Every Pittsburgh Reference We Caught in ‘The Pitt’ — Can You Spot Them Too?
The Pittsburgh-based medical drama debuts Jan. 9 on MAX.
NOAH WYLE (LEFT) AND SHAWN HATOSY IN “THE PITT.” | PHOTO BY MAX/WARRICK PAGE
Pittsburgh is known for its world-renowned health care. Now it’s the setting for its own TV medical drama.
“The Pitt,” which stars Noah Wyle of NBC’s “ER” fame, takes viewers inside the emergency department at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. The show uses Allegheny General Hospital for exterior shots but was filmed primarily in Burbank, California.
“The Pitt” is produced by Warner Bros. and John Wells Productions, which brought us shows like “ER” and “The West Wing.” Wells is a Carnegie Mellon University graduate. Does that help make it authentic to Pittsburgh?
Here are all the local references we noticed.
Related: Trailer Drops for Pittsburgh-Set Medical Drama, ‘The Pitt’
“The Pitt” Episode Recaps
- ‘The Pitt’ Episodes 1 & 2: An Accident on the T Platform, a Passed-Out Med Student and Child High on THC
- ‘The Pitt’ Episode 3: The Staff Faces the Grim Reality of Emergency Medicine
1. Beers of the ‘Burgh
The 11th Annual Beers of the Burgh will take place this year on June 7 at Carrie Blast Furnaces. Which year, we wonder, did one character get his Beers of the ‘Burgh zip-up hoodie?
Where to look: All season
2. Fine Wine & Good Spirits
One patient is brought to the ER after having been found outside the local liquor store. No exact location is given.
Where to look: Episode 8
3. Freedom House Ambulance Service
Doctors keep busy schedules, but one piece of information stops Dr. Michael Robinavitch — played by Noah Wyle — in his tracks. He learns that one of his patients was a medic for the Freedom House Ambulance Service.
The Freedom House Ambulance Service was the first emergency medical service in the United States. It was established in the Hill District in 1967 by Dr. Peter Safar, a University of Pittsburgh professor known as the “Father of CPR.” Staffed by all-Black paramedics, the program was the entryway for the 9-1-1 system used today.
“The city saw how successful it was and took over the program, trained new medics,” the patient’s son says.
“All white,” the patient adds.
Where to look: Episode 8
4. Frick Park (and Bike & Beer Tours)
When the pandemic kept everyone inside, parks and public areas became a much-needed safe zone to get fresh air but stay socially distanced.
Some characters in “The Pitt” used Pittsburgh’s public parks for a peaceful escape, too.
“We started riding [bikes] to Frick Park during the pandemic. Just something to do to get out of the house,” one patient says.
The patient also mentions the “Gears & Beers” club, the show’s take on real biking and beer tours like Pittsburgh’s Bikes & Brews Tour. (Although, Gears & Beers is a real tour in Detroit.)
Where to look: Episode 5
5. Giant Eagle
A Giant Eagle employee is asleep in the overpacked ER waiting room. Good thing he has his Giant Eagle uniform hat to cover his eyes. The employee also rocks a Giant Eagle shirt.
Where to look: Episode 4
6. Homeless Encampments
One patient says he’s living “in an encampment on Liberty Avenue.” He later specifies the location, saying it’s in an alley near the Benedum.
Where to look: Episode 9
7. Mill Village, PA
Mill Village. Population: 386. And yet, showrunners found this little borough in Erie County and worked it into the script. Nice!
Where to look: Episode 8
8. Moravian Way
The street sign for Moravian Way, between Cedar Avenue and James Street on the North Side, can be seen as someone storms out of the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center.
Where to look: Episode 1
9. Mister Rogers
You can’t set a show in Pittsburgh without mentioning Mister Rogers. One patient in the show was said to have worked with Jack Guest, the real-life art director on “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
The studio location gets a shout-out, too — WQED on Fifth Avenue in Oakland.
Where to look: Episode 4
10. Monroeville
Hello, Monroeville! You are mentioned in the show for all the wrong reasons. When a stolen ambulance chase leads hospital staff to bet on who’s behind the wheel, we find out that the ambulance is heading toward Monroeville.
Where to look: Episode 4
11. “Pitt Fest”
We’re not sure what this is referring to, but the annual concert event seems to be a fictionalized blending of various events for the sake of the show.
Where to look: Episode 5
12. Philadelphia
Our companion (or rival) to the east gets a shout-out — one they probably won’t like. When a fight breaks out in the waiting room, one hospital employee shouts, “Where do you people think you are? This ain’t Philly!”
Where to look: Episode 9
13. Primanti Bros.
Who’s hungry? The iconic sandwich shop gets a mention when someone orders a surprise lunch for hospital staff.
Where to look: Episode 6
14. Shadyside
One patient uses a fraudulent Shadyside address so her children can go to a “decent school.”
No specific school is mentioned.
Where to look: Episode 5
15. The T
A woman makes her way into the ER after falling onto the tracks. A good samaritan who saved her suffered a head wound.
Where to look: Episode 1
16. Wholey’s Market
In the mood for salmon? You’re not alone. Even emergency room doctors look forward to ordering dinner from Wholey’s.
Where to look: Episode 9
17. Youngstown, Ohio
Oh, yes. Ohio gets a shout-out, too. Don’t worry. It’s derogatory.
What’s a possible form of punishment for one doctor’s actions? “Worst case you’ll have to take a job in Youngstown.”
Where to look: Episode 5
