The second season of The Pitt has started on HBO Max, and one character’s journey is hitting home for many. Supriya Ganesh, the actor behind the compassionate Dr. Samira Mohan, opens up about the character’s difficult path and growing confidence as new challenges arrive at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center.
Season two picks up nearly ten months after the first season’s intense finale. Dr. Mohan is now a senior resident, more sure of herself in the ER but still facing personal and professional struggles. This season introduces new dynamics, including a potential romance and a new attending doctor who shakes up the hospital’s usual way of doing things.
The Emotional Weight of Dr. Mohan’s Growth
For Supriya Ganesh, playing Dr. Mohan involves showing a character who feels deeply for her patients in a system that often values speed over care. At the end of season one, viewers saw Mohan break down after an adrenaline crash following a mass casualty event. Ganesh shared that playing that moment felt very real.
I remember filming the crash, and it just all came upโฆ this grief that we’re in this situation as a country, as a hospital system, as doctors.
Heading into the new season, Dr. Mohan carries the effects of that trauma but is trying to move forward with more confidence. Ganesh notes that her character now feels more at home in the ER. However, the actor hints that this newfound confidence will be tested as the long July 4th shift continues.
New Relationships and Tensions in the ER
A key part of Dr. Mohan’s season two story involves her connection with Dr. Jack Abbot, played by Shawn Hatosy. Fans noticed a spark between them in season one, and Ganesh confirms that dynamic develops further.
I do think there’s an interesting dynamic that plays out between them, where he has so much respect for her and he really believes in her.
Ganesh adds that Dr. Mohan, who was completely focused on work last season, might start to notice Dr. Abbot’s interest. Shawn Hatosy, who also directed an episode this season, has called their connection a “flirtation”.
Another major change is the arrival of new attending physician Dr. Baran Al-Hashimi, played by Sepideh Moafi. She is covering for Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle) while he is on a planned sabbatical. Unlike Dr. Robby, who clashes with her modern, AI-friendly methods, Dr. Mohan finds an ally in Dr. Al-Hashimi.
They have similar views on what medicine should be, what the hospital should be.
This alliance is tested early in the season when a mysterious incident involving an abandoned baby causes Dr. Al-Hashimi to react in a way that puzzles Dr. Mohan and others.
Personal Life and Cultural Identity Take Center Stage
While season one showed Dr. Mohan’s life as almost entirely consumed by work, season two offers glimpses into her world outside the hospital. A recurring storyline involves her strained relationship with her mother. Ganesh explains that Dr. Mohan’s great empathy for patients does not always extend to her personal life.
The show also explores Dr. Mohan’s cultural background. Ganesh, who is South Indian, worked to incorporate the Tamil language into her character’s story as a connection to Mohan’s late father. This adds a layer of authenticity and personal history that was important for the actor.
It was really great toโฆ rediscover that part of myself and also just show that onscreen.
A Realistic Portrait Backed by Real Experience
The authenticity of The Pitt, and Dr. Mohan’s character in particular, comes from extensive research and Ganesh’s own unique background. Before becoming an actor, Ganesh studied neuroscience at Columbia University and scored in the 99th percentile on the MCAT, the medical school entrance exam. She was seriously considering medical school before landing her role on the show.
This real-world knowledge informs how she portrays a doctor. Ganesh has said that what drew her to the script was its medical accuracy. She consulted with many ER doctors and residents to understand the pressure of the “fail or fly” phase of a residency.
The show’s commitment to realism has earned praise from real medical professionals. Ganesh shared that after one intense episode where her character performed a rare procedure, the actual doctor who pioneered that technique in real life reached out to her.
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Where to Watch The Pitt Season 2
The second season of The Pitt premiered on January 9, 2026, on HBO Max. New episodes are released weekly. The season is set during a long July 4th holiday shift and will consist of 15 episodes, following the show’s real-time format.
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