ABC is officially looking to expand the world of its hit medical drama The Good Doctor — and this time, the action is heading straight into the courtroom.
A brand-new legal spin-off titled The Good Lawyer is currently in development, promising to shift the franchise’s focus from operating rooms to legal battles. Created by The Good Doctor executive producers David Shore and Liz Friedman, the upcoming series is set to introduce fans to a powerful new protagonist whose brilliance could rival even the most talented surgeons at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital.
Unlike its predecessor, the spin-off will center on Joni — a sharp, self-aware young defense attorney living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Despite her struggles, Joni is described as funny, insightful, and exceptionally gifted when it comes to seeing details others might miss — a skill that becomes crucial when she’s brought in to defend Dr. Shaun Murphy in a legal case.
Fans won’t have to wait long to meet her, either.
ABC previously ordered an embedded backdoor pilot for The Good Lawyer, which aired as part of The Good Doctor’s sixth season. In the episode, Shaun — played by Freddie Highmore — seeks legal representation after finding himself caught in serious professional trouble. Instead of relying solely on a seasoned attorney, he puts his trust in Joni, whose unique perspective allows her to approach the case from an entirely different angle.
The backdoor pilot also introduced Janet Stewart, a highly respected lawyer who works alongside Joni, setting the stage for a dynamic partnership that could drive the legal drama forward if the series moves ahead.
With The Good Doctor continuing to dominate ratings and build a loyal fanbase worldwide — including viewers here in Vietnam — the potential for a courtroom-focused spin-off offers an exciting new chapter in the franchise’s evolution.
If officially picked up to series, The Good Lawyer would mark the first time the beloved medical universe steps outside hospital walls — proving that sometimes, saving a life starts with winning a case.