HBO is planning to have more shows like The Pitt, details revealed 

Promotional poster for The Pitt | Image via HBO Max
Promotional poster for The Pitt | Image via HBO Max

The Pitt has become one of HBO’s most notable recent productions. The drama premiered with a clear proposal: to work within a 15-episode format, almost entirely set in a single location. The strategy was designed to make annual production cycles possible, something Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content, highlighted as a distinctive choice compared to current streaming practices.

The model was not accidental. According to Bloys, producers John Wells, R. Scott Gemmill and Noah Wyle aimed to create a show that was financially manageable while maintaining quality. The use of one main set and a contained structure allowed the budget to remain under control. This design made it possible for the series to return every year without the long gaps that mark large-scale productions.


Recognition at the Emmys

In its first season, The Pitt won five Emmy Awards. Among them were drama series, lead actor for Noah Wyle, and supporting actress for Katherine LaNasa. Bloys described the achievement as especially gratifying, since it confirmed that quality could be achieved within a model designed for annual consistency.

The awards brought additional visibility to the show. Alongside higher-budget titles, the series was recognized as an example of how rhythm and regularity can still be sustained. Bloys emphasized that any victory is important, but in this case the recognition also confirmed that a challenging format could succeed within the industry.

The Pitt | Image via HBO Max
The Pitt | Image via HBO Max

An efficient and economical format

The focus on a reduced number of sets made the project viable. Bloys explained that the use of one main location kept costs manageable. This element was central to the plan for 15 episodes each season. While productions like The Last of Us and House of the Dragon rely on extensive locations and special effects, The Pitt demonstrated that a different production path is also possible.

This model allowed the series to establish itself as an annual product. Bloys described the process as a return to the ability to deliver complete seasons on a consistent basis, which was once standard in television.


Expansion of the model

With the success of its first season, HBO is already developing new projects based on the same concept. Bloys made clear that this does not mean direct spinoffs of The Pitt. The goal is to test the format in other genres. He mentioned the possibility of a police drama and a family drama.

He also noted that The Pitt was a unique case, but its performance proved that the format can work in streaming. This result opened the door for the network to explore new stories while maintaining a leaner, annual approach to production.

The Pitt | Image via HBO Max
The Pitt | Image via HBO Max

The role of The Pitt in today’s landscape

The show’s trajectory contrasts with the recent trend of large-scale productions. Bloys acknowledged the value of those projects but pointed out that keeping high-quality series on shorter cycles is equally important. In this sense, The Pitt stood out by recovering a style of production that had been set aside.

The recognition at the Emmys reinforced this view. The award for best drama and the acting honors confirmed that the approach was successful. At the same time, they created a basis for HBO to expand the model to other titles.


Expectations for the second season

Bloys confirmed that the second season of the show will premiere in January 2026. He stated that the producers know exactly what the show is and that the cast is settled in their roles. The production continues to follow the same format, without changes to its structure.

The annual return was reaffirmed as one of the show’s main strengths. This continuity ensures that HBO keeps a consistent presence with a critically recognized production.

The Pitt | Image via HBO Max
The Pitt | Image via HBO Max

Impact on HBO’s strategy

The success of the show reflects a strategic direction for HBO and Max. Bloys explained that the company will continue to invest in large-scale series, but there is also room for faster and more economical formats. This balance creates space for both grand productions and projects that can return every year.

By supporting a sustainable and already tested model, HBO increases its options and strengthens its content lineup. The Pitt becomes a reference point for how financial planning, quality, and recognition can come together.


Conclusion

The Emmy victories of The Pitt consolidated a format designed around limited sets, annual cycles and a 15-episode plan. The model proved effective and is now being extended to other projects. The second season is confirmed for January 2026, reinforcing that alongside large-scale spectacles, there is also space for shows built on consistency and efficiency.

Edited by Sohini Biswas