‘The Pitt’ Lawsuit Moves Forward Over ‘ER’ Similarities, But Noah Wyle Gets Dismissed From Case
Noah Wyle is no longer a defendant in the lawsuit involving his hit HBO Max series The Pitt, but the legal battle surrounding the show isn’t over.
A California appeals court has ruled that a lawsuit accusing The Pitt of being an unauthorized reboot of ER can move forward against Warner Bros. Television.
The lawsuit was filed by Sherri Crichton, the widow of ER creator Michael Crichton, who claims the newer medical drama was developed after she refused to approve a proposed reboot of her late husband’s series.
However, the judges also dismissed Noah, who starred in both shows, along with producers John Wells and R. Scott Gemmill.
Why Is The Pitt Being Sued Over ER?
According to the Associated Press, a three-judge panel ruled unanimously on Wednesday (November 4) that the lawsuit against Warner Bros. Television could continue.
The court pointed to similarities between the two medical dramas, including their emergency room settings, fast-paced storytelling, medical terminology and the challenges faced by hospital workers.
Sherri filed the lawsuit in 2024, before The Pitt premiered, claiming that the show was essentially a new version of ER without her permission.
Her late husband’s agreement with Warner Bros. included a provision preventing the studio from making sequels, remakes, spinoffs or other productions based on ER without his permission, or his estate’s permission after his death.
The lawsuit alleges that Warner Bros. moved forward with The Pitt after failing to reach an agreement with Sherri about bringing ER back.
Why Was Noah Wyle Dismissed From the Lawsuit?
While the lawsuit against Warner Bros. Television can continue, the appeals court dismissed Noah, John and R. Scott as defendants.
The judges found there wasn’t evidence that the three men knew about the specific contract terms they were accused of interfering with.
Warner Bros. Television continues to deny the allegations.
“WBTV continues to maintain that The Pitt is an entirely original series and that the claims against it are without merit,” the company said in a statement to the AP.
The studio added that the appeals court’s decision doesn’t establish otherwise and that it plans to defend its position as the case continues.
The ruling doesn’t mean the court has determined that The Pitt is an unauthorized reboot of ER. It only allows the lawsuit against Warner Bros. Television to move forward.
Meanwhile, The Pitt is already preparing for its third season, which is expected to premiere in January 2027.
Noah previously revealed when Season 3 will take place, along with some of the changes viewers can expect.
Posted To:ER HBO Max John Wells Michael Crichton Noah Wyle R. Scott Gemmill Sherri Crichton The Pitt Warner Bros. Television
