For decades, medical dramas have focused on brilliant surgeons and brooding doctors, often relegating nurses—especially Filipina nurses—to the background. While real-life hospitals rely heavily on their expertise, television has largely overlooked their impact. That changes with The Pitt, Max’s groundbreaking new medical drama that finally puts Filipina nurses and doctors front and center.
Set in the fast-paced emergency room (ER) of Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital, The Pitt offers an unfiltered look at life on the frontlines of healthcare. Each episode spans a single 15-hour shift, immersing viewers in the intensity, heartbreak, and camaraderie that define ER work.
What sets the series apart is its commitment to authenticity—particularly in highlighting the vital role and culture of Filipina nurses.
Filipina Frontliners: From Background Players To Main Characters
Filipino nurses have long been the backbone of the healthcare system, especially those who have migrated abroad. Yet, their presence in pop culture has often been reduced to minor roles or fleeting mentions.
The Pitt challenges that stereotype, showcasing their talent and contributions to the medical field. The series features two Filipina nurses and a doctor as part of its main cast, each played by a talented Filipino-American actress: Amielynn Abellera as Nurse Perlah Alawi, Kristin Villanueva as Nurse Princess Dela Cruz, and Isa Briones as Dr. Trinity Santos.
Their stories go beyond medical duties, delving into the real challenges that Filipino healthcare workers face – navigating cultural identity, balancing family expectations, and confronting workplace biases while saving lives.
In its own narrative, The Pitt humanizes Filipina nurses, portraying them not just as caregivers but as leaders, fighters, and complex individuals with rich personalities and lives.
‘Uy Pilipins!’ Viewers React On PH Representation
For many Filipino viewers, seeing their reality reflected on screen is long overdue. The show challenges outdated tropes and offers an authentic portrayal—from nurses speaking Tagalog in intense moments to scenes that capture deep-rooted Filipino values such as utang na loob (debt of gratitude) and bayanihan (community spirit).
“The Pitt actually has great representation of diverse individuals, and they don’t feel like characters who have just been added there to show diversity, unlike in older shows where there are token people of color and gay friends. Here, they genuinely feel like just regular people who are working in the ER.” – Kayee Joromo (Facebook)
“I highly recommend it, coming from a Respiratory Therapist! Also, to my fellow Filipino friends in the field, they finally have Pinay nurses and even a Filipina Resident MD on board.” – Maryanne Ramos Engleman (Facebook)
“First time to watch a new TV show, The Pitt. A powerful and more realistic medical drama set supposedly in a big medical institution in Pittsburgh and depicting Filipino medical personnel for a change who are essential health care givers all over the world. Kudos! ” – Ramon De Jesus (Facebook)
With its commitment to diversity and realism, The Pitt is doing more than just telling great stories – it’s changing the way we see medical professionals on screen. Now, Filipina nurses and doctors aren’t just side characters, they’re the heart of the show.
