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Whether it’s crime, romance or family conflict, people have always been drawn to dramatic television shows. Medical dramas are especially captivating as they combine high-stakes action with deeply human stories, allowing the audience to connect with the emotional journey of the healthcare staff, patients and their families. These shows offer a behind-the-scenes look at a world most people only encounter as patients.
Like all genres, medical shows don’t always get it right. They trade accuracy for theatrics, exaggerating procedures, timelines and outcomes to heighten drama. Surgeries may be completed in minutes, emergencies resolve perfectly, and ethical dilemmas often have neat, cinematic conclusions.
Amongst the many shows that fill our TV guides and subscription libraries, some have stood out to nurses and healthcare professionals for their commitment to accuracy.
Real nurses have praised The Pitt for its believable emergency department atmosphere: the overwhelming patient volume, the long waits, the chaos, staff burnout, administrative pressure and emotional tolls. It is appreciated for showing what nurses actually do, the weight they carry emotionally and the effects of short staffing and burnout.
The role of ED Charge Nurse Dana (Katherine LaNasa) is often highlighted. Her character feels authentic and takes seriously the invisible work of nursing: keeping things together, advocating, being a bridge between doctors, administrators and patients.
After winning the 2025 Emmy Award for Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, LaNasa thanked “all the nurses that inspired Dana.” She gave special thanks to the the Los Angeles General Medical Centre ED nurses that she shadowed to prepare for her role.
The show doesn’t shy away from the realities that nurses and healthcare staff are facing. Dana experiences violence at the hands of a patient, irate after waiting hours in the ER waiting room. The lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are highlighted. A mass casualty incident impacts all.
Unfortunately, some shows just don’t stand up to the realistic healthcare portrayal of The Pitt. Pulse, a Netflix original, is widely considered a poor representation of nursing, with both nurses and critics pointing out a lack of medical accuracy, unrealistic portrayals of hospital life and a limited focus on nurses compared to doctors. Despite being set in a Level 1 trauma center, nurses are scarcely featured. When they do appear, their roles are often peripheral, lacking depth and authenticity.
By portraying realities to the audience, medical dramas like The Pitt foster understanding, spark conversations about healthcare and honour the dedication of those on the frontlines
In contrast, when shows misrepresent healthcare workers – especially nurses – they create a skewed picture of who delivers care. Inaccurate portrayals can undervalue the complexity of the work and reinforce harmful stereotypes. Too often, media reduces nurses to background characters, neglecting their expertise, leadership and central role in patient safety and recovery. This not only diminishes public trust but can also shape unrealistic expectations about what care looks like in real hospitals.
Bravo to The Pitt for its commitment to highlighting the skills, expertise and compassion that nurses bring to every patient encounter.
