Inside “The Pitt”: Isa Briones and Gerran Howell on Their Characters, On-Set Realities, and Season 3

“The Pitt” follows resident doctors Dr. Trinity Santos (played by Isa Briones) and Dr. Dennis Whitaker (played by Gerran Howell). Their “sibling-like give-and-take” has become a fan-favorite element, with the two characters forming an unlikely friendship after Santos invites Whitaker to stay in her home only hours after meeting him. The dynamic is highlighted by their contrasting personalities and mutual reliance on each other’s defense mechanisms.

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Both actors note that repeated exposure to graphic special-effects has reduced their initial squeamishness. Howell remarks that the constant influx of “all sorts of liquids” during takes is still “gross,” yet he no longer feels the same revulsion. Briones adds that the production team’s ability to create realistic effects now feels “cool” rather than unsettling. A memorable on-set moment involved SFX technician Tom presenting a prosthetic erect penis in a clear box, which the actors described as “funny in a box, as if you were at a Michelin-star restaurant.”

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Howell explains that the characters would “not be friends in any other situation,” emphasizing how their shared barriers reveal hidden vulnerabilities. Briones concurs, stating that “they both needed each other when they found each other.” The actors extend this analysis to the characters’ backstories: Santos, who has faced “a rough road” and mental-health struggles, is urged to avoid “being a lone wolf.” Whitaker’s reluctance to ask for help is portrayed as another layer of his defensive posture.

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In Season 2, Whitaker spends time with a widow—whose husband died in Season 1—and works on her farm, a development Santos disapproves of. Howell frames Whitaker’s actions as partly empathetic (“he sees someone in need”) and partly self-serving, noting a “bit of a selfish part” that satisfies his homesickness and sense of usefulness. Briones underscores Santos’s perspective, encouraging her character to “choose life” and lower her emotional barriers.

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The Santos-Whitaker pairing has inspired fan-created items, including a candle depicting Santos swaddling a baby version of Whitaker. Such artifacts illustrate the strong audience attachment to the characters’ relationship.

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Both actors confirm that concrete plot details for Season 3 remain undisclosed. Briones notes that the upcoming episodes are set in winter, requiring “coats” and new costuming layers, while Howell mentions an upgraded air-conditioning system on set. The actors’ limited knowledge reflects the production’s decision to keep narrative developments under wraps.

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• “It is weird that I don’t get grossed out anymore?” — Gerran Howell, Actor

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• “I don’t think in any other situation they would be friends, actually,” — Gerran Howell

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• “ Adds Briones: “They both needed each other when they found each other, I think.” — Isa Briones, Actor

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• “Girl, nothing, we don’t know anything,” — Isa Briones

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• “ Briones: “Celebrate the little things.” — Isa Briones

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Production for Season 3 is underway, with filming scheduled for Los Angeles during the summer months despite the winter setting. Viewers can anticipate further exploration of Santos and Whitaker’s evolving relationship, new seasonal aesthetics, and continued fan engagement as the series progresses.

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