HBO Max’s medical drama The Pitt will return for its second season in January, bringing an expanded cast that includes actor Taylor Handley, a notable Taylor Sheridan collaborator, among several new faces. The series, fronted and executive produced by Noah Wyle, is set to intensify its hospital drama as new guest stars join the returning ensemble in a storyline unfolding over the Fourth of July weekend, ten months after last season’s events.
New Guest Stars Add Fresh Drama to Season Two
Production for the upcoming season has cast Brittany Allen, Bonita Friedericy, Taylor Handley, and Jeff Kober in recurring roles, each bringing new tensions and dynamics to the Emergency Department. Allen is set to portray Roxie Hamler, a patient with a potentially emotional story arc, while Friedericy will play Cora Wilkins, a visitor with her own ties to the hospital. Handley, whose previous work with Taylor Sheridan connects him closely to the show’s new creative direction, takes on the role of Paul Hamler, the spouse of Allen’s character. Kober will appear as Duke, a motorcycle engineer with a history linked to one of the hospital’s doctors.
Main cast members such as Noah Wyle, who stars as Dr. Michael ‘Robby’ Robinavitch, return alongside Katherine LaNasa, Shawn Hatosy, Taylor Dearden, Patrick Ball, Isa Briones, Fiona Dourif, Supriya Ganesh, Shabana Azeez, and Gerran Howell. The series further strengthens its roster by elevating Sepideh Moafi to a regular role, and welcoming recurring appearances from Charles Baker, Irene Choi, Laëtitia Hollard, Lucas Iverson, and Lawrence Robinson.
Speculation and Hope for an ER Reunion
There has been growing excitement among viewers over the possibility of an ER reunion, especially since George Clooney expressed admiration for The Pitt. The anticipation grew after Clooney stated he would be open to guest-starring on the series. At a recent press event, HBO Chairman and CEO Casey Bloys weighed in on the swirling rumors, reiterating the network’s openness to Clooney’s involvement.
I don’t know if that was a real conversation or not, but sure.
— Casey Bloys, HBO Chairman and CEO
Clooney and Wyle share a long professional history from their days on NBC’s ER, a medical drama that became a defining show of the 1990s. Clooney praised Wyle’s resurgence and the ongoing success of The Pitt during promotional activities for his film Jay Kelly. The Oscar winner even remarked:
I’d do [The Pitt] in a heartbeat,
— George Clooney, Actor and Producer
He further expressed his support for Wyle, saying:
It is his show. I don’t want to interrupt. But I am deeply proud of him, if I’m allowed to be proud of him.
— George Clooney, Actor and Producer
Season Two Set to Premiere in January 2026
The Pitt remains available on HBO Max, where anticipation for its second season continues to build. The casting of Taylor Sheridan collaborator Taylor Handley and the involvement of several acclaimed actors underscores HBO’s commitment to evolving the series’ high-intensity storytelling. The premiere date for the new season is set for January 8, 2026, promising not only fresh drama in the hospital halls of Chicago but also the possibility of high-profile guest appearances that could delight longtime fans.
