Jona Xiao on joining 'The Pitt': 'It was a little intimidating at first'

Even with season 2 being over, HBO's The Pitt still ranks #1 overall streaming show in the U.S. While welcoming in and out new cast members throughout the season, the finale episode introduced one of its newest members, Jona Xiao.

LISTEN NOW: Jona Xiao on 'The Pitt'

Best known for her dynamic performances across television and film, including the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first female 'Iron Fist' in Marvel/Disney+ Eyes of Wakanda, as well as roles in STARZ’s Hightown, Raya and The Last Dragon, CW’s The Flash, as well as hit Korean drama, The Glory.

Jona was born in China and moved to New York when she was a very young child with her family and made her way to Hollywood to follow her dream.

Jona joined the ensemble in the final episode of the season, marking her debut on the series as OB Nurse Sam Garvin, a character embedded in the high-stakes, real-time intensity that has made the show a breakout hit with both audiences and critics alike. The Pitt has earned widespread praise for its gripping storytelling and authentic portrayal of emergency medicine, making Jona’s entrance at such a pivotal moment all the more impactful.

So how do you hop on a rocket that's already out of space?

"That's a great analogy. That is how it felt. Like this is the most popular, biggest show I've ever booked before. So to step onto a set where there are so many established, amazing cast and crew members, it was a little intimidating at first."

"Everyone there, from Noah Wyle to the director, John Wells, who's also a producer. From top to bottom gave this sense of kindness, like this prevalence of kindness on set. So I think that made it a lot more welcoming. I also did a lot of research in terms of what certain words meant as an OB nurse, how I'm hearing it, while trying to save a life. That was a unique perspective that I get to bring into the storyline, which is really fun to take ownership of that."

"I was also sent a really graphic C-section video, and I was like, 'oh, okay, cool.' I think preparation was really key to be able to just honor the writing, the story, the beautiful characters that have already been created, and I was really excited to get to play OB Sam Garvin."

The Pitt is now streaming on HBO MAX.