The Good Doctor showrunner unveils the real 'unfortunate' reason ABC axed medical drama

Fans were devastated to learn that ABC's popular medical drama, The Good Doctor would conclude after the upcoming seventh season.

At the time of the announcement, the co-showrunners David Shore and Liz Friedman, and executive producer Erin Gunn confirmed the conclusion and thanked viewers. 

They said: “The Good Doctor has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but it’s time to say goodbye. We are incredibly proud of the work we’ve done and the message we’ve been privileged to be a part of.

“We look forward to giving our fantastic fans, the truly extraordinary Freddie Highmore, the rest of our talented actors (and friends), and the best crew in the business the series ending that you all deserve.”

Although the show and its cast, including lead star Freddie Highmore expressed their gratitude to fans and the network, Liz recently revealed the finale wasn't their decision.

Read more: The Good Doctor season 7 won't feature key star making a comeback

Speaking to TV Insider, she revealed: “Why end it now? Well, ABC told us it was time to end it.”

This will come as a surprise to fans as its inspirational storylines touched the hearts of millions, while its medical dilemmas often left them on the edge of their seats. 

The Good Doctor followed  Dr. Shaun Murphy (played by Freddie Highmore) as a brilliant surgeon with Autism Spectrum Disorder whose neurodivergent thinking helps him create unexpected solutions to medical conundrums.

Although the show is not ending on their preferred timeline, the co-showrunner admitted she was happy the series can end on their terms.

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Liz continued: “We are very grateful that they told us that in a timely manner, which allows us to decide the terms that we’re going to end it on to craft a great ending and a great culmination of Shaun Murphy’s story, but that’s how that came about.

“I mean, I feel like I could tell stories about Shaun forever, certainly, as long as the amazing Freddie Highmore was interested in playing him, I was happy to write for him.”

“To me, the way I look at this is Shaun Murphy’s adventures are going to continue in the universe. I just have to find a way to close the sense that he’s doing it for us,” she explained.

“But in my mind, Shaun is going to be out there forever doing the amazing things that he does and seeing things in his totally unique way.”