HBO Max’s hit medical drama The Pitt is returning in January 2026 — but without one of its most popular characters.
Tracy Ifeachor, who played Dr. Heather Collins, will not be coming back for Season 2. The news was confirmed by TV Line on Thursday, surprising many fans. So far, no official reason has been shared for her departure.
Dr. Collins disappeared from the show several episodes before Season 1 ended. In the story, she was told to go home by her boss, Dr. Robby (played by Noah Wyle), after a stressful day at work. But viewers never saw her again after that scene. Since the show takes place over just one day per season, her absence might just mean she wasn’t working that shift, not that she’s gone forever.
Showrunner R. Scott Gemmill explained back in April that characters may come and go depending on the hospital’s schedule. He said, “Not everyone works the same shift every week… it doesn’t mean they’re gone for good.”
Still, the timing of this update is strange. Just a day before the announcement, Ifeachor shared an Instagram post thanking fans and saying it was “a blessing” to be part of The Pitt Season 1. She didn’t mention anything about Season 2, which is already filming.
HBO Max has confirmed that Season 2 of The Pitt will premiere in January 2026 — but without Tracy Ifeachor’s Dr. Collins, at least for now.