A packed waiting room, doctors under pressure, mental health crises. It could be any day in a UK A&E department. But this is the USA. More specifically, it's smash-hit medical drama The Pitt, which is American slang for the emergency room (spelt "pit"). And it's just landed on our shores.
A gripping fast-paced drama full of tension, emotion, a bit of gore - and some much-needed dark humour - it's easy to see why the show has already won so many awards Stateside, including numerous Emmys and Golden Globes.
Many of the health and social issues The Pitt shines a light on will be familiar on both sides of the pond. But there is a fundamental difference - we have a publicly-funded universal healthcare system and the US doesn't. So how will the HBO Max show translate for UK audiences?
In one episode, construction worker Orlando Diaz (William Guirola) suffers serious diabetes complications after rationing his insulin due to the cost (he already has a $100,000 medical debt). Seeing the stark reality of Diaz's plight on screen is quite an eye-opener.
Noah Wyle plays Dr Robby, a traumatised, hard-nosed yet deeply empathetic lead physician in the A&E department of a Pittsburg hospital.
