After seven heartfelt and thought-provoking seasons, The Good Doctor has officially said goodbye — and in a surprising twist, it bowed out with its shortest season yet. While many fans were expecting a typical 18–20 episode run for the farewell chapter, ABC confirmed early in 2024 that Season 7 would only include 10 episodes, a decision shaped by a mix of industry challenges, creative intentions, and behind-the-scenes negotiations.
The 2023 Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes caused widespread disruptions across television production, and The Good Doctor was no exception. Initially, showrunner Liz Friedman and creator David Shore had planned for a 13-episode season, which had already been shorter than usual. However, due to strike-related delays and ABC’s mid-season scheduling needs, that order was eventually reduced to just 10 episodes.
Friedman confirmed in interviews that the production team was prepared to do more. “We hoped for 13,” she explained, “but ABC said 13 was the maximum, and then that got revised to 10.” Despite the challenges, the writers and producers worked swiftly to adapt the story to the new constraint — aiming to deliver emotional resolution without sacrificing narrative integrity.
While strike delays played a key role in the season’s length, the broader context of cancellation was also a factor. In early 2024, ABC informed the creative team that Season 7 would be the last. Ratings for the series had declined gradually over the years, and with rising production costs, the network made what many considered an inevitable call. “We didn’t decide to end it — ABC told us it was time,” said executive producer David Shore. “But we were lucky. They gave us notice. And we were able to write the ending we wanted.” That advanced notice allowed the team to focus on emotional closure, rather than abruptly cutting the story short, as many other shows have suffered in recent years.
In an age where many series are canceled with little warning, The Good Doctor was fortunate to be given a proper goodbye. While fans were initially disappointed to learn Season 7 would be so brief, the episodes were thoughtfully constructed to provide final moments for key characters:
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Dr. Shaun Murphy, now a father, proved he had grown into not just a brilliant surgeon, but a confident, compassionate man.
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Lea, his wife, was shown balancing motherhood with fierce loyalty and support for Shaun.
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Dr. Glassman, battling health issues and facing his mortality, shared some of the most emotional scenes in the finale.
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And beloved secondary characters — like Dr. Andrews, Dr. Jordan Allen, and Asher Wolke — received moments of reflection, growth, and hope.
While a few storylines felt condensed, many fans agreed that the emotional beats still landed.
Social media platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) were flooded with reactions as the final episodes aired. Many longtime fans admitted the pacing felt quicker than usual — a natural consequence of the shortened format — but praised the writers for honoring the characters’ journeys. “I didn’t want it to end, but I’m so glad it ended on its own terms,” one user wrote. “The goodbye between Shaun and Glassman? Instant tears.” Another noted, “It felt rushed at times, but at least it wasn’t canceled mid-story like so many other shows. We got closure. And that means a lot.”
Despite its shortened final season, The Good Doctor leaves behind a powerful legacy. It broke new ground in portraying autism on mainstream television, with Freddie Highmore’s performance as Dr. Shaun Murphy earning praise for its authenticity, sensitivity, and emotional range. It was a show about empathy, inclusion, and the messiness of being human — set against the backdrop of high-stakes surgeries and life-or-death decisions. More importantly, it challenged viewers to see ability differently and to understand that intelligence and compassion can come in all forms.
