5 Most Beloved 'The Pitt' Characters Fans Desperately Want Back in Season 2

Fans of The Pitt are eagerly awaiting the second season, set to release in January 2026. The main question on everyone's mind is which beloved characters will return to the screen.

The first season introduced us to charismatic characters who won the hearts of viewers. We have compiled a list of the five most popular characters whose return fans are demanding the most.

1. Dana Evans (Katherine LaNasa)

Dana is the heart and soul of The Pitt. She is someone who can be supportive and kind, yet also show her steely side by calming down fighting patients in the waiting room.

After becoming the victim of an attack by Doug Driscoll, she decided to leave The Pitt for good. However, Noah Wyle, the show's lead actor and producer, said in an interview with TVLine:

“Obviously, I can't get rid of Katherine [LaNasa]. Obviously, Dana is an important part [of this show]. But Dana choosing to come back – if she chooses to come back, and how she comes back, [...] becomes the stuff that, you know, is the grist for the mill.”

Additionally, a video posted on X by a crew member congratulating Wyle and LaNasa on their Emmy nominations while on the set of the second season confirms that Dana will return to The Pitt.

2. Dr. Frank Langdon (Patrick Ball)

Dr. Langdon has one of the most intense and dramatic storylines in the first season. He is the brilliant doctor and Dr. Robby's right-hand man who lost his respect and trust due to drug addiction.

Creator R. Scott Gemmill confirmed in an interview with TVLine that Langdon will return next season and be one of the main focuses:

“I think we will pick up on Langdon's first day back at work, but it'll be more than a month. The biggest driver of [the season 2 time jump is] Langdon.”

3. Princess & Perlah (Kristin Villanueva & Amielynn Abellera)

Princess and Perlah bring sunshine to the hospital, which is filled with pain and blood. Their Tagalog energy, caustic comments, and no-nonsense approach to work are exactly what we need.

Although there has been no official confirmation that Amielynn Abellera and Kristin Villanueva will return for the second season, there is no reason why the creators would not want to bring back these two brilliant actresses.

4. Dr. Jack Abbot (Shawn Hatosy)

Although Abbot was a secondary character in the first season, he was loved by many viewers for his brilliant professionalism, commitment to the cause, and heartbreaking thoughts on what it is like to be a doctor.

In the season finale, fans learned that Abbot has a prosthetic leg, but the story behind it remains unknown. In an interview with TVLine, Gemmill confirmed that Abbott will return in the second season:

“Abbot loves the night shift, so he's not going to work a day shift if he doesn't want to, but we have a surprise for him next season.”

5. Dr. Mel King (Taylor Dearden)

Dr. Mel King is undoubtedly one of the best characters in The Pitt. In an interview with Decider, actress Taylor Dearden revealed that she and her character Mel are both neurodivergent.

Mel is highly self-aware: she often explains when she feels upset or overwhelmed and constantly analyzes the reasons behind her feelings and actions. Her main motivation is her love for her sister, who is autistic and currently lives in a specialized institution.

Dearden herself confirmed that she will return for the second season:

“We start [season 2] bootcamp June 1. We know literally nothing, which is making me very, very anxious. I heard season two bootcamp is only one week.”