Lawsuit Over Similarities Between Medical Dramas 'The Pitt' and 'ER' Can Proceed
A court has ruled that the medical drama 'The Pitt' is sufficiently similar to 'ER' to allow a lawsuit from the widow of 'ER' creator Michael Crichton to move forward. The unanimous decision by a three-judge panel means the case is now heading toward a jury trial.
An appeals court has determined that the television series 'The Pitt' shares clear and numerous similarities with the classic medical drama 'ER'. In a unanimous opinion issued on Wednesday, a three-judge panel denied an appeal, allowing a lawsuit brought by Sherri Crichton, the widow of 'ER' creator Michael Crichton, to proceed.
The legal dispute centers on allegations that the newer show bears too many likenesses to the Emmy-winning medical drama. Following the court's latest ruling, the case is now scheduled to go to a jury trial in 2027.
Legal proceedings will continue as both sides prepare for the upcoming trial, where a jury will examine the extent of the similarities between the two productions.
Turkrazzi roundup · from 3 sources
What the sources say
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BBC News · 1 d ago
The Pitt and ER are similar enough for lawsuit to proceed, judge rules
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The Guardian · 1 d agoThe Pitt and ER are similar enough for Michael Crichton’s widow’s lawsuit to proceed, court rules
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Variety · 1 d ago‘The Pitt’ and ‘ER’ Are Similar Enough to Allow Crichton Suit, Appeals Court Rules