Isa Briones Teases 'A Different Side' of Dr. Santos in 'The Pitt' Season 2

The actress says her character shows a more vulnerable and maternal side when caring for young patients.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Isa Briones, who plays Dr. Trinity Santos on the HBO Max series The Pitt, says viewers will see a different side of her character in the show's second season. Briones explains that Santos, a second-year resident, is struggling with the demands of her job, including overseeing medical students and interns while also caring for her own patients. The actress notes that Santos handles many child patients this season, which allows her 'fierce protector' and 'maternal' instincts to emerge.

Why it matters

The Pitt is a popular medical drama that explores the challenges and personal lives of young doctors in training. Briones' comments about her character's evolution provide insight into how the show is developing its core cast of characters and delving deeper into their motivations and personalities.

The details

In one emotional scene from the Feb. 19 episode, Santos tends to an abandoned newborn baby, nicknamed 'Baby Jane Doe,' who was found in the bathroom of the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. Despite her typically brash demeanor, Santos sings to the distressed infant and wraps her in a blanket, showing a more nurturing side. Briones says this type of interaction allows viewers to see Santos' 'maternal and big sister type of energy' when caring for vulnerable young patients.

  • The Pitt season 2 premiered in January 2026.
  • The episode featuring the emotional newborn baby scene aired on February 19, 2026.

The players

Isa Briones

The actress who portrays Dr. Trinity Santos, a second-year resident, on the HBO Max series The Pitt.

Dr. Trinity Santos

A second-year resident at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center who is the focus of Briones' comments about showing a more vulnerable and maternal side of her character in The Pitt season 2.

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What they’re saying

“In season 1, you see her in a state of energy. She's coming in hot because she's like, 'I have to carve out a place for myself here and I need to prove myself.' She's a real go-getter. But now, we're catching her 10 months later. She's been here almost every day and she's tired.”

— Isa Briones, Actress (PEOPLE)

“She's being humbled now and realizing, 'Maybe I'm not as high and mighty, and as amazing at my job, as I thought I was. Maybe I do have more to learn and this is hard.' You see a little vulnerability in her being run down and really feeling it.”

— Isa Briones, Actress (PEOPLE)

“You see that she really cares about these kids. She's such a fierce protector of people who are vulnerable, and that is baked into being a child. You are vulnerable to everything. There's a maternal and big sister type of energy that comes out when she is taking care of younger patients.”

— Isa Briones, Actress (PEOPLE)

What’s next

New episodes of The Pitt season 2 air Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO Max.

The takeaway

Isa Briones' comments about her character Dr. Trinity Santos on The Pitt highlight how the show is exploring the complexities and vulnerabilities of young doctors, moving beyond the typical 'high and mighty' tropes to delve into their humanity and personal growth.