mention “ER.” In fact, the series “The Pitt” might never have come into existence without its influence. Indeed, Noah Wyle plays Dr. John Carter in this show, a character who starts as a young medical student and later transitions from surgical residency training to becoming a resident in the emergency room itself. During this time, George Clooney graced our screens for the first five seasons as Dr. Doug Ross, while Anthony Edwards provided emotional depth as Dr. Mark Greene. Furthermore, a variety of renowned actors appeared both as doctors and patients, such as William H. Macy, Stanley Tucci, Mariska Hargitay, Thandiwe Newton, and countless others throughout the series.

As a devoted TV gamer, I’d wholeheartedly admit that “ER” stands tall among the greatest medical dramas ever produced, even surpassing several other exceptional series in this genre. From the gripping Season 1 episode “Love’s Labor’s Lost,” where a young Bradley Whitford joins forces with Mark to grapple with a critical misdiagnosis and a pregnant patient in crisis, to the unforgettable scene where a doctor’s arm is severed by a helicopter blade – “ER” truly pioneered weekly cases that leave you speechless. To put it simply, if it weren’t for the groundbreaking “ER” episode featuring a disgruntled ex-patient ramming a truck into the hospital, we might never have been treated to the delightfully absurd world of shows like “Grey’s Anatomy.” Fortunately, you can catch this game-changing series on both Hulu and Max.

Grey’s Anatomy (2005-present)

ER” holds the second-longest running primetime medical drama title on television, with 15 seasons and approximately 331 episodes. However, the position of the longest-running medical drama goes to “Grey’s Anatomy.” As of now, Shonda Rhimes’ popular series is in its 21st season. Despite the departure of lead actress Ellen Pompeo (Dr. Meredith Grey) in Season 19, the show continues to thrive. In the pilot episode, we find Meredith about to start her surgical internship at Seattle Grace Hospital, unaware that her one-night stand from the bar, Patrick Dempsey’s Derek Shepherd, is also employed there – as the new neurosurgery chief. Over time, Meredith evolves not just as a doctor but as an individual, alongside her fellow original interns Dr. Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl), Dr. George O’Malley (T.R. Knight), Dr. Alex Karev (Justin Chambers), and her closest friend Dr. Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh).

Absolutely! The scenarios in “Grey’s Anatomy” can sometimes seem implausible, such as when a bomb was placed inside a character’s chest cavity during Season 2, but this is precisely what makes the show captivating, much like its predecessor “ER.” Both shows are known for their dramatic and extraordinary storylines, which keep viewers hooked week after week. Despite the outlandishness of each episode’s case or the personal conflicts among the doctors, “Grey’s Anatomy” has become a beloved series worldwide, cementing its status as a classic in medical drama. You can stream this iconic show on Netflix and Hulu.

Chicago Med (2015-present)

If you’re a fan of Dick Wolf’s productions, especially the “Law & Order” series, then you might find appeal in his “One Chicago” universe too. This collection of shows delves into the lives of Chicago’s emergency responders, with our discussion focusing on “Chicago Med.” Similar to “ER” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” this intense medical drama unfolds at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. The lives of the doctors portrayed here are intricately linked, both personally and professionally, resulting in a steady stream of drama as they tackle a variety of cases each week.

Over the course of 10 seasons, “Chicago Med” has welcomed several actors including Nick Gehlfuss (who portrayed Dr. Will Halstead until Season 8), Yaya DaCosta (playing nurse April Sexton over multiple seasons), Oliver Platt (as psychiatry chief Dr. Daniel Charles), and the long-time “Law & Order” actor S. Epatha Merkerson (in the role of chief hospital administrator Sharon Goodwin). Not to mention, there have been numerous guest stars throughout its broadcast. At times, “Chicago Med” can be quite unpredictable, but if you’re in search of an engaging medical drama akin to “The Pitt,” with plenty of seasons readily available for viewing, it’s an ideal choice. You can catch it on Peacock.

24 (2001-2010, 2014, 2017)

It’s unclear if “The Pitt” drew inspiration directly from “24,” but it’s known that “24” is recognized for structuring its episodes to represent one hour of the storyline. Over nine seasons, which include the TV movie “24: Redemption” (released in 2008), the continuation “24: Live Another Day” (2014), and the spin-off “24: Legacy,” Agent Jack Bauer (portrayed by Kiefer Sutherland) has undoubtedly experienced at least nine exceptionally challenging days, given his role in the CTU (Counter-Terrorism Unit). Normally, each episode of “24” lasts for an hour and follows a format where Jack must thwart an assassination attempt on the President, prevent a major terrorist attack, or save the world in some way. Each episode concludes with a ticking clock counting down the final seconds of each hour, often preceded by a suspenseful cliffhanger.

In the television series “24,” Jack Bauer, portrayed by Kiefer Sutherland, stands as the sole consistent figure. Across its run, this character has worked with and been supported by various presidents – among them President David Palmer, played by Dennis Haysbert, and President Allison Taylor, played by Cherry Jones. Additionally, he collaborates with key CTU colleagues such as Chloe O’Brian (Mary Lynn Rajskub) and Tony Almeida (Carlos Bernard). To watch “24,” you can stream it on Hulu.

9-1-1 (2018-present)

Moving away from solely medical series, if you’re drawn to the intensity and pressure of “The Pitt,” consider exploring “9-1-1,” a drama about first responders produced by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear. Originally airing on Fox, it later moved to ABC after six seasons. This show expands its scope beyond firefighters, including paramedics, police officers, and dispatchers, all working in Los Angeles. “9-1-1” is an exhilarating journey – boasting a truly remarkable main cast.

Angela Bassett, indeed the renowned Angela Bassett, spearheads the ensemble as Athena Grant, a patrol sergeant with the Los Angeles Police Department who collaborates frequently with her husband Bobby Nash, portrayed by Peter Krause from “Parenthood”, who holds the position of captain at the LA Fire Department’s 118th station. In the series “9-1-1” – which boasts an impressive cast including Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ryan Guzman, and Kenneth Choi – an array of extraordinary events unfold, ranging from earthquakes to airplane crashes to a catastrophic cruise ship accident. However, these emergency responders consistently rise to the occasion… and if you’re interested, you can catch “9-1-1” on Hulu. (The spin-off, “9-1-1: Lone Star,” is due to conclude in 2025 … and it too offers a wild ride, if that appeals to your taste.)

Doctor Odyssey (2024-present)

Discussing the subject of extraordinary, the recently debuted ABC medical series “Doctor Odyssey,” airing in autumn 2024 under the direction of Ryan Murphy, is a true rollercoaster — unlike “The Pitt” with its raw realism, it could provide a refreshing respite for those captivated by medical dramas in every shape. With Joshua Jackson portraying Dr. Max Bankman, the protagonist of “Doctor Odyssey,” who attends to unusual medical cases on a luxury cruise ship alongside his colleagues — nurse practitioner Avery Morgan (played by Phillipa Soo from “Hamilton”) and nurse Tristan Silva (Sean Teale) — “Doctor Odyssey” offers an exhilarating, unconventional experience, and it’s meant in a positive sense.

As a gaming enthusiast, I must say, “Doctor Odyssey” is nothing short of absurd – in the best way possible! From a character who seems to have a knack for getting into some wild scenarios (ahem, syphilis), to Margo Martindale’s unfortunate sunburn that brings about a chuckle, and a woman whose drug habits are so extreme, it’s as if her nose just up and vanished – this show is pure madness!

Yes, “The Pitt” is fantastic, offering an authentic glimpse into the inner workings of an emergency department that keeps you hooked. But let’s face it, sometimes, we all need a break from the serious stuff. That’s when “Doctor Odyssey” comes in handy, with Fred Melamed’s character feeding coins to a doctor and causing quite the scene!

You can catch “Doctor Odyssey” right now on Hulu – stream it while you can!

The Night Shift (2014-2017)

Over four enthralling seasons, from 2014 to 2017, I found myself deeply engrossed in “The Night Shift,” a series that parallels the gripping narrative of “The Pitt.” This captivating drama revolves around the complex, interwoven personal and professional challenges faced by doctors in a bustling emergency department. Notably, this story unfolds at a hospital situated in San Antonio, staffed by several Army veterans, like Dr. Thomas Charles “TC” Callahan (Eoin Macken), who served in Afghanistan, made the heroic choice to donate his brother’s heart posthumously, and grapples with his ex-girlfriend, Dr. Jordan Alexander (Jill Flint), who leads the ER during the night shift. Adding another layer to this intricate tapestry is the character of Ken Leung as Dr. Christopher “Topher” Zia, a fellow Army veteran and close friend of TC’s, from their time serving together.

As an avid viewer, I can’t help but rave about “The Night Shift”. This gripping series is brimming with challenging cases that leave me speechless, interwoven with personal dramas involving friendships and alliances. What truly sets it apart, though, is its poignant portrayal of the post-traumatic stress experienced by many military doctors as they transition back to civilian hospitals. When “The Pitt” episodes take a break, you can catch up on “The Night Shift” by streaming or purchasing it via services like Apple TV+ and Amazon.

The Resident (2018-2023)

In the medical drama “The Resident,” similar to “The Pitt,” the narrative unfolds as Dr. Devon Pravesh (Manish Dayal) commences his employment at Chastain Park Memorial Hospital, located fictitiously in Atlanta. Just like in “The Pitt,” the newcomer, Devon, encounters a character analogous to Robby on his first day – Dr. Conrad Theodore Hawkins, portrayed by Matt Czuchry, who is renowned for his roles in “Gilmore Girls” and “The Good Wife.” Throughout the series, Devon, Conrad, and their colleagues grapple with the challenge of providing care while navigating the intricate bureaucracy inherent to American medicine. Notably, like several other shows on this list, “The Resident” also delves into Conrad’s past as a Marine medic and his ongoing struggle with PTSD.

As a devoted fan, I must admit that while “The Resident” is certainly engaging, it isn’t always the most grounded show in the realm of medical dramas. Much like other series in its genre, the cases presented can sometimes veer into the extraordinary, and there’s no shortage of personal turmoil to keep things interesting. Fortunately for us fans, “The Resident” can be easily accessed on two popular streaming platforms: Hulu and Netflix.

The Knick (2014-2015)

If you’ve seen “The Pitt,” you’re aware that it doesn’t hesitate to display graphic violence, which is something that many medical dramas can’t present during primetime on television networks; similarly, “The Knick” by Steven Soderbergh exhibits this characteristic. Developed by Soderbergh, Jack Amiel, and Michael Berger, the series centers around Clive Owen’s character Dr. John W. Thackery, who is inspired by the actual surgeon Dr. William Stewart Halsted. Known for his innovations in procedures like mastectomies and advocating for anesthesia and cleanliness in surgery, it’s startling to think that surgeons before Halstead seemingly didn’t prioritize hygiene and pain relief. Thackery, much like the real-life Halstead, leads a dual existence, battling addictions to cocaine and opium while treating patients at a fictional version of the Knickerbocker Hospital in New York.

The show ‘The Knick’ is notoriously graphic, featuring early-stage surgeries that are quite gruesome. Alongside Clive Owen, the cast boasts notable performances by André Holland, Juliet Rylance, Eve Hewson, and Michael Angarano. If you have a strong stomach, you can watch ‘The Knick’ on Max.

On Call (2025-present)

Similar to “The Pitt,” the Amazon Prime original series “On Call” is a fresh face in the medical drama genre with a popular TV star gracing our screens once more, but this time it’s produced by television titan Dick Wolf. The show stars Troian Bellisario, famous for her lead role on the Freeform hit “Pretty Little Liars,” as Officer Traci Harmon and Brandon Larracuente (“Thirteen Reasons Why,” “The Good Doctor”) as her partner Officer Alex Diaz. Eriq LaSalle, who played Dr. Peter Benton on “ER” alongside Noah Wyle’s John Carter, also appears in a supporting role as Traci and Alex’s supervisor Sergeant Lasman in this series.

Located in Long Beach, California, the series “On Call” follows Alex and Traci as they perform their duties, mirroring the experience of Robby who is dealing with the tragic loss of his mentor due to COVID-19 on “The Pitt.” Unfortunately, both Alex and Traci are also grappling with the sorrow of a fallen comrade in the line of duty. Don’t miss out on watching “On Call” on Amazon Prime Video now.

Scrubs (2001-2010)

Absolutely! While “Scrubs” might seem more comedic compared to “The Pitt,” it offers an astonishingly authentic portrayal of the medical profession, highlighting the challenges faced by doctors, surgeons, and nurses. The show, produced by Bill Lawrence (who later produced “Ted Lasso”), centers around Dr. John “J.D.” Dorian, played by Zach Braff, along with his friends like Dr. Christopher Turk, Dr. Elliot Reid, experienced nurse Carla Espinosa, and the reluctant mentor Dr. Perry Cox. Their journey unfolds across years at Sacred Heart Hospital, tackling issues such as bureaucracy (represented by Bob Kelso, the chief of medicine, played by Ken Jenkins, who favors wealthy patients over the uninsured) and complex cases. Neil Flynn portrays a vindictive janitor who has a deep-seated grudge against J.D., adding an element of insanity to the series that’s truly captivating.

Scrubs,” primarily known for its humor, doesn’t flinch from dealing with heavy topics when the medical staff experiences the loss of patients or faces personal hardships. If you’re a fan of “The Pitt” and prefer a more lighthearted approach, you can stream “Scrubs” on Hulu and Peacock. However, it’s worth noting that the final season, titled “Med School,” is notoriously less well-received compared to the rest of the series.

Code Black (2015-2018)

If you’re searching for TV series similar to “The Pitt,” you might find a strong match in “Code Black.” This medical drama aired on CBS for three seasons and features Marcia Gay Harden, an Academy Award winner, as Dr. Leanne Rorish. She’s a trauma attending at Angels Memorial Hospital who’s still grieving the loss of her husband and children in a car accident. Her grief can sometimes impact her decisions in the ER, earning her the nickname “Daddy” from her residents. Luis Guzmán portrays Jesse Salander, a senior nurse known as “Mama,” who is also Leanne’s close friend. The residents on “Code Black” work tirelessly to save lives while simultaneously grappling with their personal struggles, given the constant influx of new cases in the underfunded emergency department.

Although “Code Black” was only broadcast for three seasons, it’s an engaging, high-tension medical series that bears a striking resemblance to “The Pitt.” Even airing on network television, it undeniably shares DNA with this acclaimed drama. You can now stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Paramount+.

Transplant (2020-2024)

The title “Transplant” serves two roles in this Canadian medical drama: on one hand, it signifies organ transplants; but on the other, it refers to Dr. Bashir Hamed (played by Hamza Haq), a refugee from the Syrian Civil War who later works in the emergency department at York Memorial Hospital. In the show’s initial episode, Bash’s employment papers and qualifications fail to clear for his position at York Memorial. However, when he takes on a temporary job as a cook at a Middle Eastern eatery, he demonstrates his readiness for an ER role during a medical crisis that occurs there. This is significant because much of his medical education occurred in the midst of an active war zone.

Surrounded by a group of dedicated, skilled doctors such as Dr. Magalie “Mags” Leblanc (played by Laurence Leboeuf) and Dr. June Curtis (portrayed by Ayisha Issa), among others, Bash excels in his work at York Hospital. He encounters personal challenges while striving to serve his patients well. If you haven’t seen “Transplant,” I recommend giving it a watch; it can be streamed on Peacock.

2025-01-28 00:31