Star Trek’s One True Heir Still Ranks Among the Most Critically Acclaimed TV Shows of the 2020s

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When Star Trek first aired in 1966, it presented a hopeful vision of the future, a welcome contrast to the widespread fear of nuclear war. Throughout The Original Series and all the subsequent shows and films, one key element has consistently defined Star Trek: the characters are consistently skilled and capable.

Whether it’s the commanding officers or the crew working in the kitchen, Star Trek consistently highlights the efforts of thoughtful, compassionate people striving to improve the galaxy. The show emphasizes that communication and understanding are just as crucial as decisive action, and often, a meaningful conversation is all it takes to resolve a conflict.

It feels like the world is pretty unpredictable right now, and it can be hard to find shows that really offer comfort. However, one show especially reminds me of the original Star Trek from 60 years ago. Though it’s not set in the future or in space, it’s full of genuinely good and intelligent people striving to make a difference.

The Pitt Tackles The Same Issues As Star Trek, But Without The Phasers

HBO Max’s The Pitt is a medical drama set in a busy Pittsburgh hospital, following the dedicated doctors and nurses as they navigate critical, life-or-death cases. What makes the show unique is its innovative format: each season unfolds in real time over a full 15 hours, with storylines and patients continuing across multiple episodes. Despite this overarching structure, the show also features self-contained stories that resolve within a single episode.

Similar to Star Trek, the show features talented writers and producers addressing everything from everyday problems like heat exhaustion to horrifying events like mass shootings. They handle each challenge with skill and, crucially, with competence. It’s comforting to watch people who are clearly good at what they do and confident in their abilities – something we all appreciate.

We search for that positive influence because it reminds us that kind, capable people exist in the world who are willing to support us when we’re struggling, if we just ask for help. It’s a reminder of what Mister Rogers always encouraged us to notice: the people who are dedicated to helping others.

As a huge fan, what always gets to me about these doctors is how they never give up, even when things seem hopeless. It reminds me so much of the crews in every Star Trek series – they always push for the best possible result. Of course, not everyone makes it, and sometimes the endings are really tough, but you know they’re giving it their all. And honestly, even when it’s heartbreaking, that effort is strangely comforting.

The Pitt Has Another Thing That Star Trek Has: Fun Jargon

Credit: Warrick Page / ©HBO MAX/ Courtesy Everett Collection

If you’re not a medical professional, a lot of the language used in The Pitt will likely be confusing. However, you can still generally understand what’s happening, even when a medical student like Javadi requests a “GlideScope” or a doctor instructs someone to administer another 500 cc’s of medication.

As a film buff, I’ve always felt that technical jargon, like the crew on Star Trek rattling off terms like ‘self-sealing stem bolts,’ isn’t about us understanding the details. It’s about conveying competence. With The Pitt‘s medical team, it’s the same thing. I don’t necessarily need to know what they’re saying, but their confident delivery makes it clear they know what they’re doing, and that’s what really matters.

Ultimately, healthcare professionals use specialized language because their actions and requests usually aim to improve patient outcomes. These terms frequently appear in conversations between doctors as they collaborate and develop treatment plans, demonstrating their teamwork and dedication to providing the best possible care.

Similar to Star Trek, the people who work at the Pitt focus just as much on building relationships and understanding as they do on taking action. Just like a great Star Trek story, the show explores real-world issues, presents different viewpoints through its characters, and suggests how people can collaborate to achieve a common goal: bringing everyone together.

Don’t expect any tricky escapes, shape-shifters, or complicated Vulcan traditions on The Pitt – at least not unless the show takes a surprising turn later on. What you can expect is the heart of what has always made Star Trek so popular: stories about people.

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2026-03-08 04:38