Widow sues producers over unauthorized "ER" adaptation

As stated in the lawsuit, the series titled "The Pitt" allegedly uses the concept of the series "ER." According to "Variety" reports, producer John Wells and Noah Wyle (who stars in the new series) are accused of creating "The Pitt" after plans for a reboot of "ER" were blocked by Crichton's heirs and negotiations failed. The widow accuses Wells and Wyle of "personal betrayal."

The lawsuit indicates that "The Pitt," like "ER," is a series set in a hospital, but the setting has been moved from Chicago to Pittsburgh. Despite the location change, both projects share the same executive producer, screenwriter, lead star, production companies, studio, and TV network, making "The Pitt" a replica of "ER," according to the accusers.

Michael Crichton, who passed away in 2008, is the creator of "ER" - a series based on his experiences as a medical student. "ER" quickly became a hit, airing for 15 seasons on NBC and winning the hearts of American viewers.

The screenwriter’s widow, Sherri Crichton, claims that in November 2022, John Wells informed her about plans for the reboot, but Warner Bros. refused to negotiate recognizing Crichton as a co-creator.

"If Warner Bros. can do this to Michael Crichton, one of the industry's most successful and prolific creators who made the studio billions over the course of their partnership, no creator is safe," stated Sherri Crichton's spokesperson.

While litigation is never the preferred course of action, contracts must be enforced, and Michael Crichton’s legacy must be protected," the lawsuit reads. Money is at stake. If Crichton's name appears in the end credits of "The Pitt," for which he did not write the script but, according to his widow, originated the idea, the profits would also go to his heirs.