Following the Success of 'The Pitt,' HBO Reveals New Production Strategy

HBO is changing how it produces its original content following The Pitt‘s Emmy sweep. The 15-episode medical drama has found massive success since its release at the start of the year, and HBO wants to use its production structure as a basis for future projects, hoping for similar results. According to a recent report, HBO’s new production structure will be similar to The Pitt, with one season containing 15 episodes, an annual release, and a “modest budget.”

This new production model has already begun, as HBO has greenlit two new shows: a cop drama titled American Blue from Supernatural showrunner Jeremy Carver, and a family drama called How To Survive Without Me (working title). It was also reported that HBO has other dramas lined up under the new model. HBO Max’s Head of Originals, Sarah Aubrey, said the new model exists because there’s a gap in the streaming market: Production companies aren’t making “network-style shows with 15+ episodes that return annually.” She also mentioned that audiences were interested in The Pitt because the story hooked them, and the number of episodes meant viewers could spread the word about the show’s quality, thereby attracting more viewers.

“Interestingly, the thing that The Pitt did that is unusual and exciting, it engaged our core prestige audience but also broadened and really grabbed onto viewers that were coming to the service more for a movie or our library, and really hooked them in. Because of the 15 episodes and having time to build the word of mouth about the quality of the show, we were getting everyone by the end. That breadth of audience from these types of shows is important to us and to our business model.”

What Made ‘The Pitt’ Successful?

The Pitt is a medical drama by R. Scott Gemmill, which follows a grueling 15-hour shift at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center’s emergency room, which staff call “the Pitt.” What makes this drama different from other medical shows is that the entire first season unfolds over the whole 15-hour shift the staff and medical students have to get through, showcasing the complexities and challenges they face in a busy hospital.

Since its release, The Pitt Season 1 has been highly praised by fans and critics alike, earning a 95% critics’ score and an 87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Additionally, The New York Times reported that the U.S. medical community praised The Pitt for its accurate depiction of the American healthcare system. The Pitt hired actual doctors at “every level of the production,” which is why the medical community appreciated that it reflected what a real-life hospital shift looks like, while also making the characters relatable.

The Pitt is available to stream on HBO Max. Season 2 is scheduled to premiere on January 8, 2026. Follow Collider to stay updated.