Particle.news
Download on the App Store

‘The Pitt’ Files Final Brief Urging Appeals Court to Toss Crichton Estate Case

The filing tests whether a 1994 ER contract can block a newer hospital series.

Overview

  • The show's producers submitted a reply Monday that completes appellate briefing and asks California's Second District to dismiss the suit.
  • Defense lawyers say The Pitt borrows no protected elements from ER and shares only common hospital-drama tropes, adding that Noah Wyle plays a different character.
  • The estate alleges breach of a 1994 agreement that it says gives approval power over ER-related derivatives and argues The Pitt followed failed ER reboot talks.
  • A Los Angeles judge in early 2025 denied the producers’ anti-SLAPP bid, a California tool meant to quickly end lawsuits that target speech, and that ruling is now on appeal.
  • No date for oral argument has been set, and the Emmy-winning series has been renewed for a third season with production slated for June, which could face financial risk depending on the outcome.