The Pitt has been crowned in ways more than just the Emmys. The interest in it comes not from thin air, but from the near-real thrills it stimulates around hospital drama and chaos.

However, before it came a long line of predecessors, one which every medical-drama fan ought to familiarise themselves with.

1. ER (1994)

Spanning over 300 episodes and 15 seasons, ER is The Pitt's ancestor in more than just the genre. The heavily acclaimed medical drama had starred Noah Wyle as well.

Running for 15 years, ER is the brainchild of late techno-thriller writer Michael Crichton. The primetime show holds the record for the second-longest-running medical drama in Hollywood's history.

While Wyle played medical student John Carter in the show, George Clooney held his own as Dr Doug Ross for 5 seasons. The course of the show also shifts enough for the entire original cast to be changed by the end of the show.

2. House (2004)

Alternatively titled House, M.D, the show takes a slightly more grey approach to a medical hero. It centres on the genius yet unsociable and deviant, Dr Gregory House, played by Hugh Laurie.

The show ran for 8 seasons, from 2004 to 2012, and is now available to watch on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+. The cast lineup includes Jesse Spencer, Jennifer Morrison, and Omar Epps and more.

3) M*A*S*H (1972)

Moving further back in time, there is 1972's M*A*S*H. Its name comes from the American field hospital units, Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, stationed in South Korea in the 1950s.

The show, surprisingly, falls under the sitcom category while also touching on dramatised tragedy. The show is a spin-off of the 1970 movie of the same name, with Alan Alda leading the cast.

4) This Is Going To Hurt (2022)

The abundance of medical dramas comes with its own variety. This is Going to Hurt takes its focus on the lives and experiences of junior doctors in the obstetrics and gynaecology ward, one that reflects the exhaustion caused by the occupation.

The show is a more recent run, based on Adam Kay's memoir of the same name, published in 2017. Ben Whishaw's portrayal of a tired British medic is amply praised.

5) Scrubs (2001)

Taking a less gritty tone on the medical environment, save for the very purpose of medical attention, Scrubs centres on the journey of  John Dorian. The show is known for its slapstick format embedded within medical emergencies.

6) New Amsterdam (2018)

Ticking off the hospital hierarchies, 2018's New Amsterdam takes on the story of the medical director of America's oldest public hospital. Ryan Eggold plays Dr Max Goodwin, based on the book Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital.

7) Apple Cider Vinegar (2025)

Netflix has also pitched in with its own twist on medical drama with Apple Cider Vinegar. Released in 2025, the show shifts to focus on the thin line between the influencing world and medical awareness, and the consequences of medical forgery.

8) Chicago Med (2015)

Running since 2015, Chicago Med is the third instalment of the Chicago franchise by Dick Wolf. Set in Chicago, the show keeps its premise simple by focusing on the everyday happenings in the Gaffney Chicago Medical Centre.

Its most recent, and 11th season, aired in October 2025 and is still running. It is preceded by Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D.

9) Private Practice (2007)

Private Practice serves as a spin-off of the medical drama giant Grey's Anatomy. Shifting to focus on the supporting character, Dr Addison Montgomery, played by Kate Walsh, the show deals with yet another facet of the occupation, private practice.

10) Grey's Anatomy (2005)

Shonda Rhimes' play on the medical textbook Gray's Anatomy, Grey's Anatomy, is the longest-running medical drama to date. The show's initial idea, which carried on for 18 seasons, was to focus on the journey of Meredith Grey to becoming a fully qualified doctor.

The show has been renewed for a 22nd season, which premiered in October 9, 2025, and will wrap up in February 5, 2026. Hollywood's medical genre has done it quite the justice over the years, and The Pitt only follows suit.

Which of these medical dramas have intrigued you? Let us know in the comments below!

Written by

Adiba Nizami

Edited by

Hriddhi Maitra