What “The Pitt” Got Right About End-of-Life
When we watch TV, we often see illness and death portrayed in ways that feel completely unreal. Characters bounce back from impossible odds or die in perfectly timed cinematic moments.
But those of us who’ve accompanied real people at the end of life know it’s rarely like that. Endings are often complicated, emotional, messy, and deeply human.
That’s why The Pitt struck me so powerfully. It didn’t shy away from what end-of-life actually looks like. It showed the uncomfortable conversations families avoid, the decisions that carry weight, and the quiet truth of what it means to say goodbye.
For once, TV didn’t sanitize the hard parts—it honored them.
How “The Pitt” Got It Right
A major reason for that authenticity comes from Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider and the team at the End Well Project. The writers partnered with End Well to ensure their portrayal of end-of-life care was accurate, compassionate, and true to what families and clinicians actually experience.
Their guidance shaped not just the storylines but the tone—grounding it in empathy instead of sensationalism.
And it’s making an impact. Viewers are starting long-avoided conversations. Families are making clearer choices in hospitals. A television series is helping to shift our culture around death and dying and that’s extraordinary.
Why Honest Portrayals Matter
Representation matters. When we see death reflected honestly in stories, it helps us prepare for our own experiences. It reminds us that end-of-life is not a purely medical event—it’s a human one, full of love, complexity, and truth.
As a certified death doula based in San Diego, I know how transformative honest conversations can be. That’s why I’m so inspired by projects that bring authenticity to the screen.
The Pitt made visible what so often remains hidden. And in doing so, it offered something we all deserve: honesty.
Learn More About End Well and The Pitt
If you’d like to explore more about the End Well Project’s involvement in The Pitt, you can read their feature in The Hollywood Reporter.
They’ll also be hosting their annual End Well Conference in Los Angeles (and virtually) on November 20 – 21. You can learn more or register here.
Join the Conversation
At The Everafter Collective, I help individuals and families throughout San Diego County navigate end-of-life planning and compassionate care.
If you were moved by The Pitt or you’re ready to begin your own planning journey, explore these related resources: