The Pitt HBO takes a familiar premise and makes it feel brand new. For decades, creators have built dramas around the life-and-death stakes of hospitals and emergency rooms, but The Pitt—originally planned as a direct sequel to E/R, one of the greatest medical dramas ever—perfectly blends realism, real-time pacing, and strong character development. Since its debut in 2025, the show has quickly become a sensation.
If you spend your week waiting for new episodes, you likely have plenty of time between releases—and soon, you’ll face a long wait for the third season. To fill that gap, explore this list of TV shows worth watching. If you want to go beyond TV, you can also dive into books, movies, video games, and podcasts that offer similar themes and vibes.
Perfect books
If you loved the slow-burn storytelling and rich character depth of The Pitt, you will love these books that bring the same powerful, novel-like experience.
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This Is Going to Hurt — written by Adam Kay
Inspired by Adam Kay’s real-life experience in the obstetrics and gynecology department of the U.K.’s National Health Service, the TV adaptation of This Is Going to Hurt—featuring Ben Whishaw—makes it a perfect recommendation for fans of The Pitt. While the series delivers a strong emotional impact, it differs significantly from the original book.
Kay’s memoir feels more immediate and personal, drawing directly from his diary entries and highlighting his sharp, dark humor. If you’re looking for a raw, honest, and deeply engaging portrayal of the everyday pressures faced by doctors and nurses, this book is a must-read and you can grab it at a great price below.
Buy NowFive Days at Memorial — written by Sheri Fink
If you loved the intense, high-stakes moments in The Pitt—especially dramatic events like the mass casualty scenes—then Five Days at Memorial is a must-read. This powerful medical drama book, also adapted into a TV series for fans of The Pitt, explores the real-life crisis during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. When the disaster hit New Orleans, hospitals faced unimaginable pressure, and Sheri Fink’s gripping narrative reveals how medical staff at Memorial Medical Center handled overwhelming patients, limited resources, and life-or-death decisions in extreme conditions.
Buy five days at Memorial now to experience one of the most intense real life medical dramas ever written
Thomas Fisher’s The Emergency
Fisher’s memoir recounts his experiences as an attending physician at the University of Chicago Medical Center, beginning in 2006. Much like the compelling, case-by-case storytelling found in The Pitt, the book presents a series of real clinical narratives that explore complex and intriguing medical conditions. Through detailed accounts, Thomas Fisher walks readers through challenging diagnoses, treatment decisions, and the reasoning behind his approach to patient care.
Beyond individual cases, the memoir also offers a critical perspective on modern healthcare. Fisher highlights systemic shortcomings in contemporary medical practices and how these limitations can impact patient outcomes. His reflections reveal the gaps in efficiency, empathy, and accessibility within the healthcare system, making a strong case for rethinking how medicine is practiced to better serve those who need it most.