Apple TV+ wins trial that claimed hit thriller was ‘stolen’

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Apple TV+ went to trial last week over a lawsuit claiming one of its shows was stolen from another source. After a few days of proceedings, however, the jury delivered a unanimous verdict.

Servant was at center of years-long Apple TV+ legal battle

One of the very first Apple TV+ shows, Servant, has for years been the subject of a legal case.

The four-season series “follows a Philadelphia couple in mourning after an unspeakable tragedy creates a rift in their marriage and opens the door for a mysterious force to enter their home.”

It hails from M. Night Shyamalan, who directed thrillers like The Sixth Sense, Split, Knock at the Cabin, and more.

Back in 2020, shortly after Servant premiered on Apple TV+, Shyamalan and Apple were sued by Francesca Gregorini, director of the 2013 film “The Truth About Emmanuel.”

Per Variety, the $81 million lawsuit alleged that Apple had stolen the plot of Gregorini’s film when making Servant.

Both works involve “a delusional mother who treats a baby doll as if it were a real infant, along with a nanny who corroborates that false reality.”

After years of delays, including the case being dismissed at one point then revived, the trial finally tool place last week. A unanimous jury cleared Apple and Shyamalan of copyright infringement. They had the chance to view both Gregorini’s film and the first three episodes of Servant.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Servant’s four seasons have remained available on Apple TV+, and now the case will officially be put to rest.

For more on Apple TV+, here’s the lineup of upcoming shows.

Have you watched Servant and The Truth About Emmanuel? What do you think of the similarities and differences? Let us know in the comments.