The Best Medical Drama Series of All Time ER Is Challenging The Pitt on HBO Max

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Medical drama The Pitt became incredibly popular in the 2020s. It quickly gained a large following after premiering in January 2025, and continues to grow in popularity with its current season. However, another medical show, ER, is now competing with The Pitt for the top spot on streaming platforms.

As a critic, I’m not surprised to see ER making a huge comeback. According to FlixPatrol, it’s currently the second most-watched show in the US, just behind The Pitt. Honestly, ER is a classic – one of the greatest medical dramas ever made. And it really checks out that both shows are at the top of the streaming charts right now; they share a lot of the same compelling qualities that keep viewers hooked.

ER and The Pitt Have Many Similarities

Noah Wyle is undoubtedly the biggest draw. He first became well-known for his role as John Carter on ER, starting in the first season as a medical student just beginning his internship. He played this character for eleven seasons, until his departure in the show’s finale.

Noah Wyle became well-known for his role as John Carter on ER, so fans were thrilled when he signed on for The Pitt. Interestingly, The Pitt wasn’t just a new show with a familiar face – it was originally planned as a continuation of the ER universe.

Noah Wyle recently told Variety that during the pandemic, he received direct messages from fans of ER. Many shared how his character, John Carter, motivated them to pursue careers in medicine, while others jokingly reached out to Carter himself for assistance. These messages made Wyle think about returning to medical dramas and exploring the challenges faced by healthcare workers today.

Originally, The Pitt was planned as a spin-off of ER, focusing on John Carter. However, they were unable to reach an agreement with the estate of ER creator Michael Crichton. As a result, they developed a new show with a new main character, still exploring the world of medicine and the modern challenges faced by healthcare professionals. This change even led to legal action from Crichton’s estate.

The Pitt Has Been Called One of the Most Realistic Medical Dramas

Noah Wyle plays Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch in The Pitt, a new series with its own unique story. Like other shows, each episode unfolds in real time. The entire 15-episode season of The Pitt covers a single 15-hour emergency room shift, with each hour depicted in one episode.

Many doctors and other healthcare professionals consider The Pitt a very realistic medical drama on TV. The show is praised for getting the medical details right, but also for honestly showing the challenges faced by doctors, nurses, and hospital staff, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. ER was also well-known for its realistic depiction of hospital life.

Both shows are highly popular medical dramas celebrated for their realism, and have received positive reviews from both critics and audiences. Currently, The Pitt boasts a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on critic reviews, and its second season has an even higher 99% ‘Certified Fresh’ rating.

Given how popular The Pitt has become, it’s understandable that fans are eagerly awaiting new episodes. The show is even attracting new viewers who are discovering the 1994 medical drama for the first time. Currently, The Pitt and ER are both performing well and competing for viewers on streaming platforms.

The Pitt and ER are available for streaming on HBO Max in the United States.

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2026-03-08 22:11