The latest episode of HBO Max’s medical drama The Pitt directly connects its fictional emergency room to one of America’s most tragic real-world events. Season 2, Episode 3, titled “9:00 A.M.,” introduces a patient whose medical crisis is a direct result of the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh. The episode, written by star Noah Wyle, uses this narrative to explore the long-lasting trauma of the attack and the unexpected solidarity that emerged in its aftermath.
Release Details for The Pitt Season 2 Episode 3
The episode premiered on HBO Max on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. It continues the show’s weekly release schedule for its 15-episode second season. For international viewers, the episode became available at corresponding local times, including 7:30 a.m. IST on January 23 in India, 10 a.m. SGT in Singapore, and 1 p.m. AEDT in Australia. The series is not currently available in the United Kingdom, but HBO Max is expected to launch there in March 2026.
The Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting: A Real-World Tragedy
The episode draws from the very real and painful history of its setting. On October 27, 2018, a gunman attacked the Tree of Life – Or L’Simcha Congregation in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood during Sabbath services. The attack resulted in the deaths of eleven worshippers and wounded six others, marking the deadliest assault on the Jewish community in United States history. The perpetrator, Robert Bowers, was motivated by antisemitism and was later found guilty on all federal charges and sentenced to death. The tragedy left a permanent scar on the city of Pittsburgh and its communities.
How The Pitt Episode 3 Tackles the Tragedy
The episode integrates this history through a patient named Yana Kovalenko, portrayed by Irina Dubova. Yana arrives at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center with a severe burn on her leg, caused by dropping a hot samovar. She explains that the accident happened after she was startled by the sound of Fourth of July firecrackers, which triggered a traumatic memory. During her treatment, she reveals to Dr. Robby (Noah Wyle) that she was a survivor of the Tree of Life shooting. Her injury is a physical manifestation of the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) she still lives with years after the attack.
Noah Wyle on Writing the Episode
Noah Wyle, who both stars in and wrote the episode, explained the decision to address the shooting. He noted that while the show is set in Pittsburgh, it had not yet directly acknowledged the city’s most significant modern tragedy.
“That was a very significant event in the city of Pittsburgh,” Wyle said. “We didn’t talk about Tree of Life in Season 1, which gave us an opportunity to touch on it in Season 2. It seemed appropriate to touch on it in terms of Robby’s upbringing, his present faith, or lack thereof.”
Wyle emphasized the importance of handling the subject with care, focusing on the human experience of trauma rather than sensationalizing the violence.
Highlighting Muslim-Jewish Solidarity
A key moment in the episode occurs when Yana speaks with nurse Perlah Alawi (Amielynn Abellera), who is wearing a hijab. Yana thanks her and recalls how the local Muslim community immediately mobilized support for the Jewish victims after the shooting, helping to raise money for funerals and hospital bills. This scene is based on the events of interfaith solidarity that followed the tragedy.
“In researching it, to write about it, I was really moved by the aspect of the Muslim community coming out in solidarity afterwards and raising money to pay for funerals and hospital bills,” Wyle shared. “And how underreported that story was.”
The writer intentionally placed this conversation between Yana and Perlah without the main character present, allowing the moment to stand on its own as a testament to community support.
Also Read:
Fan Reactions to the Episode
Following the episode’s release, viewers and critics took to social media to praise its respectful handling of the sensitive subject matter. Many highlighted the powerful performance by Irina Dubova and the importance of the show acknowledging the real history of its setting. Comments frequently noted the emotional impact of the Muslim-Jewish solidarity scene, with viewers calling it a “necessary” and “powerful” inclusion that educated audiences on a less-publicized aspect of the tragedy’s aftermath.
Global Streaming Schedule for Episode 3
For fans around the world, here is when The Pitt Season 2, Episode 3 became available to stream:
- USA & Canada: January 22, 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
- India: January 23, 7:30 a.m. IST
- Singapore: January 23, 10 a.m. SGT
- Australia (East Coast): January 23, 1 p.m. AEDT
- New Zealand: January 23, 3 p.m. NZDT
The episode remains available on demand for all HBO Max subscribers. The series has already been renewed for a third season, confirming that the stories from the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center will continue.
Also Read: Silent Truth Episode 2 Recap: Junichi Visits Makiko’s Salon and Group Reunites at Wake
Stay connected with VvipTimes for the latest news and deep dives into your favorite shows and the real stories behind them.
