The first season of HBO’s “The Pitt” launched to great acclaim, excellent ratings and a whole bunch of awards. It also had a focus on a mass shooting as a major event within the narrative, along with Noah Wyle’s Dr. Robby as a protagonist falling apart under the strain.

The second season, launching with better critical reviews, has found itself subject to somewhat more criticism online and a social media firestorm. The focus has been a bit more scattershot with ICE agents, cyber attacks, meltdowns, and more, while Robby’s behaviour toward his staff became outright hostile.

Indeed, there’s a big push from parts of the fandom to have Shawn Hatosy’s ER night-shift chief, Abbott, get his own spin-off series. With the finale having just aired, those involved have spoken about where the franchise will go from here.

Talking to Deadline, Wyle says the chances for a spin-off series are slim: “Anything is possible, but it’s not probable.” One thing we definitely will see is more of the night shift personnel next season.

Creator R. Scott Gemmill was asked if the third season would allow us to spend more time with the night crew. He says Ayesha Harris’ Dr. Parker Ellis “is going to be working days” in the third season, so expect a lot more of her.

Gemmill says he tries to include the night shift “when we can because it’s a whole different dynamic,” and of Hatosy’s character says: “I love writing for him; it’s a great character. He adds gravitas to the scenes he’s in. The more we can use him, the better.”

Producer John Wells confirms the third season is on track with the writers’ room at several weeks into it, and filming is slated to begin in June. The 15-episode third season is set to air again in January.

The complete first two seasons are now available on HBO Max.