Katherina LaNasa Reflects on Season Two of HBO’s The Pitt

Katherina LaNasa, known for her role as nurse Dana Evans on the HBO series The Pitt, recently shared insights about the show’s second season during an interview with CTV Your Morning. The series, which is currently airing in Canada on Crave, offers a deep exploration of the pressures faced by healthcare workers in the modern United States.

This season follows the show’s narrative format of depicting events over a single 18-hour shift in a Pittsburgh emergency department. LaNasa emphasized the significance of this approach, stating that it creates a realistic backdrop for the challenges and triumphs experienced by medical professionals.

Drawing Inspiration from Real-Life Nurses

LaNasa revealed that her portrayal of Dana Evans is heavily influenced by conversations with actual nurses. One nurse, in particular, expressed a commitment to her role, stating that she would not work in any other setting than a county hospital because it allowed her to serve those in dire need. LaNasa recalled, “The way she talked about (a particular patient) was both compassionate and matter-of-fact, and I liked being able to channel that into Dana.”

The actress further explained that Dana’s return for season two reflects her need for purpose and belonging. “I think it’s home, and I think it’s a place where she finds her value,” LaNasa stated. She acknowledged the unique nature of nursing, noting, “Not everybody can do what these types of women do. It’s a calling; (nurses) feel important there, they feel useful, in a way that matters.”

Highlighting Social Issues and Celebrating America

The Pitt stands out not only for its narrative style but also for its timely commentary on social issues. The episodes tackle themes such as homelessness and addiction, culminating in intense scenarios like mass casualty events. LaNasa described the series as “a microcosm of what’s going on in America,” commending the creator for choosing to set the second season during the Fourth of July.

“On a day we’re supposed to be celebrating America, we’re also shining a light on a lot of what’s broken about America,” she noted. LaNasa expressed pride in being part of a series that aims to convey the truth about contemporary realities.

The Pitt has garnered significant accolades, including the 2026 Golden Globe for Best Drama, with LaNasa herself winning an Emmy Award in 2025 for Best Supporting Actress. As the series continues to unfold, it remains a poignant reflection of the complexities faced by healthcare workers and the broader societal context in which they operate.

New episodes of The Pitt air every Thursday on Crave, a division of Bell Media, which is part of BCE Inc.