George Clooney praises Noah Wyle and The Pitt, sharing his admiration for his former ER co-star as Wyle leads yet another acclaimed medical drama, this time titled The Pitt on HBO Max. While reflecting on his own rise to fame through ER in the 1990s, Clooney expressed enthusiastic support for Wyle’s continued work in the emergency room genre, highlighting their lasting friendship and the show‘s achievements in recent years.
Clooney, known internationally today for starring in blockbuster films and winning Oscars both as an actor and a producer, first made his mark as Dr. Doug Ross on ER, a show that reshaped medical dramas on television. The series made both Clooney and Noah Wyle household names, and their on-screen chemistry became a staple of the long-running program. Wyle, who played Dr. John Carter, remained with ER for many seasons. Today, Wyle is at the center of The Pitt, another medical series set in a bustling hospital environment, which has quickly earned critical acclaim and a strong following on HBO Max.
The Pitt stands out for its fast-paced, real-time format, where each episode covers a single intense hour in a 15-hour hospital shift. The show’s engaging writing, strong performances from the entire cast, and timely plotlines have led to widespread praise, with the network swiftly renewing it for a second season. Audiences and critics alike credit much of the show’s authenticity to Wyle’s performance as chief attending physician, building on his extensive experience from his earlier ER days.
Appearing on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Clooney made it clear that his appreciation for both Wyle and The Pitt is personal and heartfelt. As he reminisced about their early days filming ER’s pilot, Clooney described Wyle as both a talented professional and an honorable friend, openly celebrating his achievements on the new show.
Have you guys seen that show? It’s so good…We’ve been really dear friends since [ER], since we did the pilot. He’s just the most honorable young man—I get to say, because I’m an old man. And I cannot be happier for his success on this show. The show is just a beautiful show. He does a great job with it.
—George Clooney, actor
Wyle’s portrayal in The Pitt, following his extensive emergency room experience from ER, has resonated with viewers, particularly as the show incorporates real-world events and issues into its dramatic storylines. Fans have also appreciated the chemistry among the cast members—an ensemble that helps make each episode’s on-the-edge pace believable and compelling.
Clooney’s Struggles with Medical Jargon on ER
While George Clooney may have been the heartthrob of ER, he recently admitted that there was one aspect of the role he never mastered—the demanding medical dialogue. The show, known for its brisk walk-and-talk scenes filled with technical terminology, often left Clooney stumbling through take after take as he struggled to memorize and deliver his lines correctly. Despite his success in the series, these moments of frustration became a running joke for Clooney behind the scenes.
In contrast, Noah Wyle seemed to handle the complex medical vocabulary without issue, impressing both cast and crew. Clooney light-heartedly confessed his envy over his friend’s ability, making it clear that while their friendship is strong, Wyle’s mastery of the medical lingo always set him apart during their time on ER.
He never had any trouble. He always could do it, and I hated him for it. People should hate Noah.
—George Clooney, actor
Wyle’s ease with the technical side of medical scripts has proven invaluable once again on The Pitt, as he returned not just to another emergency room, but to a leadership role as a chief physician. This ability has only strengthened the realism and immersion that The Pitt offers its audience, contributing to its growing reputation as a must-watch in the genre.
Clooney’s stories highlight the bond formed between actors on long-running series, as well as the professional respect and playful rivalry that can remain years later. As Clooney continues to explore new projects—from political dramas and musicals to his Broadway debut in Good Night, and Good Luck—it’s clear that his early experiences on ER, both challenging and formative, continue to shape his perspective.
The Continuing Impact of ER and a Bright Future for The Pitt
Nearly three decades after ER first captured viewers’ imaginations and redefined television hospital shows, its influence still echoes through projects like The Pitt. As George Clooney praises Noah Wyle and The Pitt for advancing the genre and bringing new energy to the emergency room setting, he draws attention to a legacy of storytelling and professional excellence that extends well beyond their original series.
With The Pitt already renewed for a second installment, fans can look forward to more high-tension, real-time drama led by Noah Wyle’s capable hands. As the show weaves together both fresh talent and the experience professionals bring from earlier medical dramas, it sets itself up as a fitting torchbearer for a new era of compelling, relevant hospital television. As for Clooney, his enthusiastic support of Wyle and his ongoing reflections on ER remind viewers of the friendships, challenges, and triumphs that define TV legends and help pave the way for the next generation of stars. The Pitt is currently streaming on HBO Max.
