Shabana Azeez Pleads with Co-stars to Exclude Her from ‘The Pitt’ Poker Evenings at 2025 Emmys
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At the glitzy 2025 Emmy Awards, actress Shabana Azeez from the hit series ‘The Pitt’ made a candid appeal to her fellow co-stars. Speaking on the red carpet, she implored them to refrain from inviting her to their poker nights. With a playful yet serious tone, she expressed her disinterest in potentially losing money to her boss. The 28-year-old actress, known for her role as medical student Victoria Javadi, directly addressed the camera, urging her castmates to exclude her from the intense card game gatherings.
Azeez revealed her reservations about participating in the poker nights by labelling her co-stars as formidable opponents. She specifically mentioned Katherine LaNasa, who plays emergency room charge nurse Dana Evans, and Fiona Dourif, portraying resident Dr. Cassie McKay, as being some of the most skilled players. The actress emphasised her reluctance by stating, “I don’t need to get robbed and go to work the next day with the same people, no.” Azeez highlighted the potential risks of gambling with producers, emphasizing the potential dangers involved.
During an interview on the red carpet, LaNasa shed light on the cast’s poker gatherings, divulging that she hosts the events at her residence. She jovially mentioned the $40 buy-in rule, assuring that the stakes were moderate and no one would be risking their mortgage money. Azeez also took the opportunity to reflect on the success of ‘The Pitt’s’ inaugural season and provided insights into the filming of the upcoming second season. Reflecting on the show’s early days, she described the initial phase as a relaxed and low-key experience, with little recognition for the series.
Expressing her gratitude for being part of a socially impactful show like ‘The Pitt,’ Azeez commended Noah Wyle for his multifaceted contributions. Wyle, who plays Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch on the show, also assumes roles in writing, directing, and executive producing. Azeez praised Wyle’s mentorship and support during the first season, highlighting his significant influence on her growth as an actress. She shared her admiration for his dedication, mentioning that she has been shadowing him on set during her free time to observe his directorial techniques.
‘The Pitt’ received a remarkable 13 Emmy nominations for its debut season, including a prestigious nod for Outstanding Drama Series. Wyle and LaNasa received individual nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, respectively. Additionally, Shawn Hatosy secured a win for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Dr. Jack Abbot. The highly anticipated second season of ‘The Pitt’ is set to premiere on HBO Max on January 8, 2026, continuing the dramatic narrative that captivated audiences in the first season.
The Emmy Awards served as a platform for Azeez and her co-stars to share their experiences and achievements, offering glimpses into the camaraderie and dynamics behind the scenes of ‘The Pitt.’ As the countdown to the new season begins, fans eagerly anticipate the continuation of the gripping storyline and the evolution of their favourite characters. The blend of talent, dedication, and camaraderie among the cast members promises an exciting and captivating viewing experience for audiences as ‘The Pitt’ ventures into its next chapter.