MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-American actress Isa Briones is back in the ER for Season 2 of “The Pitt,” but her character is no longer the same driven first-year resident. This time, Dr. Trinity Santos is more guarded, carrying the emotional weight of months on the frontlines — while also reflecting the actress’ Filipino identity in ways that feel more personal and visible on screen.
Now in its second season on HBO Max, the medical drama follows frontline healthcare workers navigating a relentless ER shift inside a Pittsburgh hospital. The ensemble cast includes Noah Wyle, Tracy Ifeachor, Patrick Ball, Katherine LaNasa, Supriya Ganesh, Fiona Dourif, Taylor Dearden, Gerran Howell and Shabana Azeez. Briones is joined by fellow Filipino actors Amielynn Abellera and Kristin Villanueva, who play nurses — a reflection of the strong presence of Filipino healthcare workers in real life.
While “The Pitt” is known for its intensity, Briones said this season reveals a more internal shift in her character.
“I think just Season 1, Santos was very full steam ahead, knocking people out of the way to do a chest tube. She was always trying to prove herself and very energetic in that way,” she said during a recent Zoom interview attended by The Manila Times and other members of the Philippine press.
Ten months into the job, that drive has shifted.
“I think in Season 2, it’s been 10 months, she has not felt super comfortable at work, doesn’t really trust people, people don’t trust her. So I think there’s a bit of a sadness that has really settled in… and she’s slowed down a bit and is more like, ‘I’m going to keep to myself more,’” Briones said.
That sense of pressure runs through “The Pitt,” which unfolds in real time and captures the mental and physical toll on healthcare workers.
For Briones, the role means leaning into that tension between competence and isolation while also embracing the opportunity to bring more of her Filipino identity into the character.
“I am very proud. It’s a very special thing to get to. To get to acknowledge who I am, what is a huge part of me and my family, in something that is so mainstream, that’s really special,” she said.
Find out more about Isa Briones and her Hollywood success in this weekend's cover story of The Sunday Times Magazine.
“The Pitt” Seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on HBO Max in the Philippines, with the finale set for April 17.
