Appeals Court Says Lawsuit Over ‘The Pitt’ Can Proceed An appeals court ruled that the Emmy-winning drama 'The Pitt' shares “clear and numerous” similarities with Michael Crichton’s 1990s TV hit 'ER.'. An appeals court ruled that the Emmy-winning drama 'The Pitt' shares “clear and numerous” similarities with Michael Crichton’s 1990s TV hit 'ER.'.