By Peter Harris

Copyright manchestereveningnews

Fans believe they’ve figured out when ‘one of 2025’s finest new programmes’ will finally arrive in the UK. Numerous viewers and critics across the pond have praised The Pitt, not only as one of the finest drama series to debut this year, but as one of the greatest ever produced . The programme recently scooped two major Emmy awards, defeating Apple TV+’s Severance for the Best Drama gong, whilst Noah Wyle claimed Best Actor in a Drama. The Pitt is a medical drama featuring Wyle as Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch. The 15-episode series tracks him through one lengthy traumatic shift in a realistic portrayal of the difficulties confronting healthcare workers in America as witnessed through the perspective of the frontline heroes operating in a contemporary hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Whilst now being an award-winning programme, it also holds a 95% score on website Rotten Tomatoes. Numerous critics drew comparisons to Wyle’s earlier medical drama, ER, with some proposing The Pitt might actually surpass it, reports the Mirror . One critic declared: “With its unique pacing, brilliant performances, and simple yet thoroughly engrossing writing, The Pitt easily becomes one of the best shows of the year.” Enthusiasts are equally impressed as one commented: “I recently watched the first season of The Pitt on Max, and it’s a gripping, adrenaline-fueled medical drama that stands out as one of 2025’s best new shows.” Another added: “A masterpiece of storytelling. A show that redefines excellence. Some shows entertain, some captivate, but only a rare few transcend the medium itself. This is one of those rare gems. From the first moment to the last, every frame of this show is crafted with precision, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.” Strangely, there remains no confirmation of when the programme will arrive on British screens. This has swiftly transformed it into one of the most eagerly awaited titles amongst dedicated television enthusiasts. The series has sparked heated discussion across social media platforms, with numerous Reddit forums devoted to the topic. One user suggested: “I assume any brand new Max series from now on will be held back until the streamer launches in the UK next year.” Another viewer from America argued: “Because no UK channel has either wanted to, or been able to afford to, pick up the UK rights at the moment, especially with it airing on a not terribly popular US streaming channel. “It was a show commissioned for HBO Max, which is definitely not up there with Hulu or Peacock in terms of populist programming in the US.” Nevertheless, this assessment isn’t entirely accurate. Disney owns Hulu, meaning their programmes such as High Potential invariably appear on Disney+ for British audiences. Meanwhile, Sky maintains an agreement with HBO ensuring their exclusive content nearly always debuts on Sky Atlantic for UK viewers initially. They maintain a comparable arrangement with Peacock, which explains why programmes such as Poker Face and The Paper have also appeared on Sky. These titles are equally accessible through the NOW streaming service. Regarding withholding content, Sky and NOW have recently premiered the HBO programme Task on their channels. Episodes for that series are being broadcast weekly, almost simultaneously with their American transmission times. Therefore, why The Pitt still lacks a UK release date remains puzzling. It cannot be withheld as an enticement for British viewers to subscribe to a new streaming platform, as it was confirmed last December that Sky has secured the rights to all HBO programmes and films even following the introduction of HBO Max in the UK. In a statement, Sky declared: “Building on the award-winning Warner Bros Discovery content available today on Sky Cinema and the existing franchises on Sky Atlantic, the new agreement will now include the ad-supported version of Max, WBD’s premium streaming service bundled for Sky customers at no extra cost, when it launches in the UK and Ireland in early 2026. Sky customers will continue to find shows such as House of the Dragon, The White Lotus, and The Last of Us, and any new series aired before the end of 2025, on Sky Atlantic and through Sky’s On Demand service. “Together with Max, this agreement ensures Sky customers will enjoy an even broader range of WBD content, including HBO and Max Originals, and other series that will be exclusive to Max, including forthcoming series of Harry Potter.” This could potentially result in UK fans having to hold their breath until 2026. Perhaps Sky might expedite the process following its triumph at the Emmys, but until there’s official confirmation, the suspense carries on for now. The Pitt is streaming on HBO Max in the US and expected to release in the UK soon.