Shawn Hatosy Teases Dark Turn for Robby on 'The Pitt'

The Emmy winner discusses directing Episode 9 and the possibility of a 'Night Shift' spinoff.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Shawn Hatosy, who plays Jack Abbot on the hit HBO Max medical drama 'The Pitt', recently stepped behind the camera to direct Episode 9 of the show's second season. Hatosy discusses the unique challenges of directing an episode in the show's single-location, fast-paced filming style, as well as a pivotal scene between his character Abbot and Noah Wyle's Robby that hints at a dark turn for the latter character. Hatosy also weighs in on the possibility of a 'The Pitt: Night Shift' spinoff series featuring the show's late-night medical staff.

Why it matters

Hatosy's directing debut on 'The Pitt' provides insight into the show's innovative production process, while his comments on Robby's storyline tease major developments for a key character. The potential for a 'Night Shift' spinoff also excites fans eager to explore more of the show's world and ensemble.

The details

Hatosy describes the unique preparation required to direct an episode of 'The Pitt', given the show's single-location, fast-paced filming style. He highlights a particular sequence he was proud of, featuring a chaotic scene in the hospital's hub as the staff adapts to the systems going down. Hatosy also discusses a pivotal goodbye scene between his character Abbot and Robby, in which Abbot warns Robby about a 'dark turn' he senses in the character. This scene, Hatosy notes, sets up further exploration of Robby's state of mind as he prepares to depart on a sabbatical.

  • The scene between Abbot and Robby takes place around 4:00 PM, as Robby is set to finish his shift at 6:00 PM and depart for his sabbatical.

The players

Shawn Hatosy

An Emmy-winning actor who plays the role of Jack Abbot, a night shift attending physician, on the HBO Max medical drama 'The Pitt'. Hatosy also directed Episode 9 of the show's second season.

Noah Wyle

An actor who portrays the character of Robby, a doctor at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, on 'The Pitt'.

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What they’re saying

“I think much of Abbot's Season 2 arc is kind of coming back to how things ended in Season 1, and him revealing to Robby, 'I do see a therapist. And I do find comfort in the darkness. But I'm working on myself, and you should too.' He's checking in and noticing that maybe he's not doing the things that he should be doing, and he understands where that ends up if you don't kind of do the self-care.”

— Shawn Hatosy, Actor, Director (Parade)

“There's a glimmer in his eye that makes you think, 'What is really going on here?'”

— Shawn Hatosy, Actor, Director (Parade)

What’s next

Hatosy suggests that Abbot's warning to Robby about a 'dark turn' is just the beginning, and that more information will come to light that will make Abbot take a more protective stance towards his colleague.

The takeaway

Hatosy's directing debut on 'The Pitt' and his insights into the show's production process, as well as the potential for a 'Night Shift' spinoff, demonstrate the creative depth and ambition behind this acclaimed medical drama.