George Clooney and Noah Wyle Eye a Potential The Pitt Reunion, Teasing an Epic ER Crossover
- Nov 13
- 6 min read
For a generation of television viewers, the intense, fast-paced world of NBC's ER defined the modern medical drama, launching the careers of numerous stars, notably George Clooney as Dr. Doug Ross and Noah Wyle as Dr. John Carter. The series ran from 1994 to 2009, becoming a cultural touchstone. Now, over two decades later, Wyle is spearheading a new critical darling in the genre: The Pitt, which premiered in January 2025 on HBO Max (now Max). The Pitt, which has garnered significant acclaim and even won an Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series, naturally draws comparisons to the show where Wyle made his mark. Amid this success, the question on every fan’s mind is whether the halls of The Pitt might soon welcome the return of Clooney. Recent comments from the iconic actor confirm that the chance for an on-screen reunion is more than just fan speculation; it’s a possibility Clooney would embrace “in a heartbeat”.
The Legacy of County General: Connecting ER and The Pitt
The connections between ER and The Pitt run deeper than just the presence of Noah Wyle. ER was a hugely successful medical drama, created by Michael Crichton. Wyle starred as John Carter on ER from 1994, sticking around until 2005, with both him and Clooney making returns for the final season. Clooney’s time as Dr. Doug Ross, starting in 1994, shot him into superstardom before he left after Season 5.
A Shared Medical Tradition
The Pitt, which casts Wyle as Dr. Michael 'Robby' Robinavitch, seems to mirror Wyle's earlier run as John Carter on ER in certain respects. This similarity is likely a contributing factor to the critical acclaim The Pitt has received.
However, the resemblance between the two medical series was close enough that the estate of the late Michael Crichton, the creator of ER, filed a lawsuit alleging that The Pitt was a "derivative work". This lawsuit was ultimately dismissed by Warner Bros. TV. Despite the legal wrangling, the spiritual lineage is clear, and Wyle himself is deeply involved in the new show, not only starring but also serving as one of its creators, writers, and executive producers. The Pitt is now streaming on HBO Max and its first season also aired on TNT.
Clooney's Open Invitation: 'In a Heartbeat'
George Clooney has been remarkably enthusiastic about the success of The Pitt and his former co-star, Noah Wyle. When asked directly about putting on scrubs again to join Wyle on the HBO Max series, Clooney gave a definitive and highly anticipated answer: “I’d do that in a heartbeat,” he stated during an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the premiere of Jay Kelly.
Clooney's endorsement goes beyond just a willingness to appear; it includes profound admiration for Wyle’s work on the new drama. He has described The Pitt as a “beautiful show” and praised it as a “great success”.
Clooney had already publicly celebrated the series earlier in 2025. In June, during an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, he called The Pitt “so good”. This continued praise underscores his belief that Wyle is successfully carrying on a significant television tradition.
Mutual Admiration and Deep Friendship
The potential reunion is built on decades of genuine respect and friendship. Clooney's praise for Wyle is both personal and professional. He lauded Wyle as “just the most honorable, talented young man”. Clooney, self-deprecatingly referring to himself as "an old man," expressed that he "cannot be happier for his success on this show". The two actors have remained "really dear friends" since they filmed the pilot of ER back in 1994.
Wyle’s Perspective on a Reunion
The desire to work together again is clearly mutual. Noah Wyle confirmed in a March 2025 interview with Entertainment Tonight that he and Clooney “do keep in touch”. Wyle also enthusiastically teased the prospect of a shared screen appearance, noting that “The chance to work together again is something we always look forward to”.
However, Clooney has been careful not to overstep, indicating that while he would join the show, he hasn't initiated discussions about an appearance because he considers The Pitt to be "his show". Clooney stated, "I don't want to interrupt", showing deep respect for Wyle's position as a star, creator, and producer of the Emmy-winning series.
Why The Pitt Resonates: Critical and Professional Acclaim
The enthusiasm surrounding a potential George Clooney cameo is amplified by the fact that The Pitt is already thriving on its own merits. The series has quickly become a fan-favorite on HBO Max. Its success was cemented when it won the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series.
Beyond critical recognition, The Pitt has earned high praise from those who work in the healthcare field—a crucial seal of approval for any realistic medical drama. Noah Wyle shared that medical professionals have reacted positively to the show because of its "raw, realistic look at emergency rooms and healthcare industry". Wyle noted that this professional validation has been "amazing" and "really great".
Wyle even humorously referenced his own history being critiqued by a healthcare professional—his mother, Marjorie Speer, a registered nurse. During his ER tenure, she would call him every Thursday night to correct his pronunciation of medical terms. Now, he quipped, she feels vindicated because he has "16 million moms who call me to tell me all the words I say wrong and that my stethoscope’s in backwards”.
The Future of the Reunion: What Comes Next?
The public willingness from both George Clooney and Noah Wyle to participate in a reunion for The Pitt means the question is no longer "if," but "when" and "how." The Pitt is already a huge success, and the inclusion of Clooney—who has been part of one of the biggest movies to hit theaters—would only further increase the spotlight on the HBO Max original series.
The sources strongly indicate that this is a desired outcome for both actors. Clooney is prepared to join Wyle's show the moment he is asked, suggesting that the long-awaited ER reunion, 26 years in the making, may finally come to fruition on the bustling floor of The Pitt. The blending of ER's legacy—a show co-written by George Clooney—with the modern success of The Pitt (which Wyle co-created) would represent a powerful continuation of their shared history in television.
The relationship between the two iconic actors acts as a guiding principle here. Their career paths, like two rivers separating and flowing into the same massive sea of Hollywood success, appear ready to converge once more. Their mutual professional admiration and deep personal bond serve as the ideal foundation for a meaningful on-screen collaboration.
🔖 Key Takeaways
🗝️ Clooney is Eager for a Reunion: George Clooney confirmed he would join Noah Wyle on The Pitt “in a heartbeat”.
🗝️ Deep Respect for Wyle: Clooney is “deeply proud” of Wyle's success on The Pitt, which he calls a “beautiful show” and a “great success,” and is careful not to “interrupt” Wyle's leadership role on the series.
🗝️ Mutual Interest: Noah Wyle also expressed excitement about the chance to work with his former ER co-star again, noting they “do keep in touch”.
🗝️ The Pitt Success: The Pitt (Max/HBO Max) is a critically acclaimed medical drama, having won an Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series and receiving positive feedback from healthcare professionals for its realistic portrayal of the field.
🗝️ ER Connection: Clooney and Wyle starred together on ER from 1994 until 1999, forging a friendship that has lasted for decades. The Pitt has been recognized for mirroring Wyle's earlier run on ER.
🌐 External sources
Keywords: The Pitt Reunion
The Pitt Reunion
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