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Captivating audiences with its gripping portrayal of the medical world, “The Pitt” is the latest drama to command the small screen, distinguishing itself from typical medical shows. Set against the backdrop of the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center’s bustling emergency room, the series tackles intense situations, from holiday accidents to fractured limbs. Each episode captures a single hour of a shift, immersing viewers in the lives of the doctors, nurses, interns, and residents in real-time. The show’s authenticity is bolstered by its meticulously crafted set, with special effects so convincing they’re reminiscent of top-tier horror productions. Interestingly, “The Pitt” is filmed on sound stages in Burbank, California, rather than an actual hospital.
HBO Max
Although the heart of the series is filmed in California, the hospital’s exterior shots originate from a real facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Allegheny General Hospital provides the facade for the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center and has been the backdrop for select scenes, including the memorable rooftop dialogue between Robby and Dr. Abbott in Season 1, which required just three days of on-location filming.
Creating the dynamic environment of “The Pitt” requires innovative thinking, and production designer Nina Ruscio rose to the challenge. Her goal was to design a set that genuinely resembles an emergency department while facilitating the fluid camera movements essential for maintaining the show’s seamless narrative flow. In an interview with Comicon.com, Ruscio elaborated on the creative process behind the set construction.
Despite her previous experience with hospital set designs, “The Pitt” presented a novel challenge. Ruscio emphasized the complexity of creating a cohesive space with all rooms interconnected, describing it as “the most comprehensive physical emergency department that I have done from scratch.”
The Pitt has a custom-built set
Warrick Page/HBO Max
Ruscio explained, “We subtly guide your eye through the space with the curvature of the floor. My aim was to design an area that felt architecturally infinite — as if it had no start or finish.”
Incorporating influences from Allegheny General Hospital, Ruscio sought to infuse the set with elements that reflected the building’s historical renovations. These touches are most evident in the waiting room, featuring marble columns and flooring. While many series attempt to emulate the allure of “The Pitt,” few can boast a set as intricately designed and compelling.
“We subtly lead your eye from space to space by the curvature in the floor,” Ruscio also said. “I also wanted to create a space that had enough possible motion designed into it so that it felt architecturally limitless — that it had no beginning and no end.”
Ruscio was also inspired to include architectural elements from Allegheny General Hospital, though she wanted the set she built “to reveal the years of remodeling” that the building would likely have on the inside. These elements are most noticeable in the waiting room, with the marble columns and floors. While there are plenty of shows like “The Pitt,” they can’t all boast such a cool set.
