'The Pitt' Season 2 release date, schedule, cast, where to watch

"The Pitt" is clocking in for a new shift.

The much anticipated second season of the breakout medical drama premieres on Thursday, Jan. 8.

Starring Noah Wyle as Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch, "The Pitt" premiered its inaugural season just a year ago to widespread acclaim from viewers and critics alike.

The show made both USA TODAY's lists for best shows of 2025 and best medical shows of all time and racked up several Emmy Awards last year.

Set at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, "The Pitt" offers "a realistic examination of the challenges facing healthcare workers in today’s America" through the lens of emergency department staff, per its log line.

This season, like last, will take place entirely over the course of one harrowing 15-hour shift. According to the trailer, the team endures the Fourth of July holiday shift with Dr. Robby on the cusp of sabbatical leave and several new employees to boot.

When does 'The Pitt' Season 2 come out? Release date, schedule

"The Pitt" Season 2 premieres on Thursday, Jan. 8 at 9 p.m. ET.

The 15-episode season will drop new episodes weekly leading up to the season finale on Thursday, April 16. Here's the full release schedule for "The Pitt" Season 2:

• Episode 1: Jan. 8
• Episode 2: Jan. 15
• Episode 3: Jan. 22
• Episode 4: Jan. 29
• Episode 5: Feb. 5
• Episode 6: Feb. 12
• Episode 7: Feb. 19
• Episode 8: Feb. 26
• Episode 9: March 5
• Episode 10: March 12
• Episode 11: March 19
• Episode 12: March 26
• Episode 13: April 2
• Episode 14: April 9
• Episode 15 (finale): April 16

How to watch 'The Pitt'

"The Pitt" airs on HBO Max.

The streaming platform has several subscription plans to choose from, including basic with ads for $10.99/month or $109.99/year.

'The Pitt' Season 2 cast

In addition to returning residents, medical students and nurses, this season will see several new faces working in "The Pitt."

Namely, Sepideh Moafi will play Dr. Baran Al-Hashimi, a new attending set to take over for Dr. Robby during his sabbatical.

Other new characters include Emma (Laëtitia Hollard), a nursing school graduate, James (Lucas Iverson), a fourth-year medical student and Joy (Irene Choi), a third-year medical student.

Watch 'The Pitt' Season 2 trailer

Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at [email protected].