History of The Good Doctor (American TV series) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 31, 2025

The Good Doctor, an American medical drama that aired on ABC from 2017 to 2024, follows Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore), a young autistic surgical resident at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital. The series explores Shaun's challenges and triumphs as he navigates his career and personal life, showcasing his exceptional medical skills alongside his social difficulties. The ensemble cast, including Christina Chang, Richard Schiff, and Will Yun Lee, portrays the doctors and staff who support and sometimes clash with Shaun. Over its seven seasons, the show features a revolving cast of characters, with some actors departing and others joining or returning, as the storylines evolve.

September 1996: Most watched Monday drama debut on ABC

In September 1996, The Good Doctor series premiere became the most-watched Monday drama debut on ABC in 21 years, since Dangerous Minds.

Loading Video...

March 2009: Highest rated Monday drama

In March 2009, The Good Doctor became the highest-rated Monday drama in the 18–49 demographic in 8.5 years, since Castle.

Loading Video...

2016: DVR viewers record

In 2016, The Good Doctor pilot set a record for DVR viewers with 7.9 million, surpassing the record of 7.67 million set by the pilot of Designated Survivor.

Loading Video...

December 11, 2017: Golden Globe nomination for Freddie Highmore

On December 11, 2017, Freddie Highmore received a Golden Globe nomination for his role in The Good Doctor. Critics praised Highmore's performance even though the show received lukewarm reviews.

August 2022: Spin-off in development

In August 2022, a planned spin-off titled The Good Lawyer was reported to be in development at ABC and it was introduced in a backdoor pilot during the sixth season.

Loading Video...

January 2023: Backdoor pilot order for spin-off

In January 2023, ABC received a backdoor pilot order for The Good Lawyer spin-off, starring Kennedy McMann, Felicity Huffman, and Bethlehem Million.

Loading Video...

November 2023: Spin-off cancellation

In November 2023, ABC announced that it would not be moving forward with The Good Lawyer spin-off due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes.

Loading Video...