The Pitt and ER are similar enough for lawsuit to proceed, judge rules

ER launched in 1994, based on original screenplay written by Crichton. It starred George Clooney, Anthony Edwards and Maria Bello, and aired 331 episodes over the next 15 years.

The show, which followed a group of doctors working in an emergency room in Chicago, was a hit with viewers and critics, and won 23 Emmy Awards during its run including outstanding drama series.

Discussions about a possible reboot of the show began in 2020, and studio Warner Bros spent months negotiating with Chrichton's estate.

However, those talks were reported to have collapsed over credit and financial guarantees, and producers began developing The Pitt in its place.