From Variety · Gene Maddaus · · 50s
Crichton Lawsuit Against 'ER' Show
Appeals court rules 'The Pitt' similar enough to 'ER' for Crichton lawsuit.
In brief
Appeals court rules 'The Pitt' similar enough to 'ER' for Crichton lawsuit. An appeals court found 'The Pitt' and 'ER' are similar enough for Michael Crichton's widow to pursue a lawsuit over the Emmy-winning show. Originally reported by Variety.
Appeals Court Ruling
An appeals court ruled that 'The Pitt' is similar enough to 'ER' to allow Michael Crichton's widow to pursue a lawsuit over the Emmy-winning show.
“There are clear and numerous similarities between 'The Pitt' and 'ER,' the court ruled, citing the emergency room setting, the fast pace, the medical jargon, the graphic depictions of injuries, and a young, incompetent doctor fresh from medical school.”
Court's Reasoning
The court cited the emergency room setting, fast pace, medical jargon, graphic injury depictions, and a young incompetent doctor fresh from medical school as key similarities.
Lawsuit Outcome
Warner Bros. Television lost the appeal as the court found the details suffice for a prima facie case in the lawsuit.
What matters most
An appeals court found 'The Pitt' and 'ER' are similar enough for Michael Crichton's widow to pursue a lawsuit over the Emmy-winning show.
