John Wells Brings the Drama Back to Pittsburgh in ‘The Pitt’

In May 2024, a group of soon-to-graduate students from the Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama production, design and directing programs visited Warner Bros. Studios for a sneak peek at the set of “The Pitt,” the newest production from CMU alumnus and executive producer John Wells.

“The Pitt” is a 15-episode drama that premiered Jan. 9 on Max. Set in Pittsburgh, the show examines the challenges facing health care workers in today’s America as seen through the lens of the frontline heroes. Each episode follows an hour of Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, played by Noah Wyle, in a 15-hour shift as the chief attendant in the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital’s emergency room. Produced by John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, Wells is joined by fellow CMU alumnus Michael Hissrich, who graduated in 1988 with a bachelor of fine arts degree, as executive producer, among others.

Since he graduated from the School of Drama, Wells has created, produced and directed some of television’s most memorable and enduring shows, including “ER,” “The West Wing” and “Shameless” to name only a few, while paying his incredible success forward. In 2011, he established the John Wells Directing Program(opens in new window) within the School of Drama, and he continues to be a source of support, mentorship and hands-on opportunities for current students and recent graduates.

“My education at Carnegie Mellon has been a central component of my success,” said Wells, who earned his bachelor of fine arts degree at CMU in 1979. “The quality of the education, the interaction with the extraordinary faculty and the classical foundation I received, I’m still using every day of my professional life. Others mentored me and I’m hoping this next generation will do the same. I’m honored to have been a graduate of Carnegie Mellon.”

When Wells and “The Pitt” team came to Pittsburgh to shoot on location last September, several School of Drama directing students were able to observe, including Tatiana Baccari, a third-year MFA John Wells Directing Fellow. From the scale and detail of the production design, to the specificity and expertise within each person’s job, she said it was like getting an entire year’s worth of education in one night.

“The set of ‘The Pitt’ was like a well-oiled machine,” Baccari said. “From camera operators, to production design, the digital imaging technician, and the director of photography, just to name a few. Each person worked with such dedication, passion and expert communication. It was amazing to watch!”

Kim Weild(opens in new window), professor and chair of the John Wells Directing Program, said it was exciting for students to watch, ask questions and experience “aha!” moments as they saw techniques they’ve been learning applied in a professional setting.

“At CMU we strive to create opportunities for our students to connect with actively working professionals,” Weild said. “Being on set with John, Mike, Nina (Ruscio, production designer) and the whole crew — it is clear that they are artists and practitioners who are deeply invested in the next generation of makers. It was a tremendous learning experience for the students, one they aren’t likely to forget any time soon.”

The 15-episode Max Original drama series “The Pitt,” from John Wells Productions and Warner Bros. Television, created by R. Scott Gemmill and starring Noah Wyle, debuted with two episodes on Thursday, Jan. 9. New episodes debut on Thursdays leading up to the season finale on April 10.