**Shawn Hatosy Shares Excitement Over Potential Spinoff of HBO’s ‘The Pitt’**
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As the popularity of HBO’s medical drama ‘The Pitt’ continues to rise, actor Shawn Hatosy has expressed enthusiasm for a prospective spinoff focusing on the night shift at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. Known for his portrayal as Dr. Jack Abbot, a night shift attending physician, Hatosy recently spoke with PEOPLE about the show’s ongoing success and his character’s reception among fans.

At 50 years old, Hatosy has garnered attention not only for his role in ‘The Pitt’ but also for his performances in series such as ‘Animal Kingdom’ and ‘Chicago P.D.’ In this latest season, he has left a memorable impression on audiences with his character, who navigates the unique challenges of working through the night alongside a diverse group of colleagues.

Reflecting on the possibility of a spinoff centred around the night shift, Hatosy stated, “There’s been a lot of talk about the night shift. That would be really cool. We could do some cool, interesting things with the tone of the show.” This sentiment suggests that such a show could explore new types of cases and delve deeper into the personal backgrounds of its characters.
Hatosy acknowledged that Dr. Abbot’s decision to work at night fosters a different atmosphere compared to the daytime staff. “Dr. Abbot chose the night shift because it’s a certain kind of group of misfits that work together at night,” he explained, hinting at the unique dynamics that could be portrayed in a potential spinoff.
Despite this enthusiasm, he also conveyed satisfaction with the current direction of ‘The Pitt’, confirming that “everything is great” with the show as it stands. The series primarily focuses on the day shift led by Noah Wyle’s character, Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, while the night team makes brief appearances at the beginning and end of each season.
Fans may soon see increased attention on the night shift staff, particularly with the recent announcement of Ayesha Harris being promoted to a series regular for Season 3. Harris portrays senior night shift resident Dr. Parker Ellis, and her promotion could signify a broader narrative focus on the night crew.
In the lead-up to Season 2, Hatosy was hopeful for more screen time for Dr. Abbot, suggesting that there were discussions about positioning him as a more prominent character. However, his role this season included moonlighting with a SWAT team, which ultimately led to an on-duty injury, raising questions about the character’s fate among the audience.
The actor recounted his surprise when he was introduced into the plot mid-season, saying, “I was like, what does that mean? Why am I coming in the middle? Am I dying? Am I coming in on a gurney?” This unexpected narrative twist created suspense for viewers and underlined the unpredictability of medical dramas.
In addition to his acting prowess, Hatosy took on directing duties for the first time in ‘The Pitt’ during this season. Encouraged by executive producer John Wells, he stepped into the director’s chair after previously directing an episode of their other series, ‘Rescue High Surf’. Hatosy reflected on the experience, admitting that he initially hesitated to juggle both acting and directing roles but later embraced the opportunity.
Hatosy’s contributions to ‘The Pitt’ have not gone unnoticed, as he received an Emmy Award in 2025 for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his work as Dr. Abbot. Following this achievement, he expressed gratitude for the role: “This particular role came at a very kind of lean time for me and I didn’t know what the role was when I first read it.” His connection to the character is profound, admitting that he loves portraying Dr. Abbot and is eager to continue as long as the network permits.
New episodes of ‘The Pitt’ Season 2 air every Thursday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO Max, thrilling audiences with the trials and triumphs faced by doctors in a high-pressure environment. With Hatosy’s unwavering dedication, both as a performer and newly minted director, the series is sure to maintain its momentum and entertain viewers in the months to come.
