Noah Wyle Touts 'The Pitt' as Proof TV and Film Production Can Thrive in US

The Emmy-winning actor says the HBO Max series shows California's production incentives can revive the industry.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:18am

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Noah Wyle, the star, executive producer, and sometimes director of the Emmy-winning HBO Max series 'The Pitt', spoke at a hearing organized by California Senator Adam Schiff in Burbank. Wyle said 'The Pitt' is 'proof of concept' that TV and film production can thrive in the US, citing the show's nearly 600 production jobs and $125 million in economic impact for California during its first season. Wyle and other industry leaders expressed concerns about the potential impact of the pending Paramount-Warner Bros. merger on production jobs and urged Congress to support nationwide production tax breaks.

Why it matters

The hearing highlighted the economic importance of the entertainment industry to communities like Burbank that are home to major studios. With production increasingly shifting to other locations, the success of 'The Pitt' in Burbank demonstrates that favorable tax policies can help revive the industry in traditional hubs like Hollywood.

The details

Wyle said 'The Pitt' was able to shoot in Burbank due to California's recent tax breaks for production. The show's first season brought nearly 600 production jobs and $125 million in economic impact to the state. Wyle and other industry leaders, including IATSE president Matthew Loeb, expressed concerns about the potential consolidation of the industry through the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, fearing it could lead to a loss of production and jobs in Los Angeles.

  • Wyle said 'The Pitt' will commence shooting its third season this summer.
  • The hearing was held on Friday, March 20, 2026.

The players

Noah Wyle

The star, executive producer, and sometimes director of the Emmy-winning HBO Max series 'The Pitt'.

Adam Schiff

A California senator who organized the hearing.

Laura Friedman

A U.S. Representative whose district includes Burbank and its studios.

Matthew Loeb

The president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, which represents most behind-the-scenes crew members.

Sydney Kamlager-Dove

A U.S. Representative from Los Angeles County.

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What they’re saying

“I was asked to participate in today's hearing to tell a success story. I'm happy to report we'll commence shooting season three this summer, and that a rising tide has indeed lifted all boats.”

— Noah Wyle

“That is proof of concept. That is replicable. And it is vital to the strength of our industry and to our city to support these incentives.”

— Noah Wyle

“We give tax credits to many industries. Hollywood is not asking for special treatment. This is something that is standard across the United States for industries that we have determined that we care about.”

— Laura Friedman, U.S. Representative

“This merger could define whether Los Angeles remains the entertainment capital of the world or becomes an afterthought.”

— Laura Friedman, U.S. Representative

“After my acupuncturist took the needles out of my back, she said, 'Can you do anything to help bring back entertainment jobs?'”

— Sydney Kamlager-Dove, U.S. Representative

What’s next

Schiff and other members of Congress said they are working on nationalizing production tax breaks that states have instituted to help revive the entertainment industry across the country.

The takeaway

The success of 'The Pitt' in Burbank demonstrates that favorable tax policies can help revive the entertainment industry in traditional production hubs like Hollywood, supporting a wide range of jobs and economic activity in the surrounding communities.