'The Pitt' Seeks to Overturn 'ER' Knockoff Claims
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Lawyers for Max’s “The Pitt” submitted a final briefing defending the show against claims by the “ER” creator Michael Crichton’s estate that it is a knockoff, calling the allegations baseless and emphasizing differences beyond shared hospital drama elements.
- The defendants argue that “The Pitt” contains no protected elements from “ER” and that the lawsuit is based on a misinterpretation of a 1994 contract granting Crichton approval rights over derivative works.
- The Crichton estate filed the lawsuit before “The Pitt” premiered, alleging breach of contract and claiming the show was created after a failed reboot deal for “ER.”
- A trial judge denied the producers’ motion to dismiss under California’s anti-SLAPP statute, and the producers have appealed; the case now awaits oral argument before the appellate court.
- “The Pitt” recently completed its second season, received 13 Emmy nominations for its first season, and has been renewed for a third season with production starting in June.