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USC Study Finds HBO’s ‘The Pitt’ Drives Real-World Health Actions

The impact report ties measurable behavior change to storylines shaped with Hollywood, Health & Society expertise.

Overview

  • Viewers exposed to the organ donation storyline were 26.9% more likely to seek information and 17.2% more likely to share it, with notable effects reported among Black audiences.
  • After an end-of-life planning arc, 38.8% sought additional information and 15.3% shared relevant resources, and viewers reported greater intent to make concrete plans.
  • Nearly 90% of respondents who watched at least three episodes said the show reveals systemic issues such as understaffing and helps them relate to provider stress.
  • Interviews with doctors, nurses and trainees described the series as authentically reflecting overcrowding, underfunding and burnout, with many saying it made them feel seen.
  • Commissioned through USC’s Hollywood, Health & Society program, the study was unveiled at the Norman Lear Awards, where The Pitt received the Culture of Health Award.