arlier this year, The Pitt introduced viewers to the high-stakes world of Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center — and among the standout characters was Dr. Melissa “Mel” King, played by Taylor Dearden. Mel, a neurodivergent doctor with a rare gift for connecting with even the most difficult patients, quickly became a fan favorite.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the show is its real-time format. The entire first season unfolds over a single 15-hour hospital shift — with each episode representing one hour. To maintain this immersive feel, the cast films the series in chronological order, beginning with Episode 1 and progressing exactly as the audience will experience it. This approach sharply contrasts with typical TV productions, where scenes are often shot out of sequence — and sometimes even start with the finale.
Speaking with Perri Nemiroff on Collider Ladies Night, Dearden discussed what it’s like to work under such intense conditions. She described the set as completely stripped down — no chairs, no phones, and minimal downtime.
“Honestly, it caught all of us off guard,” Dearden said. “Because everything moves so fast on The Pitt, we don’t really get a break to step back and detach. There are no phones allowed. No chairs to sit in. We stay on set the whole time. And when we’re not shooting, we’re just in another set — the family room — where we basically wait in character. It blurs the line between acting and reality.”
She also revealed that even the technical setup is designed for immersion. Lighting is built into the ceiling to mimic actual hospital lights, and the crew controls it with iPads instead of using traditional rigs or tripods. Everything is handheld — which, she says, only adds to the intensity.
“There were moments I genuinely forgot we were filming,” Dearden laughed. “The lighting, the setup, the movement — it’s all so natural that I’d catch myself thinking, ‘Wait… I’m not really a doctor, right?’ For a second there, I was convinced I actually worked in that ER.”
What’s Ahead for Season 2 of The Pitt?
Production on Season 2 is officially underway, even though the announcement came before the first season finale aired. While the full cast lineup hasn’t been confirmed yet, producers have revealed that Season 2 will feature a time jump — the events will unfold over the Fourth of July weekend. The real-time, single-shift structure will remain, and filming will continue in story order, just like Season 1.
Season 2 is expected to premiere in early 2026 on Max. In the meantime, viewers can catch up on the first season of The Pitt on HBO Max. You can also watch Taylor Dearden’s full Collider Ladies Night interview now for more behind-the-scenes insights.