Harry Styles Spoofs 'The Pitt' on SNL, But Patrick Ball Watched From Lorne Michaels' Office

Ball, who plays Dr. Frank Langdon on the HBO Max series, was almost in the sketch but couldn't make it in time.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:10pm

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An extreme close-up of shimmering sequins and shattered glass reflecting bright studio lights, creating a high-fashion, glamorous aesthetic to represent the entertainment industry.The glitz and charm of the entertainment industry is on full display as "The Pitt" crosses over into the mainstream with a "Saturday Night Live" parody.Today in Pittsburgh

Patrick Ball, who stars as Dr. Frank Langdon on the HBO Max series "The Pitt," was almost part of the "MAHAspital" sketch that spoofed his show on the March 15 episode of "Saturday Night Live" hosted by Harry Styles. Though Ball couldn't make it in time, he and his co-star Isa Briones watched the sketch from Lorne Michaels' office at 30 Rock and later attended the after-party, where they got to meet Styles.

Why it matters

"The Pitt" has become a mainstream hit, with the show even being spoofed on "SNL." This speaks to the show's growing popularity and cultural relevance, as well as the rising stardom of its lead actor, Patrick Ball. The behind-the-scenes details about Ball's near-involvement in the sketch and his interactions with Styles also offer a glimpse into the show's production and the lives of its cast.

The details

Ball says he was asked about 24 hours before the "SNL" air date to be part of the "MAHAspital" sketch, which saw Styles playing a doctor at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. However, it didn't work out due to logistical issues. Instead, Ball and Briones, who are both currently starring on Broadway, watched the episode from Lorne Michaels' office at 30 Rock. They then attended the after-party, where Ball says he "watched Isa absolutely lose her freaking cool" when meeting Styles, whom he describes as "an incredibly, overwhelmingly charming person."

  • Ball was asked to be part of the "SNL" sketch about 24 hours before the episode aired on March 15, 2026.
  • Ball and Briones watched the "SNL" episode from Lorne Michaels' office at 30 Rock.

The players

Patrick Ball

An actor who plays Dr. Frank Langdon on the HBO Max series "The Pitt." He was almost part of the "SNL" sketch spoofing his show but couldn't make it in time.

Isa Briones

An actress who co-stars with Ball on "The Pitt" and is currently starring on Broadway. She and Ball watched the "SNL" episode from Lorne Michaels' office.

Harry Styles

The musician and actor who hosted and performed on the March 15, 2026 episode of "Saturday Night Live," including in the "MAHAspital" sketch that spoofed "The Pitt."

Lorne Michaels

The creator and executive producer of "Saturday Night Live," who allowed Ball and Briones to watch the episode from his office.

John Wells

The co-creator and executive producer of "The Pitt" on HBO Max.

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What they’re saying

“Me and Isa got to go and we got to see Lorne's office with all the little index cards and the run down and and watch the show. And then went to the after party, and we got to meet Harry Styles, and I watched Isa absolutely lose her freaking cool.”

— Patrick Ball, Actor, "The Pitt"

“This is an incredibly, overwhelmingly charming person.”

— Patrick Ball, Actor, "The Pitt"

What’s next

Ball and Briones plan to continue their Broadway runs while also filming the second season of "The Pitt." Fans will be eager to see how Langdon's return to the hospital after rehab plays out in the new season.

The takeaway

"The Pitt" has become a cultural phenomenon, with the show even being spoofed on "SNL." This speaks to the growing popularity and relevance of the series, as well as the rising stardom of its lead actor Patrick Ball. The behind-the-scenes details about Ball's near-involvement in the "SNL" sketch and his interactions with Styles offer a unique glimpse into the show's production and the lives of its cast.