Noah Wyle Touts 'The Pitt' as Proof TV Production Can Thrive in California

The actor says the hit HBO Max series has brought hundreds of jobs and millions in revenue to the state.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:11pm

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Noah Wyle, the star and executive producer of the acclaimed HBO Max series 'The Pitt', spoke at a hearing organized by California Senator Adam Schiff in Burbank, touting the show as proof that TV and film production can thrive in the state. Wyle said 'The Pitt' has brought nearly 600 production jobs and $125 million to the California economy, crediting the state's recent tax breaks. He emphasized the importance of supporting these incentives to keep the industry strong in Hollywood.

Why it matters

With the entertainment industry facing challenges like production shifts to other states and countries with more favorable conditions, Wyle's testimony highlights how targeted tax incentives can help revive TV and film production in California. The hearing also addressed concerns over the potential impact of the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger on local jobs and the state's status as the entertainment capital.

The details

Wyle, who previously starred on the hit NBC series 'ER', said 'The Pitt' is proof that the classic episodic TV model can thrive in the prestige streaming era. He noted that the show's first season brought nearly 600 production jobs and $125 million to the California economy. Wyle credited the state's recent tax breaks for making it possible to shoot the series in Burbank, home to major studios like Warner Bros. where 'The Pitt' is filmed.

  • Wyle spoke at the hearing on Friday, March 21, 2026.
  • 'The Pitt' will commence shooting its third season this summer.

The players

Noah Wyle

The star, executive producer and sometimes director of the HBO Max series 'The Pitt', who previously played a central character on the hit NBC series 'ER' from 1994 to 2009.

Adam Schiff

A California senator who organized the hearing where Wyle spoke.

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 who said workers of all sorts in her district have an interest in Hollywood thriving.

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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, Actor and Executive Producer, 'The Pitt'

“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

“The big missing piece is that there is no commitment about where they're going to shoot 30 films.”

— Matthew Loeb, President, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees

“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.

The takeaway

Wyle's testimony on the success of 'The Pitt' demonstrates that targeted tax incentives can help TV and film production thrive in California, providing hundreds of jobs and millions in revenue for the state. As the industry faces challenges like production shifts and consolidation, supporting these incentives is crucial to maintaining Hollywood's status as the entertainment capital of the world.