Amy Poehler demands more ‘smooching’ in The Pitt
The Parks and Recreation star offered some unexpected advice to the award-winning medical drama’s leading man Noah Wyle during her Good Hang podcast, as the newly crowned Sexiest Man Alive discussed his television career, hospital scenes and the forthcoming third series.
Amy Poehler is calling for more romance in the hit medical drama The Pitt.
Telling its leading man Noah Wyle that the show’s graphic hospital scenes should be balanced with a few more kisses between characters, the Parks and Recreation actress, 55, made the suggestion during the new episode of her Good Hang podcast, where she was joined by Noah, 55, following his selection as People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive.
The pair discussed his television career, including his breakthrough role in ER and his award-winning performance as Dr Michael “Robby” Robinavitch in HBO’s The Pitt, before Amy offered her thoughts on the amount of romance in the medical series.
Amy said: “You’re not asking me for feedback on The Pitt, but I’m going to give you a little bit of feedback. If you’re going to show so much guts and blood, if you’re gonna go there – and your make-up team is incredible.
“The stuff you do is bananas. I don’t watch most of it. I cover my eyes, but I mean, I can’t take it – but if you’re going to show that much, every time you got to get a little smooch. Someone’s gotta do a little smooch.”
Noah appeared unconvinced by the suggestion and questioned whether every graphic scene should be accompanied by a romantic moment.
He said: “Oh, you think it’s one for one?”
Amy replied: “One for one, just a tiny smooch. Just one middle of the day [smooch]!”
Noah suggested he might be prepared to consider a compromise, saying he would “maybe” discuss a “one-to-four ratio, but certainly not one to one”.
Amy then offered another suggestion for balancing the programme’s graphic medical content with moments of intimacy.
She said: “You gonna show the guts, you gotta show some butts.”
Noah pointed out the series already features nudity involving patients, although not in the romantic situations Amy was proposing.
The conversation came as Noah continued to receive recognition for his performance in The Pitt, which follows medical staff working through demanding shifts in a busy Pittsburgh emergency department.
He plays the hospital’s senior attending physician, Robby, whose responsibilities include supervising junior doctors and managing the department’s response to medical emergencies.
The programme has completed two seasons, with Noah winning the Golden Globe for best actor in a television drama in 2026.
He has also received consecutive Emmy awards for outstanding lead actor in a drama series in 2025 and 2026.
The third series is scheduled to premiere in January 2027 and will follow Robby’s return to work after a three-month sabbatical at the end of the second season.
The forthcoming episodes will take place during a winter shift in Pittsburgh, with medical staff facing emergencies caused by snow and icy roads.
The production has also returned to the Pennsylvania city this week to film exterior scenes at Allegheny General Hospital.
Before The Pitt, Noah was best known for playing Dr John Carter in ER, the long-running hospital drama that also starred George Clooney, 65, and ran from 1994 until 2009.
George, who played Dr Doug Ross, was twice named People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive, in 1997 and 2006.
Noah’s own selection for the magazine’s 2026 title was announced during his appearance on Amy’s podcast on 27 October, succeeding Bridgerton and Wicked actor Jonathan Bailey, 38.
Amy, who portrayed Leslie Knope in the NBC comedy Parks and Recreation and previously starred on Saturday Night Live, also discussed Noah’s experiences working on ER.
During the podcast, the pair recalled George’s practical jokes on set and Noah’s early success on the medical drama, which earned him five Emmy nominations.
Noah also reflected on how his attitude towards success had changed since becoming famous in his twenties, recalling advice from his grandfather about wealth and happiness.
He said: “You can only be in one room at a time. And sometimes the bigger the space, the lonelier the space.”
