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

The Emmy-winning actor spoke at a hearing on keeping film and TV jobs in California.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:18am

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Noah Wyle, the star and executive producer of the Emmy-winning HBO Max series 'The Pitt,' testified at a hearing in Burbank, California, that his show is proof that TV and film production can succeed in the United States. Wyle said 'The Pitt' brought nearly 600 production jobs and $125 million to the state's economy, crediting California's tax breaks. He spoke about the challenges of working as an actor having to travel far from home for roles, and emphasized the ripple effects that entertainment production has on local economies.

Why it matters

The hearing addressed concerns about the entertainment industry's shift to production hubs outside the U.S. due to more favorable economic conditions. Wyle's testimony on the success of 'The Pitt' aimed to demonstrate that domestic production is viable with the right policy support, like California's tax incentives.

The details

Wyle said 'The Pitt,' which won the Emmy for best drama last year, will begin shooting its third season this summer. He credited California's recent tax breaks for making it possible to produce the series in Burbank, where Warner Bros. is located. Wyle spoke about the personal toll of having to travel far from home for acting roles over the years since the end of his long-running stint on 'ER'.

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

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 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 spoke about the broad economic impact of entertainment jobs.

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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 keep film and TV production in the United States.

The takeaway

Noah Wyle's testimony on the success of his Emmy-winning series 'The Pitt' demonstrates that domestic TV and film production can thrive with the right policy support, like California's tax incentives. This highlights the broader economic impact of the entertainment industry and the need for federal action to keep these jobs in the U.S.