Shabana Azeez Dishes on Jalen Thomas Brooks’ 'The Pitt' Future and Season 3 Pivots

Shabana Azeez is opening up about her screen partner Jalen Thomas Brooks while reflecting on his latest career moves. Speaking on the red carpet at the 2026 Emmy Awards, the 29-year-old actress weighed in on whether her co-star will make his way back to their medical drama series *The Pitt* after landing a lead part in the buzzy adaptation *Off Campus*. Addressing Brooks' current status on *The Pitt*, where he plays her character's romantic interest, Mateo, Azeez offered a supportive yet ambiguous update. She pointed out that her fellow performer is currently fully booked on his new production, adding that she remains genuinely thrilled for his success. However, she stopped short of confirming whether his character will clear his schedule for a full return to the hospital ward.

When asked if she might cross over into Brooks' world for a guest spot on *Off Campus*, Azeez shut down the idea with a laugh. The sports-centric series adapts author Elle Kennedy's popular book universe, which centers around a high-profile college ice hockey squad and their personal lives. Azeez admitted she lacks the basic athletic skills needed for the rink, joking that handing her a hockey stick would lead to disaster.

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Turning attention back to her own storylines, Azeez dropped hints about what fans can expect from her character, Javadi, as *The Pitt* moves into its third season. Her role is taking on a fresh clinical focus by stepping directly into the demanding realm of psychiatry, a transition the star describes as intense and taxing in entirely new ways. Azeez expressed her eagerness to bring authentic psychiatric care to television screens, emphasizing that mental health professionals rarely get the recognition they deserve. She noted that representing that specific branch of healthcare feels like a privilege, promising viewers a closer look at a side of medicine that deserves far more appreciation.