By Basant El-Faramawy
A US appeals court has ruled that the medical drama "The Pitt" is similar enough to "ER" to allow a lawsuit by Michael Crichton's widow to proceed to a jury trial.
Court Finds Clear Similarities
A three-judge panel unanimously denied an appeal from Warner Bros Television, citing "clear and numerous similarities" between the two shows. Both are set in an emergency room, feature frequently incomprehensible medical jargon, overlapping crises, graphic depictions of injuries, exhausted doctors and nurses, emotional outbursts, and a young doctor fresh from medical school who is portrayed as incompetent.
Lawsuit Background
Sherri Crichton filed the suit in August 2024, five months before "The Pitt" debuted, alleging it was an unauthorized reboot of "ER." Michael Crichton created "ER" based on a film script about his experiences as a medical student. His 1994 contract with Warner Bros Television included a "frozen rights" provision blocking any spin-offs or reboots without his approval. Crichton died in 2008.
Defendants Partially Dismissed
The court dismissed actor Noah Wyle, producer John Wells, and writer R Scott Gemmill as defendants, finding no evidence they were aware they could violate Crichton's contractual rights by creating "The Pitt." Warner Bros Television remains the sole defendant.
Trial Set for 2027
The case will now go to a jury trial in Los Angeles in 2027 unless the parties reach a settlement. Sherri Crichton said she was "deeply gratified" by the decision and looks forward to presenting the case to a jury.
'The Pitt' Success and Future
"The Pitt" has won 12 Emmys, two Golden Globes, and a Peabody Award over two seasons. Noah Wyle stars as Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch, a chief attending physician in a Pittsburgh emergency department. Season three is scheduled to begin broadcasting in January.
