Media's Role in Portraying Natural Death: Insights from 'The Pitt'

In recent discussions surrounding the portrayal of death in media, the television series 'The Pitt' has emerged as a significant case study, reflecting the complexities of end-of-life experiences. Premiering in winter 2025, 'The Pitt' has sparked conversations among healthcare professionals regarding its accurate representation of natural death, particularly through the character arc of Mr. Hayes, whose family's decision-making process regarding intubation highlights the emotional and ethical dilemmas faced during medical crises.

Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, an internal medicine physician and founder of the End Well Project, emphasizes the critical need for realistic portrayals of death in media to better prepare the public for the realities of mortality. According to Ungerleider, more than 80% of on-screen deaths result from violence, a trend that skews public perception of death away from its true nature. "We analyzed over 141,000 scripted TV episodes from 2010 to 2020 and found that illness accounted for only 4.3% of deaths portrayed on screen," she stated. "This misrepresentation can leave audiences unprepared for the end-of-life decisions they may face for their loved ones."

Ungerleider's work with 'The Pitt' was informed by resources developed through a collaboration between End Well and the Hollywood, Health & Society program at the Norman Lear Center at USC Annenberg. This partnership aimed to create guidelines for writers and producers to ensure more thoughtful and accurate depictions of death. Kate Langrall Folb, Program Director at Hollywood, Health & Society, highlighted the importance of these resources, stating, "Hollywood was not initially asking for these tools, but once we brought the need to their attention, they were receptive."

The impact of 'The Pitt' extends beyond entertainment; it has proven to influence real-life medical situations. Folb recounts a poignant example where an emergency room physician, after watching the series, was better equipped to discuss a brain-dead patient's situation with the family. "They informed him that they had already made their decision about life support based on their viewing of 'The Pitt,'" Folb noted. Such narratives can empower viewers to engage in difficult conversations about end-of-life care, which is often avoided in society.

As the media landscape evolves, the potential for shows like 'The Pitt' to normalize discussions around death and dying is significant. Ungerleider argues that thoughtful portrayals of serious illness and death can foster understanding and empathy. "Media has the power to normalize what we often avoid discussing, such as grief and mortality. When done thoughtfully, it educates and empowers viewers," she asserted.

Tracy Wheeler, Executive Director of End Well, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that accurate depictions of death are not only about medical details but also about honoring the human experience. "By improving representation in Hollywood, we equip people with the language and perspectives necessary to navigate these challenging experiences in real life," she said.

The broader implications of such portrayals in media cannot be understated. They have the potential to influence public perceptions of healthcare, palliative care, and the societal attitudes towards dying and death. As more producers and writers adopt the guidelines developed through collaborations like those with End Well, audiences may find themselves better prepared for the realities of life’s end.

In conclusion, 'The Pitt' stands as a pivotal example of how media can reshape narratives around death. The ongoing efforts to improve the accuracy of such portrayals can lead to a more informed public, equipped to face the complexities of mortality with greater understanding and compassion. This innovative approach to storytelling not only reflects the realities of end-of-life experiences but also serves to bridge the gap between fiction and the lived experiences of individuals and families facing similar challenges.