PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Jan. 1, 2026
The Pitt faces a unique logistical challenge in its upcoming second season: featuring a baby. Creator Scott R. Gemmill revealed that the drama, which chronicles a day in the life of a Pittsburgh trauma center, requires multiple infants for its 15-episode run, as newborns can only film for 20 minutes at a time. “by the time the shift is over, which will be in January, this baby’s going to be walking to craft service by himself,” Gemmill quipped.
A Deep Dive into Emotional Storytelling
The series isn’t shying away from sensitive storylines involving children. An Emmy-nominated episode from the first season, titled “2 p.m.,” explored the profound impact of a young child’s drowning on her 4-year-old sister.Executive Producer Joe Sachs, who penned the episode, found it notably resonant.
Did you know? – Newborns can only film for a short time due to safety and logistical constraints. This necessitates multiple babies for scenes, adding complexity to production schedules. The show’s creators are actively seeking infants for the upcoming season.
Dr. Melissa King, portrayed by Taylor Dearden, found a compassionate way to help the grieving child. Sachs explained how King, who has a sister on the autism spectrum, could empathize with the situation. She brought a teddy bear to the young girl, suggesting it could act as a messenger to her deceased sister. “That performance by Mel and the little girl, I mean, I’m tearing up now over how she showed her compassion,” Sachs recalled.
Pro tip: – When filming with children, prioritize their well-being. Short filming times, breaks, and a supportive environment are crucial. The show’s producers are working to create a positive experience for both the children and the cast.
Working with babies presents a distinct set of production hurdles, a fact not lost on Gemmill, who humorously admitted his long-held desire to avoid filming with children and animals.
Gemmill extended a playful invitation for expecting mothers to consider participating: “I’m going to go through manny babies this year. So if you know anyone who’s pregnant and they want to have their baby on TV, please come see us.”
Season 2 of The Pitt is slated for a January 2026 release on HBO Max. The show is also garnering significant industry recognition, with multiple Emmy nominations this year. These include Outstanding drama, Outstanding Actor for Noah While, Outstanding Writing for Sachs’ “2 p.m.” and gemmill’s pilot episode, and Outstanding Supporting Actors for Katherine lanasa and Shawn hatosy.
Reader question: – What are your thoughts on the show’s approach to sensitive topics? Share your opinion on the show’s ability to portray challenging situations with compassion and realism in the comments.
