Fans of the hit medical drama The Good Doctor were met with bittersweet news: Season 7 will be the show’s last. After six successful seasons, the series is set to conclude, leaving viewers wondering why and what to expect from the final episodes. Here’s a breakdown of everything we know about the ending of The Good Doctor.
The Good Doctor, starring Freddie Highmore as the remarkable Dr. Shaun Murphy, premiered on ABC in 2017 and quickly became a Monday night staple. The series consistently held the top spot in its 10 p.m. timeslot among adults aged 18-49, according to ABC’s own data. However, like many long-running shows, The Good Doctor experienced a dip in viewership. Season 6 averaged 6.24 million viewers, a decrease from Season 5’s 7.05 million, based on Nielsen’s seven-day ratings. While still a solid performance, this decline, alongside creative decisions, seems to have played a role in the show’s conclusion.
The decision to end The Good Doctor after Season 7 was a collaborative one between executive producers and showrunners David Shore and Liz Feldman, along with executive producer Erin Gunn. In a statement, they expressed pride in their work and the show’s message, indicating that they felt it was simply the right time to bring the story to a close. This suggests the ending was not solely due to network pressure or ratings, but also a creative choice to conclude the narrative in a meaningful way.
Freddie Highmore, who has become synonymous with Dr. Shaun Murphy, shared his sentiments on the show’s ending. He described playing Dr. Murphy as an “immense privilege” and “one of the most remarkable and rewarding experiences” of his life. His statement, released through Variety, reflects deep gratitude towards the cast, writers, crew, and fans who contributed to the show’s success. Highmore’s heartfelt goodbye emphasizes the personal connection he and the team have forged with the series.
Alongside Highmore, The Good Doctor boasts a talented ensemble cast including Chuku Modu, Richard Schiff, Will Yun Lee, Fiona Gubelmann, Christina Chang, Paige Spara, Bria Samoné Henderson, and Noah Galvin. These actors have been integral to the show’s success, and fans can expect to see their storylines wrapped up in Season 7.
Adding to the news of The Good Doctor‘s conclusion, ABC had also made decisions regarding potential spinoffs. The network canceled The Good Lawyer, a planned spinoff, before it even aired, despite ordering a backdoor pilot. The Rookie: Feds spinoff was also canceled after just one season. These cancellations indicate a broader shift in network strategy and perhaps a move away from expanding franchises at this time. The Good Doctor‘s ending is part of a larger trend of long-running series concluding, with other networks also ending shows like Station 19, Blue Bloods, Young Sheldon, SWAT, Bob Hearts Abishola, La Brea, and Magnum P.I.
For viewers eager to see how Dr. Shaun Murphy’s story concludes, The Good Doctor Season 7 is set to premiere on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 10:00 p.m. EST on ABC. Mark your calendars, as this final season promises to be an emotional and memorable farewell to the beloved medical drama.
While it’s sad to say goodbye to San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital, fans can anticipate a thoughtful and fitting conclusion to The Good Doctor. Season 7 is confirmed to be the last, offering a definitive answer to the question: Yes, this is indeed the final season of The Good Doctor.
