California court allows lawsuit against Warner Bros. over medical drama similarities

A California appeals court has ruled that a lawsuit filed by the estate of Michael Crichton against Warner Bros. Television can proceed. The legal action, brought by Crichton’s widow Sherri Crichton, alleges that the new series “The Pitt” is an unauthorized continuation of the medical drama “ER,” which aired from 1994 to 2009.

The estate contends that a 1994 contract included a clause prohibiting the production of sequels, spin-offs, or new versions of “ER” without explicit consent. Following failed negotiations between the estate and Warner Bros. regarding a potential “ER” revival, the studio developed “The Pitt.”

A three-judge panel on the Second District Court of Appeal unanimously found sufficient similarities between the two shows to allow the case to move forward. The court noted that both productions feature emergency room settings, demanding working conditions, simultaneous crises, and rapid-fire medical dialogue. While Warner Bros. argued these elements are standard tropes of hospital dramas, the court determined there is enough evidence regarding similarities in story, themes, dialogue, and character arcs to warrant a trial.