Fans of The Good Doctor may not be ready for what’s coming next — because the emotional medical drama that kept audiences hooked for seven seasons is now preparing to take on an entirely new battleground: the legal system.
According to recent reports, ABC has been developing a brand-new spin-off titled The Good Lawyer, a courtroom-focused drama that shifts the spotlight away from the operating room and into high-stakes legal warfare. The project was originally introduced through a backdoor pilot during Season 6 of the flagship series, setting the stage for what could become the franchise’s most unexpected expansion yet.
⚖️ A Brilliant Mind, A Hidden Struggle
At the center of the potential new series is Joni — a young, exceptionally talented attorney who lives with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). While her condition presents daily challenges in both her personal and professional life, it also gives her a unique perspective that allows her to approach legal cases in ways others simply can’t.
Joni is first introduced when Dr. Shaun Murphy — portrayed by Freddie Highmore — finds himself in need of legal representation and unexpectedly places his trust in her abilities. Her razor-sharp attention to detail becomes a defining strength in the courtroom, even as she struggles to balance the demands of a high-pressure law firm environment.
The spin-off would also feature veteran attorney Janet Stewart, a seasoned legal powerhouse who has represented Dr. Aaron Glassman in the past — and who may not be entirely convinced that Joni is ready for the spotlight just yet.
🧠 From Medicine to Justice: A Bold New Direction
Created by the same minds behind the original hit — including executive producers David Shore and Liz Friedman — The Good Lawyer is designed to carry over the emotional depth and character-driven storytelling that made The Good Doctor such a global success.
The original series aired on ABC from 2017 to 2024 and followed Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism navigating life and work at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital. Over its seven-season run, the show earned strong ratings and a loyal international fanbase.
By shifting its narrative lens from medical ethics to legal dilemmas, the new spin-off aims to explore justice, disability rights, and professional identity — all while maintaining the heartfelt tone that defined its predecessor.
❗ But There’s a Twist…
Despite early development and casting announcements in 2023, ABC ultimately chose not to move forward with The Good Lawyer following the impact of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes — leaving the project’s future uncertain for now.
Still, with the enduring popularity of The Good Doctor, industry insiders haven’t ruled out the possibility of the legal drama being revived in some form down the line.
Whether it returns to development or remains a “what-could-have-been,” one thing is clear: the world of The Good Doctor may be done with surgeries — but its fight for justice might just be getting started.