While the announcement of The Good Doctor concluding soon saddened longtime fans of the show, series creator David Shore explained why the ABC drama is ending its run with Season 7.
In an interview with Collider during The Good Doctor panel at the Television Critics Tour, Shore shared that he knew exactly how he wanted the show to end.
“Years ago when I was doing another show, someone asked, ‘Do you know how the show is going to end?’ Yes, I know exactly how this show will end. One day I will get a call from the network,” said Shore.
He continued, “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.”
Shore added that they are fortunate enough to end the show according to plan. “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. But being able to go out on your own terms is a blessing.”
What is The Good Doctor about?
The medical drama, which debuted in 2017, centers on young autistic and brilliant surgeon Dr. Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore), who chose to live his quiet life to work at a prestigious hospital while also coming to terms with his troubled past.
The synopsis for The Good Doctor reads: “Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, relocates from a quiet country life to join a prestigious hospital’s surgical unit. Alone in the world and unable to personally connect with those around him, Shaun uses his extraordinary medical gifts to save lives and challenge the skepticism of his colleagues.”
In addition to Highmore, the series also stars Antonia Thomas as Dr. Claire Browne, Hill Harper as Dr. Marcus Andrews, Richard Schiff as Dr. Aaron Glassman, Fiona Gubelmann as Dr. Morgan Reznick, Christina Chang as Dr. Audrey Lim, Paige Spara as Lea Dilallo-Murphy, Jasika Nicole as Dr. Carly Lever, and Sheila Kelley as Debbie Wexler, among others
The seventh and final season of The Good Doctor will premiere on February 20.