Why end The Good Doctor? Was it ABC’s decision? Did the show run its course after seven seasons?
Executive Producer David Shore said it was a little bit of both.
“Years ago when I was doing another show, someone asked, ‘do you know how the show is going to end.’ [He said] Yes, I know exactly how this show will end. One day I will get a call from the network,” said Shore during the drama’s panel at Saturday’s Television Critics Tour. “On that show and this show, we’ve been lucky enough to plan the ending we want to do. This has been a weird year. Only doing 10 episodes is unfortunate. [They originally planned for 13]. But being able to go out on your own terms is a blessing.”
“We get to plan a great finale and do something the fans will love,” added EP Liz Friedman, who was loathe to tease what to expect from the final episodes, including which former cast members may or may not return.
The Good Doctor, from Sony Pictures Television and ABC Signature, is the second long-running ABC drama coming to an end this season, joining Station 19. It’s also the latest series that premiered during the 2017-2018 season to wrap with its upcoming seventh season, along with Station 19 and CBS’ Young Sheldon, S.W.A.T. and SEAL Team. It stars and is executive produced by Freddie Highmore.
“I know that for the rest of my life I am going to have situations where I go, ‘damn, I wish I had Dr. Murphy to write for right now,” said Shore. “There is something about that moment I would want to share with people. I love that character. You want to throw him into any situation and see what he has to say about the rest of us. We always talk about that. When you live with the character as we’ve had, it does make you a better person. I hope so.”
