The One Thing Pitt's Taylor Dearden Hoped To Escape For Dr. King

The Role of Neurodivergence in "The Pitt" and Taylor Dearden's Impact

"The Pitt," a new series that premiered on HBO Max in January 2025, has quickly become a standout in the television landscape. While its star power—led by Noah Wyle, who also co-created the show—has drawn attention, it’s the show’s impressive ensemble cast that truly sets it apart. Alongside veteran actors like Katherine LaNasa and Fiona Dourif, the series features emerging talents such as Patrick Ball, Gerran Howell, Shabana Azeez, Supriya Ganesh, Isa Briones, and Taylor Dearden. Among these, Dearden’s portrayal of Dr. Mel King has sparked meaningful conversations about neurodivergence in media.

Dearden, the daughter of Bryan Cranston and Robin Dearden, brings her own experiences as a neurodivergent individual to the role of Dr. Mel King, a second-year resident at a bustling Pittsburgh hospital. She emphasizes that while she and her character share a neurodivergent identity, their similarities end there. “We're both neurodivergent and that's it. We're done,” she told Variety in June 2025.

Her commitment to portraying ADHD in a nuanced way is evident in her approach to the role. Dearden expressed frustration with how neurodivergence is often depicted in television—either as overly robotic or completely dysfunctional. “I'm really sick of what people usually do on TV,” she said. “It's ridiculous.” To ensure authenticity, she worked closely with actor Coby Bird, who plays a neurodivergent patient in an episode. Their discussions helped Dearden better understand the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and how to portray them without falling into harmful stereotypes.

In March 2025, Dearden shared more insights about her character with Vulture. She revealed that she played a key role in shaping Dr. Mel King’s storylines, particularly in showcasing hyperfocus—a trait common among those with ADHD. “With ADHD, we have this thing called hyperfocus, where all of a sudden we can become the calmest person in the most insane situations,” she explained. This idea was embraced by the show’s creators, including Wyle, who saw its value in adding depth to the character.

Dearden also addressed a common misconception that neurodivergent individuals struggle with emotional connection. She emphasized that Dr. Mel King’s empathy and dedication to her patients are central to her character. “It's definitely a misnomer,” she said. “Mel has been trying so hard for so long, and to finally be in an environment where it's all working—despite the chaos—is exactly what she wanted.”

Shooting "The Pitt" presents unique challenges, especially for someone with ADHD. In an April 2025 interview with NPR, Dearden described the fast-paced nature of the production as difficult to navigate. “This is a very tough show for neurodivergents to be in,” she said. “It moves really fast. It's hard words. It's actions we just learned. You have to put all of that together at the same time and as quickly as possible.”

During the show’s medical boot camp, Dearden had a pivotal moment when she connected with the character of Dr. Mel King. John Wells, one of the show’s creators, asked if she was willing to openly discuss her neurodivergence on the show. This led to a deeper exploration of the character’s traits and a more authentic portrayal of neurodivergence.

Dearden also appreciated scenes that allowed Dr. Mel King to slow down, such as moments of self-soothing or stimming. “They don't usually show that,” she noted. These small but significant details contribute to a more realistic and empathetic depiction of neurodivergence.

"The Pitt" continues to captivate audiences, with its second season set to return in January 2026. Dearden’s performance has not only added depth to the show but also contributed to a broader conversation about representation and authenticity in media.