American TV shows face a lot of pressure to accurately depict well-known U.S. cities. This isn’t to impress the people making the shows, but to ensure viewers – particularly those who live in those cities – feel their hometown is represented well. HBO’s medical drama, The Pitt, which began its second season on January 8, 2026, could be more realistic (it notably lacks the distinctive Pittsburgh accent), but it does a good job of showcasing the city’s iconic features and earning its nickname, the “City of Bridges.”
As a huge TV fan, I’ve noticed that shows set in specific cities don’t always make the location feel real. And the medical drama genre? It’s been done so many times. Take Grey’s Anatomy, for example. They’re always dealing with massive disasters in Seattle, but honestly, you’d barely know it is Seattle unless they randomly mention the Space Needle. It’s different with shows like the original ER. Chicago wasn’t just a backdrop; it felt like a character. That show really captured the city’s spirit. The Pitt isn’t quite as deeply rooted in its setting as something like Mare of Easttown—Kate Winslet’s accent was amazing—but I really appreciate how much effort they put into making Pittsburgh feel authentic. As a Pittsburgher, I can definitely tell they’re trying, and it shows. It’s cool to see Noah Wyle back in a show that clearly has a similar spirit to ER, where he first got his start as Dr. Carter way back in ’94.
4
‘The Pitt’ Perfectly Encapsulates the Look and Feel of Pittsburgh
Many shows set in famous cities don’t really showcase what makes those cities special – things like unique buildings or local culture. But The Pitt actively tries to bring viewers into its world, highlighting Pittsburgh’s beautiful skyline and misty atmosphere. This is partly because many of the show’s outdoor scenes were filmed on location in Pittsburgh’s North Side, near Allegheny General Hospital – the real-life inspiration for the show’s fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, or PTMC.
Using actual footage instead of stock images was a smart choice, particularly in the opening scene with Dr. Jack Abbot and Dr. Michael Robinovitch on a rooftop at dawn. The scene’s muted, shadowy colors created a somber mood, hinting at the show’s exploration of life and death, and perfectly establishing Pittsburgh as the ideal location for its central ideas.
3
HBO’s ‘The Pitt’ Spotlights Steel City’s Marginalized Communities
HBO Max
HBO’s medical drama, The Pitt, goes beyond simply mentioning well-known Pittsburgh places like local restaurants and stores. It also accurately portrays the city’s diverse population. For example, in the first episode, a storyline focuses on hospital staff determining a patient’s native language so they can provide a translator. They discover she’s a recent immigrant from Nepal, highlighting Pittsburgh’s increasing number of refugees.
The show The Pitt tackles difficult issues, including racism. For example, an early episode, “8:00 A.M.,” portrays a Black queer woman with sickle cell disease whose pain is wrongly dismissed as drug-seeking behavior. This highlights a real problem within the U.S. healthcare system. The story feels even more impactful because the episode is set in Pittsburgh’s North Side, a historically Black neighborhood that has undergone gentrification.
2
‘The Pitt’ Highlights Pittsburgh’s Important Contributions to Medicine
HBO Max
In the first season of The Pitt, Dr. Mel King (played by Taylor Dearden) reveals she transferred from the city’s VA hospital to the emergency room at PTMC—known as “the Pitt”—because of the excellent care her sister, who had special needs, received at a leading local hospital.
Pittsburgh is famous for its innovative medical research, and a prime example is the work of Dr. Jonas Salk. He spent years at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (now UPMC) studying polio, which ultimately led to the creation of the polio vaccine in the 1950s. This vaccine saved millions of lives and prevented countless people from needing harsh treatments like the iron lung. While the hospital sometimes struggles with being busy and short-staffed – a common issue for hospitals everywhere – it still honors Pittsburgh’s long history of commitment to healthcare and medical breakthroughs.
1
‘The Pitt’ Honors the City’s Best Kept Secrets
Many shows set in cities fail to capture the unique spirit of the place, but The Pitt goes out of its way to include details Pittsburgh locals will instantly recognize. The show doesn’t just mention Pittsburgh’s iconic figures and places – it truly celebrates them. This includes heartfelt nods to Mr. Fred Rogers, famous eateries like Primanti Bros. (known for putting fries inside their sandwiches), the expansive Frick Park (which even inspired a song title by local rapper Mac Miller), and the city’s beautiful green spaces and historic cemeteries.
As the Pittsburgh-centric podcast City Cast further explained:
The show includes many subtle references that are easy to overlook, like a person wearing a Giant Eagle uniform, a patient who’s a sommelier at Altius, and mentions of local spots like Frick Park and South Park. You might also catch quick nods to businesses such as Wholey’s, Fine Wine & Good Spirits, and Primanti’s, as well as Pittsburgh icons like Mister Rogers, Iron City, and Rivers Casino.
These hidden details were fun surprises for locals, and they also offered outsiders a taste of the little things that make Pittsburghers so passionate about their city.
Subscribe to the newsletter for deeper TV-city insights
Want richer context? Subscribe to our newsletter for focused coverage of how shows like The Pitt portray cities, local Easter eggs, and representation in TV — thoughtful analysis that helps you spot what matters in urban storytelling.
The Pitt is currently streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes released every Thursday.
Read More
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Mark Ruffalo Finally Confirms Whether The Hulk Is In Avengers: Doomsday
- Bitcoin After Dark: The ETF That’s Sneakier Than Your Ex’s Texts at 2AM 😏
- How to Complete the Behemoth Guardian Project in Infinity Nikki
- Robert Pattinson’s secret Marty Supreme role revealed
- TikToker arrested after sending police & fire department to fake emergency for views
- Stephen King Is Dominating Streaming, And It Won’t Be The Last Time In 2026
- Pokemon Legends: Z-A Is Giving Away A Very Big Charizard
- Fans pay respects after beloved VTuber Illy dies of cystic fibrosis
- Six Flags Qiddiya City Closes Park for One Day Shortly After Opening
2026-01-21 03:40