ER Reboot Lawsuit: Creator's Widow Sues WB, Noah Wyle Over The Pitt

[@leesashriber5097]

Loved ER. Wouldn't mind a newer kind of show. 😊😊

[@satyendrandonibanerjee8682]

So basically, John Wells and Noah Wiley are not allowed to make other medical dramas without the fear of getting sued? so another words Noah Wiley is basically barred from ever playing a doctor should this lawsuit go through and is in Mrs. Creighton’s favor? in that logic John Wells technically already broke this rule with shameless since he had Scott Grimes play a Chicago based doctor in that show and he was also a doctor on ER.

[@user-yk1jg5nr5r]

no, but come on, same writer same producer, star, production company, and network? In the contract they agreed not to, a contract is a contract. They should just make an original, but they knew if they made ER it will make a hit again

[@satyendrandonibanerjee8682]

@@user-yk1jg5nr5r I see your point, but if they are able to work around it in the same way, marvel was able to work around Scarlet witch, and Quicksilver being in the avengers, despite Fox already using Quicksilver in the X-Men films And all they had to do was just not make them mutants, the same rules can be applied in this context. His name isn’t John Carter, he probably won’t work in an ER and maybe will be working as a physician in the hospital in a different capacity, the location will be different, it’s also unclear what kind of tone the show will have whether it’ll be a straight drama or drama with comedic moments. Nonetheless, Michael Crichton‘s widow doesn’t own the concept of medical drama. You’re right a contract is a contract, but there are loopholes to get around that aren’t technically going against that contract.

[@Tfortune_barberlife]

The difference is the new show was originally intended to be a reboot which in my opinion they should just go ahead and make it season 16 of ER and just call it a day

[@rickpat-x9u]

f ck HOLLYWOOD & ANTI-TRUMP SCUM NOAH WYLE......HOPE WYLE & WB LOSES TO CHRICHTON'S ESTATE........MICHAEL CRICHTON IS KING.. *btw, Marcus Welby-ish, House-esque, Trapper John-ish, 70s Medical Center-like shows made by Wyle & Group PROBABLY WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN A COURT PROBLEM & STILL MADE A GOOD RETURN.*

[@antmagor]

That was my thought. Much as I don’t like this person, J Rolling per this logic could’ve been sued by Jill Murphy for plagiarizing the worst witch when Rolling wrote Harry Potter. Now my memory is rusty with regards to the worst witch, however, there are similarities between that magic school and Hogwarts. It even had a character that was similar to professor Snape. Anyway, while I think criticizing Rolling is fair The fact of the matter is between the characters and the story she did change enough that it legally doesn’t count as plagiarism. The long and short of it is Jill Murphy owns the worst witch, she does not own all stories about magic schools. Because she doesn’t own the concept . The late Michael Crichton owns ER, but his estate does not own medical dramas in general. For Mrs. Crichton to win her case she needs to prove that this is the estates intellectual property, and she also has to prove that it was the intent of the creators to cheat the estate out of its copyright. In other words, if they just created a new show, they’re fine. But if they took her husband‘s characters and just changed the names, they’re in trouble.

[@raisr6528]

ER was my favorite show when I was a kid ❤❤❤

[@cindyrodriguez5648]

I still watch it

[@JavenarchX]

Well now you have a spin off

[@hadorstapa]

Surely not an easy lawsuit for Mrs Chrichton to win. I mean, the characters are Michael Chrichton's intellectual property, but hospitals, doctors, nurses, staff, even the Emergency Room being shortened to ER are all real life things that cannot be copyrighted.

[@Melina-fi3sc]

ER had great actors, great storylines and magic. No one will be able to create a show like that ever again.

[@antmagor]

With all due respect to Mrs. Crichton I find this hard to believe. I mean the evidence in this case isn’t out yet, but per this logic, I can name several medical dramas that could meet the criterion of this lawsuit. Her estate owns ER. It does not own the concept. In other words just because Jill Murphy wrote, the worst witch, doesn’t mean she owns all books about magic schools. If she did, J Rolling would have a lot more to answer for and that is saying something.

[@SL-lz9jr]

It’s for the court to decide. If it was written into the contract that there could be no spin-offs and if they can prove that this new show is indeed a spin-off but just with different names… she could win her case.

[@Rebel-ct2pq]

@@SL-lz9jr A spin-off has to have at least 1 original character from the original show. I'm sure Noah's character in the "Pitt" is not that of his ER character.

[@antmagor]

@@Rebel-ct2pq they had a close-up of his name tag. It’s a different doctor. As I said, she hasn’t come forward with the evidence yet because there’s a whole procedural process. But I have a hard time believing number one that they would infringe on the estates copyright with nothing more than changed names, knowing that a court case like this could happen. And as I said before, the estate owns the characters and the story, but not the concept. And for Mrs. Crichton’s sake she had better be able to prove this. Because there’s something asinine about telling Noah Wiley, and the rest of the creative team that they are not allowed to do medical drama based on the ER concept, which again the estate does not own.

[@antmagor]

@@SL-lz9jr she could, but we don’t know because the proof is not there yet. She needs to prove that the intent was to cheat the estate out of its copyright. She can’t just say it’s the same writers and the same actors, because that is literally telling them they’re prohibited from doing medical drama because it’s too reminiscent of something she owns. She needs to prove that this is the estates intellectual property.

[@shawnbates1804]

What does she have to answer for? Her political comments? People are allowed to have an opinion and the young need to stop being so darn sensitive.

[@kristenburger556]

Noah did 11 Seasons of ER not 13. He came back occasionally seasons 12,13, & 14. He came back in the final season.

[@stacyfabiszewski4633]

I hope that this show is able to move forward ! I would definitely watch 😊

[@e.d.h.5605]

Hollywood has absolutely no originality left... It's all reboot/remake/Pt. 2,3,4,5 nonsense!!!

[@caronstout354]

Originality cost more today than a remake/reboot/revisionist of a known media project.

[@antmagor]

@@e.d.h.5605 well there are writers out there with new ideas, but the minute you give them a job is the minute they get arbitrarily labeled by the trolls as “woke” or a “DEI hire” in the event that their a minority or a woman, The way NK Jemison did. So I say folks can either let new people with the new ideas into the writers room or get use to the wonder bread of entertainment on a year-round basis.

[@raymondacosta4150]

What’s “nonsense” is ppl thinking you can reinvent the wheel in entertainment. I laugh every time ppl get upset over a remake or reboot, as if it hasn’t been happening since the beginning of entertainment.

[@e.d.h.5605]

@raymondacosta4150 I laugh whenever clowns like yourself who try to defend how boring Hollywood entertainment has become!!!

[@AtomicGirlNYC-e2s]

It's not about unoriginality. It's about fear of obscurity. All of these people are afraid of their hit show or movie becoming irrelevant, so they keep rebooting to get kids hooked on the original.

[@allenmccreary2359]

A show based in a hospital? How original

[@BWood-kw5jf]

The Pitt is streaming right now on Max and it is incredible! Simply incredible! 🔥 ... I concur, a baseless lawsuit. Let em cook. This is quality television!

[@petewong2372]

Wyle should have won the Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor in ER

[@63angel]

That would be awesome if this new show to move forward. I would love that.

[@C1nderfire]

So he’s never allowed to be in a dr like tv series again?

[@mananimal3644]

I know right?!🤦🏿‍♂️

[@Phenom0100]

If she is suing him she might as well sue everyone else who is in a medical drama like Chicago Med, The Resident, and Grey's Anatomy!

[@user-yk1jg5nr5r]

same writer same producer, star, production company, and network is pushing I think

[@smorris281]

ER is way more realistic than all of those “medical” shows. The only other series worth watching is St. Elsewhere. Nevertheless, ER doesn’t need a reboot or spin-off, official or unofficial.

[@themaker2149]

​@user-yk1jg5nr5r Not really it said they can't do ER not that those people can't all do a medical show together. Unless she can show something that actually ties it to ER like same characters or location it's a perfectly legal work around.

[@film79]

@user-yk1jg5nr5r ok and? You are listing things that don’t make it a sequel. Casino has the same director, producer, stars, and studio as goodfellas but it’s not a sequel to goodfellas.

[@vulcan2882]

There was a medical show back in the 1960s/early 70s called Medical Center. Looks like ER ripped off their show from that one. Just sayen.

[@vulcan2882]

@@AtomicGirlNYC-e2s ... E.R. was not a sitcom it was a drama, you're thinking of Scrubs.

[@AtomicGirlNYC-e2s]

@@vulcan2882 I'm not thinking of anything, Mr. Know It All. There was a sitcom called E/R that starred George Clooney, in 1984, which Crichton clearly was inspired by since he asked Clooney to star in ER as well. You're clearly one of these little kids who knows nothing that happened before their time but thinks they know everything and makes a big show of it online. Do something better with your time.

[@AtomicGirlNYC-e2s]

Michael Crichton also was clearly inspired by E/R, the sitcom George Clooney was on back in 1984. No doubt he saw Clooney and was inspired to create a show based around him with him as the star.

[@Geronimo-fv4pv]

Unless it’s the same character names, then the lawsuit is baseless

[@georgiesimmons5924]

I am so sick of them rebooting every successful show in the past. Can't they come up with any new stuff? Noah Wiley was spectacular on ER. His character was essential to the success of the show, actually watching his character transform from season one to season 13 was wonderful to watch. But really Noah, you're gonna dig this up again. Go and find a new role.That's what the best actors do they reinvent themselves

[@jesseowenvillamor6348]

Maybe he's not getting any new projects.

[@briannastultz1468]

Or maybe he truly enjoys doing medical dramas

[@CherryBlossomBlyue]

So he is never allowed to play a doctor again or star in another medical drama. Also, he has has done many different(non doctor) roles since E.R

[@starshine3588]

I hope she loses. If it was a show called ‘ER’ that copied the same script from the start then I could see the problem…but this is a doctor show just like many other doctor shows and someone else shouldn’t get to sue every doctor show just because it’s a doctor show….same with all the multiple cops shows and FBI shows. The people that work on this show should be allowed to work on any project they want….it doesn’t matter that they all worked together once on the show ‘ER’….they can work together now. It seems like she’s just hungry for more money and using her late husband to get more money.

[@daniellord9701]

I would like if the did like sort of like prequel of ER, showing the original doctors and nurses at the beginning of the show and have them at younger age coming to the ER as students.

[@dianedavis1591]

Love that show ER

[@briannastultz1468]

I would love a reboot of ER about Rachel Greene

[@themaker2149]

Unless he's playing his ER character it's not a spin-off or reboot. Yes it might be like ER or if she wants to say ER with another name but nothing said this team couldn't do another hospital show together they just can't play in the world of ER. I mean George and Nole played doctors on a 2 parter on friends but not their ER characters so I don't see the problem

[@mananimal3644]

So these writers, actors , and producers are not allowed to create another medical drama? The case seems weak at best.

[@IsaacCline-ru7ls]

Noah went from being cute in his 30s to "meh" in his 40s. But throw in a beard and now he's a hot DADDY!

[@docteurgreene]

Never heard of The Pitt but I may have a look one day...

[@MJ-np6ni]

Love ER

[@crystalrichmond2552]

Honestly I was so sad when the show ER was done. It was a beautiful TV show for any age. My daughter is now 11 and she has watched ER reruns with me and she loves it.. I really hope they do a reboot and things in the world would be whole..

[@Inbetweenthelinesnow]

I’m watching the ER reruns now. I love the show. But to be honest. Season 15 just didn’t hold a candle to ALL the previous seasons. They should of stopped at season 14. After Mark Green was killed off. It slowly died from there. Just my opinion of course.

[@AtomicGirlNYC-e2s]

The show jumped the shark 1,000 times and back, especially with Dr. Romano.

[@alexistrebexis3195]

Gimme a break. She’s wanting the money grab.

[@cwolf201]

*sigh* the estate retained control/full ownership of the license. all WB had to do was follow the contract. and they could have their reboot. that was it.

[@allynormand6334]

Damn youtube be knowing i was just watching the show ER👀

[@tommorales2371]

That show wont work nowadays, too woke , mid 90s were gritty and raw.

[@damonr4136]

Are they the same characters? That seems to be the only relevant question

[@erinc6997]

so these guys can't work together on another medical show?? sounds like a control freak and a money grab!

[@josealvarez9517]

If you don’t think a Hollywood studio is willing to cheat a creator out of credit and money go look up the Deep Space 9 vs Babylon 5 drama

[@honda97ish]

The only reason she is suing is because Noah is staring in this and is playing a doctor again. If he wasn't, this would be tossed out of court. Is she gonna go after Gray's Anatomy, Chicago med, the Resident, and the Good Doctor, too?

[@mikepalmer1971]

So a show about a hospital cannot be made anymore because there was a show called ER? Got it.

[@cwolf201]

No a show called ER created by the author cannot unless the contract is followed in order to make the estate which owns ER in full happy

[@themaker2149]

​@@cwolf201yes but that's the point the show isn't called ER and yet she's suing

[@kev7161]

How many ER-like medical dramas have come on the air since ER/ Grey's Anatomy immediately comes to mind, but I'm sure there are several. Cop shows are the same. Same types of casts, same formula, same tropes. Just because Noah Wylie is starring in a different medical show with a different character name and (I'm sure, haven't watched it) different motivations does not make it an ER sequel. I'm sure a good lawyer or two can prove this. (Legal dramas are also a dime a dozen!)

[@gracie2298]

She must need money.

[@sheronsmith9941]

I hope they work it out. I want to see this so bad.

[@phillipbates9587]

Nice explanation

[@lendvainorbert5257]

But is there anything anymore, what's not a sequel, prequel, spinoff or ripoff of something old? Two of my favorites, Frasier and Night court are literally continusations of the originals, after decades. Maybe no original ideas left behind.

[@SATCOMGoose]

Sounds like the widow seen a way to make money. So a star, producer, and crew that is successful in a genre can't make another similar show? Sounds like a stupid stipulation in a contract. I mean if they were to use the actual IP or the names of characters or the title of the show, maybe? but this is stupid.

[@winterwomanes3828]

Just watched the first two episodes of The Pitt and it's not a reboot of er. The format is different. I would say Grey's Anatomy is more like er than The Pitt is and they've never been sued. Also, since it's a Max production it's much more realistic than a network medical drama.

[@christinemyers9341]

It's a bullshit lawsuit. There are tons of medical dramas. Every hospital has an er, an mri, surgery department... That's like suing somebody for making a TV show about high school and having the nerve to show a cafeteria.

[@Clairecnz]

ER should have a reboot. or JOhn Carter MD .. I would love love that.

[@sallyvella7012]

So they plan on her receiving LESS MONEY because she will have to pay expensive attorneys, they did that to her on purpose instead of just paying her. NO ONE should watch the show.

[@hermesmcclintok]

A woman that wants all the power and eyes on her? NO WAY IM SHOCKED

[@cwolf201]

an estate that has full ownership of the property license and therefore wb is stealing without following the contract that was set for years for people to follow if they wanted to remake or continue? why yes I do believe the estate owns the ER property fully

[@dj434_king]

Just bring back ER get Noah and hollie and Angela Bassett and bring it back

[@somoody9322]

OMG seriously what the hell is her problem!! Are they not offering her enough money or something🙄

[@ReR7474]

It’s not her, it’s the clause her MC wrote. She just goes along with what the lawyers suggest. The lawyers may get some money if the pressure WB enough so they don’t bleed money in keeping the case too long.

[@cwolf201]

Zero would be the offer. She and the estate have continued to own ER. WB does not. so it's theft without following the simple contract the estate had for people to follow if they wanted to remake it

[@kathleenweinberg5991]

So many great celebrities

[@katlover369]

No originality and I understand the frustration buttttttt man do I want to watch it. I’m conflicted.

[@arenam79]

Sounds like rich people problems and the only peoole that win in this situation is the lawyers..

[@Dc0sby]

Ioved ER but the show concept was basic as hell, every med show after it is a rip off then. They could bring the full old cast back not going to change its a different shows with different characters.

[@minenoturs4271]

tho i wouldnt mind a REboot (continuation on how now Dr greene daughter is manuvering being a dr .. ) uuhm no id rather just *REwatch* ER

[@Shoppingisfun245]

Noah just need to go back to school abs become a PA-C 😂

[@JimYeats]

Money grab. Dumb and baseless lawsuit.

[@cwolf201]

She and the estate have continued to own ER. WB does not. so it's theft without following the simple contract the estate had for people to follow if they wanted to remake it

[@JimYeats]

@@cwolf201 The point is they aren’t remaking it. With the burden of proof they’re calling for you could say Greys Anatomy is a remake. It’s a show twenty years later with a different name that happens to have one of the same actors and producer.

[@brixlagao3380]

Don't tell her that Chicago Med, Transplant, All Saints (Australia ER), Chicago Hope, Trauma, exists...

[@jargraroch3000]

No special cast sauce here -- they kick off the first episode with a nurse/doctor [not sure which] in a hajib = FAIL.

[@ceceb6264]

I just watched the Pitt, it SUCKS, it’s woke. DONT watch

[@mikestoolfun]

Is it weird that I never heard of this show? I watched sci-fi, csi, law and order… never heard of ER.

[@tiffanyt9329]

Omg.... how old are you? Where you living underneath a rock? Lol George Clooney got his big break on ER. It was the biggest medical drama back in the day before grey anatomy. The show ran in 1994-2009. I used to watch it all the time.

[@mikestoolfun]

@@tiffanyt9329 I’m 46. I watched House. I didn’t watch a lot of tv in the 90’s/ 2000’s. 🤷‍♂️

[@peacemusiclove8693]

​@@tiffanyt9329it was the best of all the medical shows out there!

[@kev7161]

@@mikestoolfun If you can find it in reruns, you should watch it. It's very entertaining and dramatic (especially the first several seasons - - was not quite as compelling once all the original stars started leaving).

[@tiffanyt9329]

@mikestoolfun ....I used to watch house too. But he got on my nerves, house supposed to be Sherlock Holmes in a medical setting and know everything, and everyone around him was dumb. Lol. But ER was great show. So in the 90s and 2000s, you were living underneath a rock. Lol