“She needs a big decompression”: The Pitt star teases Dana’s future after Season 1’s cliffhanger ending

When The Pitt Season 1 finished airing, Dana Evans’ future at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital was left uncertain. The fan-favorite charge nurse was contemplating leaving the hospital after she was punched and injured by an angry patient.

Now that the second season of the hit medical drama has gone into development, fans are concerned about whether Dana will be seen in the show again. Actress Katherine LaNasa, who plays the character, has addressed what is in store for Dana in an interview with Gold Derby.

The actress said the nurse needs a break following the traumatic events of The Pitt Season 1. She needs to spend time with her family and might also need therapy to recover from the emotional scars.

“I think she would probably just spend it at home with her family. I think she needs a big decompression. I think she just really needs a lot of time to probably process and decompress. Probably needs some therapy,” LaNasa said.

Katherine LaNasa talks about Dana’s future after The Pitt Season 1’s cliffhanger ending

Katherine LaNasa appeared in all 15 episodes of The Pitt Season 1. Her performance as the courageous and strong-willed nurse was loved by the audience, and she received a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Drama Series at the Gotham TV Awards.

In the ninth episode of the season, Dana was attacked by an angry patient, after which she suffered injuries to her face and had deep emotional trauma. At the end of the shift, she took down photos from her desk, hinting that she might not return to the hospital.

During her interview, LaNasa said that she did not expect she would get praise and recognition at this point in her career. While filming The Pitt, she was only thinking of it as a job, and was eventually surprised by all the love that she received:

“I didn't expect it. My goal was really just to have the show get a second season and to be able to go back to work. So I've never been on a show that got this kind of recognition as long as I've been doing it. So it kinda just took the air out of me a little bit. It definitely still feels a little bit like it's happening to somebody else.”

Meanwhile, series creator R. Scott Gemmill has also addressed Dana’s decision to leave the hospital in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. Explaining that the nurse could return since The Pitt Season 2 begins with a time jump, Gemmill said:

“I think she has to take some time and think about things. And I would guarantee if next season took place the next day that she wouldn't be there. So when we do come back, we'll have to see.”

“But she's a trooper and that place is her home and she's kind of like the den mother. So I think it would be hard for her, difficult for her to stay away as well. But when she does come back, I imagine she would be a little bit different.”

Trending

The Pitt Season 2 was renewed by Max in February 2025, owing to the unprecedented response to the first season. The second installment will showcase another 15-hour shift at the emergency room, taking place during the 4th of July weekend.

The second season of the medical drama will premiere on HBO Max in January 2026.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback