Amy Poehler has told Noah Wyle that HBO's medical drama The Pitt needs more romance to balance out its gore, joking that "you gotta show some b-tts." The comedian made the suggestion on Tuesday, October 27, in a new episode of her podcast Good Hang, recorded shortly after Wyle was named PEOPLE's 2026 Sexiest Man Alive.
The conversation covered ER, the long-running hospital drama that made Wyle famous, as well as The Pitt, in which he plays Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch. Poehler praised the makeup team and admitted she covers her eyes during the gruesome scenes.
Wyle was far from sold on the idea. He asked whether she meant a one-to-one ratio of gore to romance, and she replied that even a little would do.
He said he might "maybe" consider a "one-to-four ratio, but certainly not one to one." He also pointed out that The Pitt does include explicit content, just not in romantic scenes. Wyle has played Robby for two seasons.
He won a 2026 Golden Globe for Best Actor in a TV drama, and Emmys in the same category in 2025 and 2026. Season three arrives in January 2027 and follows Robby's first day back after a three-month sabbatical.
The show continues to be a major hit for the network, drawing significant viewership numbers globally. Poehler's lighthearted critique highlights the intense nature of the show, which has been praised for its realism but criticized by some for its relentless intensity.
Wyle remains committed to the character's development. Fans are eagerly awaiting the new season to see how the writers incorporate the character's return.
The production team has promised that the upcoming episodes will delve deeper into the personal lives of the medical staff. As the release date approaches, promotional activities are expected to ramp up.
Wyle's recent recognition as the Sexiest Man Alive has only added to the anticipation surrounding his performance. The chemistry between Poehler and Wyle during the podcast interview provided a rare glimpse into the actor's perspective on his craft.
It remains to be seen if the showrunners will take the advice to heart. Ultimately, the balance between drama and romance remains a subjective matter for the creators.
The Pitt continues to set high standards for medical television in the current landscape.