The Real Reason The Good Doctor Is Ending Is Soberingly Sad
ABC's hit medical drama is among many other shows that are coming to an end this year.
Summary
- The seventh and final season of The Good Doctor will be released in a week.
- The show's creator has always known what would cause the TGD to end.
- The showrunners are happy to be able to end the beloved story in a decent way.
The WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes of 2023 have been over for a while now, but the industry is still dealing with the aftermath. Our beloved shows are just now returning to our screens after a longer-than-usual strike-induced hiatus.
For example, CBS's flagship sitcom Young Sheldon is scheduled to return on February 15. Meanwhile, ABC's flagship medical drama The Good Doctor will return with its seventh installment a week from now, on February 20.
Interestingly, the two shows have more in common than you might think. Aside from premiering their seventh seasons, both Young Sheldon and The Good Doctor will come to an end after the upcoming installments. And while YS's conclusion is justified by the TBBT narrative, TGD could go on for several more years. But the medical drama is wrapping up. And the reason why is even sadder than the ending itself.
A Call from the Boss
There are many factors behind the longevity of any show. Popularity is probably the most important. But when the network is no longer interested in producing the project, there's no remedy that can help. That's exactly what happened to The Good Doctor.
'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…' showrunner David Shore revealed during a recent panel. '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 ten episodes is unfortunate. [Thirteen were originally planned]. But being able to go out on your own terms is a blessing.'
A Gracious Finale
Indeed, The Good Doctor is fortunate to be given the time and space to bring its story to a satisfying conclusion. The show's executive producer, Liz Friedman, is grateful to be able to give fans a finale they will enjoy.
Still, the end of The Good Doctor is sad for everyone involved. David Shore is particularly bittersweet about having to say goodbye to the show and its remarkable protagonist.
'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." 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,' said the TGD creator.
Don't forget to check out Season 7 of The Good Doctor when it premieres next Tuesday, February 20th. After all, it will be the end of the beloved story.
Source: Deadline.