For those who like to file lawsuits, the chance to file one against a TV network regarding a television series must be a huge draw. Larry Klayman, a man who has filed legal salvos against the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrations, and has also filed a class-action lawsuit against the Ground Zero mosque, may now pursue a lawsuit against the NBC series Outlaw.
Jimmy Smits stars in the series as a Supreme Court Justice who takes a stand against the establishment, and in an unprecedented move, quits the highest court in order to hopefully bring about some changes. It didn’t connect with many viewers, was cancelled after only a handful of episodes, and the remaining installments are now airing on Saturday nights. The series co-stars David Ramsey, Ellen Woglom, Carly Pope, and Jesse Bradford.
Klayman contends that three years ago, he got together with a group that included producer Cary Brokaw, former L.A. Law writer John Romano, and Fox Television Studios executive Dave Madden. They met with executives at NBC and pitched a series that was about someone very much like Klayman, a public-interest lawyer on a crusade. According to him, NBC was interested because their West Wing series already had a character based on him, Harry Klaypool. He even claims that “Outlaw” was amongst his suggested titles for the series.
Klayman claims that making the main character a Supreme Court judge was NBC adding its own twist to his idea. Other than that, he feels it was identical to the series he pitched. He doesn’t remember the names of the executives he met with at NBC, but says he can provide documents to prove his story.
NBC hasn’t commented about the claim yet, and a Fox Television Studios business and legal affairs executive, Shelly Reid, answered the call placed to Madden’s office. Reid reportedly declined to comment, but did state Fox wasn’t a party to this at all. Romano admits he worked with Klayman, but doesn’t recall going to NBC, but understands why they would have after West Wing. He admitted he was “also not struck by any similarities between Outlaw and the show Larry brought to us.”
Klayman hasn’t contacted NBC about this, but has an entertainment lawyer on retainer, wanting to negotiate it first. Klayman says that, if negotiating with the network doesn’t work out, he plans to bring a lawsuit against NBC.
It remains to be seen how much one could get over one of the most unsuccessful new series of this season. Maybe NBC could sue him for part of their losses?
What do you think? Does it sound like Klayman has a case?
Image courtesy NBC.
It is rediculous that Outlaw was canceled. It was a great show, full of entertainment, and inspiring deep thought about situations and topic concerning people today. Unfortunately, NBC would rather fill their slots with trashy and cheap reality TV. I can’t believe that people are allowing themselves to be dumbed down by such mindless trash, and that they stand by and accept when good programs are pulled from them. The only way this will ever stop is to hit NBC where it hurts. Everyone needs to stop watching them. Perhaps if they lost most of their patrons, and then sponsors… Read more »
This was a great show. Bring it back!
I most definitely believe he was the legal causes of action to take NBC (another “Conan” debacle!) to Court! OUTLAW was the best TV program in decades, only second to the #1 all-time NCIS! Our family and friends are DEVASTATED and OUTRAGED that this uniquely interesting, educational, suspensedul and exquisite character collaboration was cancelled! Jimmy Smits’ character portrayal was so realistic in the court room and in accompanying mediations, arbritrations and plea bargaining absolutely made friends and family feel they were in the court room with him!! It was so exciting to get a peek into his character’s personal life… Read more »
NBC DEMONSTRATES THAT YOU CAN’T FIX STUPID .
I read tv critical reviews saying Jimmy Smit boomed before the first episode.
My wife and I looked forward to the next installment anxiously.We are 73 and 69 respectively and enjoy shows from Undercovers to Blue Blood to Bones.
Outlaw was one of our new favorites
Win money from NBC and move it to cable. Half the twenty or so series we watch are on cable, Terriers, Glades, Rubicon, Leverage, The Closer and more.
We will follow/
Please bring this show back. It is a great, entertaining, mind thinking show – but NO, you take it off and leave on all of these stupid reality shows. Jimmy Smits was great in this show. Please, please reconsider brining it back. And I agree with all of the above comments. Go USA!
I loved this program (Outlaw)! How can anyone make such a decision after only a few airings? Give viewers a chance, they may be experimenting with all the other new shows, trying to make a decision! I know a lot of people who record it to watch later, is this counted in the ratings
Oh, yes! Almost forgot! “Community” and “”30 Rock” too needs to go bye-bye!
Outlaw needs to be back on! It is a wonderful show that gets to the truth about cases that should happen more in real life! Same with “The Whole Truth” on ABC, both are cancelled for no reason at all but that it exposes the real truth about cases in court that should be told. If there should be any shows to be cancelled it should be; “The Middle”, “The Big Bang Theory”, “How I Met Your Mother” , “Outsourced”, “The Office” , “Parenthood”, “Rules Of Engagement” , “$#*! My Dad Says” and “Survivor” then you will have lots of… Read more »
I loved Outlaw. Please bring it back.
Another very good show – Plenty of crap is still out there, but why would you cancel such a great show as this? Dumb!
VERY disappointed in the cancelation. I JUST found this show and was enjoying it immensely. Can’t believe it!
WELL ONE LESS ENTERTAINING SHOW TO CATCH ON THE TELLY.
jACKASS 3d IS DOING WELL IN THEATERS I HEAR. SAYS A LOT !!
BRING BACK OUTLAW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It figures, anytime a decent television show arrives on network TV they cancel it in favor of some mindless garbage and drivel. If you must think to watch the show or it has more than 3 second sound bites, it is canceled. Listen up network TV this is why cable television is doing so well against the big three.
I am really surprised that they pulled the plug on this and Dancywith the stars and the Apprentice are still on the air…….I am very afraid……. quality tv shows get cancelled and we have to either watch the crap they call TV or start going to the library to find a good book………I think the mentality of americans is dropping by the seconds…..bring back Outlaw!