Disney Television Group President Craig Erwich opens up about why The Good Doctor will be ending with season 7, explaining the reasoning behind this decision. Developed by David Shore, the series follows Shaun Murphy, an autistic surgeon who works at a hospital in San Jose, California. It was revealed in late 2023 that the shortened season 7 will be its last.
Speaking with Deadline, Erwich revealed why The Good Doctor season 7 would be the final batch of episodes for the series. Citing his work with Shore on Fox’s House in the 2000s, he revealed the show is going to get a proper ending, citing how important working on the series has been. Check out what Erwich had to say below:
On The Good Doctor, I’ve loved working with David. I have had the honor now of working with him twice; I was at Fox when he did House. David has reinvented the medical franchise twice through signature characters that will always be associated with the best of the genre and the best of television. In the case of The Good Doctor, we wanted to give David and his team the opportunity to write a proper ending to this series which is beloved to ABC viewers and beloved to us as well. It’s been an incredible journey with Dr. Shaun [Murphy]. It’s going to be a very heartfelt farewell, and we’re really looking forward to it.
Why The Good Doctor Season 7 Is A Fitting Place To End The Series
The final season will see Shaun return to his position as a surgeon, having taken time off following the birth of his and Lea’s son, Steve. A trailer for The Good Doctor season 7 also reveals his first surgery will be on Alex and Morgan’s infant, Eden, who needs a new aortic valve. Beyond harrowing surgeries like this, the season will also see the return of Dr. Jared Kalu in the main cast, following his recurring return in season 6.
Now that Shaun is a father, the dynamics of the series will no doubt alter as he juggles the responsibilities of his new family with his job. The final episodes will likely explore how he’s able to balance out both his time at home alongside what he has to do at work. Since the show will feature a definitive ending, it’s possible the series will show how he’s able to maintain both aspects of his life equally.
Unfortunately, the end of the show means the series will not be expanding as initially planned. In 2023, it was revealed a spinoff titled The Good Lawyer would not be moving forward at ABC, indicating the world of its parent show will be coming to a close. However, since The Good Doctor will be getting a proper sendoff, it’s clear the show was a success that was beloved by Disney enough to offer it a definitive finale.