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Max's 'The Pitt' Renewed for Third Season as Legal Appeal Proceeds

EntertainmentBusiness5/12/2026
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The medical drama 'The Pitt' has been renewed by Max for a third season, with production set to begin in June. The renewal comes as a lawsuit brought by the estate of 'ER' creator Michael Crichton against the show's producers continues to move through the courts, with an appeal currently pending. The second season of the show recently concluded, and its first season received 13 nominations.

Facts First

  • Max has renewed 'The Pitt' for a third season, with production scheduled to begin in June.
  • The show's producers are appealing a lawsuit brought by the estate of 'ER' creator Michael Crichton.
  • The lawsuit alleges breach of contract, claiming 'The Pitt' was created after a deal to reboot 'ER' fell apart.
  • A trial judge previously denied a motion to dismiss the case, finding the estate's claims had enough merit to proceed.
  • The case is currently awaiting oral argument before an appellate court.

What Happened

Max has renewed its medical drama series 'The Pitt' for a third season, with production scheduled to begin in June. The renewal follows the recent conclusion of the show's second season. Meanwhile, a lawsuit filed in 2024 by the estate of 'ER' creator Michael Crichton against Warner Bros., producer John Wells, and actor Noah Wyle continues. The estate's lawyers submitted a final briefing on Monday as part of the producers' appeal. The initial lawsuit accuses the producers of breach of contract, alleging 'The Pitt' was created because a deal to reboot the NBC medical drama 'ER' fell apart.

Why this Matters to You

If you are a fan of 'The Pitt', the renewal means new episodes are on the way. The ongoing legal dispute may be of interest if you follow entertainment industry contracts and intellectual property rights, as its outcome could influence how studios approach projects inspired by or related to existing franchises.

What's Next

The appellate court will next hear oral arguments on the producers' appeal. The court's decision on whether to uphold or reverse the trial judge's denial of the anti-SLAPP motion will determine if the lawsuit proceeds to trial. Production for the third season of 'The Pitt' is scheduled to begin in June.

Perspectives

“
The Defendants argue that the claim that 'The Pitt' is a derivative work of 'ER' is 'baseless' and relies on a 'plainly incorrect misreading' of a 1994 contract. They maintain that the show shares only unprotectable tropes and that the characters are distinct.
“
The Producers contend that the lawsuit should be dismissed under anti-SLAPP statutes because the plaintiff's claims are neither 'legally viable' nor 'supported by admissible evidence.'