Noah Wyle is guest editor of the Radio Times app – The Pitt star reveals his must-watch picks

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Noah Wyle, known for his roles in ER and The West Wing, has created a special list of movies and TV shows for the TopMob: What to Watch app. This collection, built over decades, includes everything from classic films to popular modern series – the stories that have inspired him as both an actor and a movie lover.

From the playfully chaotic genius of Young Frankenstein to the widely influential MASH and the groundbreaking drama of Hill Street Blues*, Wyle’s choices reveal a lot about what he loves in film and television. His selections are a mix of fond memories, behind-the-scenes knowledge, and sincere enthusiasm, showing us not only what makes these shows and movies great, but also why they still connect with audiences today.

Young Frankenstein (1974)

I love this movie – it’s practically perfect! I saw it as a kid and even had a poster of it in my room. I was so young, I actually thought Gene Wilder’s character was named Frank and Peter Boyle’s was Stein, and I called the movie ‘Frank and Stein’! It took me ages to realize that wasn’t right at all.

M*A*S*H (1972)

Available to buy on Prime Video

MASH is a show I loved growing up. It lasted 11 seasons and followed the lives of doctors and staff working in a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War. Interestingly, the medical practices they used in those MASH units were really the beginnings of modern emergency room medicine. Many of those doctors later came back to the US and essentially founded the field of emergency medicine, creating a fascinating connection to places like the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Plus, Alan Alda is someone I greatly admire; I’ve been fortunate enough to work with him on several occasions, and he’s a truly wonderful person.

Hill Street Blues (1981)

I remember watching the premiere of Steven Bochco’s show back in 1981 – I was just a kid! It aired on Thursday nights at 10, and honestly, it blew my mind. The pilot really drew me in with these two detectives, Renko and Hill, and I was totally invested in their story. Then, right at the very end, they shot Renko! I seriously couldn’t believe it. It was so shocking – I hadn’t realized TV shows could do that! Everyone talks about Ned Stark from Game of Thrones, but they were breaking rules like that way back then – Renko got gunned down on that stairwell, and it completely changed how I thought about television.

The Misfits (1961)

Available on Prime Video

Early in my career, someone compared my acting in a scene to a moment from Montgomery Clift’s work. I hadn’t really known who he was at the time, but I quickly learned all about him. I think the performances in The Misfits – from Clift, Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, and Eli Wallach – are among the best ever. What’s especially poignant is that it was the final film role for three of those four actors. It’s a truly great movie.

The Big Chill (1983)

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Available on Prime Video

Seeing this story really resonated with me. It’s about eight college friends reuniting for a ninth friend’s funeral, and how they reflect on their youthful passions, political beliefs, and activism as they’ve gotten older. That theme of looking back on your youth was particularly compelling.

A Face in the Crowd (1957)

Available on Prime Video

This film, released in 1957 and directed by Elie Kazan (known for ‘On the Waterfront’), stars Andy Griffith. It offers a surprisingly modern look at celebrity culture and features a strong supporting cast including Lee Remick, Walter Matthau, and Patricia Neal.

Sinners (2025)

Available to buy on HBO Max

I really enjoyed the movies that came out last year. Even though big-budget blockbusters and superhero films dominate the industry now and then, we still get unique and personal films from talented directors. I especially loved ‘Sinners,’ ‘One Battle After Another,’ and ‘Sentimental Value.’ Overall, it was a great year for cinema.

Ace in the Hole (1951)

Available to buy on Prime Video

This classic film, starring Kirk Douglas, offers a fascinating portrayal of journalism – and the often sensational world of tabloids. Its themes about chasing stories and getting information out quickly feel especially relevant today, given the influence of social media.

Deadwood (2004)

Available to buy on Prime Video

This show was a really significant experience for me. I first saw actor Ian McShane in a play called ‘Betrayal’ when I was young, and his performance – he was so close to me on stage – made a lasting impression. I’ve been a fan of his work ever since, from ‘Lovejoy’ to ‘Sexy Beast’. But his portrayal of Al Swearengen in this series was something special. Each week, he gave an incredible acting performance, and I was completely captivated.

Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid (1982)

Available to buy on Prime Video

I was recently remembering Rob Reiner, who I really enjoyed working with, and it made me think about his father, Carl. In 1981, Carl directed and co-wrote a fantastic movie called Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid with Steve Martin and Rachel Ward. It was a clever spoof of classic film noir, brilliantly incorporating actual footage from those old movies into a very funny comedy. It was truly ahead of its time.

HBO Max has launched in the UK and Ireland! You can find more details at hbomax.com. The first season of The Pitt is available now, and season 2 starts on April 2nd.

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2026-03-28 10:05