ABC’s beloved medical drama The Good Doctor has long been a beacon of hope, heart, and brilliance, telling the story of Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young autistic surgeon with savant syndrome, played by Freddie Highmore. Now, in an ambitious and exciting new chapter, the series is expanding its universe with a spinoff titled The Good Lawyer, starring Nancy Drew breakout Kennedy McMann. The recently released trailer has sparked both excitement and curiosity among fans—and for good reason.
So, what’s The Good Lawyer all about, and why is it poised to follow in the groundbreaking footsteps of its predecessor? Let’s dive deep into everything we know about this new legal drama and what makes it such a compelling addition to ABC’s lineup.
Kennedy McMann, who previously headlined The CW’s Nancy Drew, brings warmth, strength, and authenticity to the role of Joni. Her casting has been praised widely—not only for her talent but also because McMann lives with OCD in real life. Her personal experience with the condition is expected to bring a level of accuracy and emotional depth that’s rarely seen on television. “I’m honored to take on this role,” McMann shared in a recent interview. “OCD is often misunderstood, and being able to portray a character like Joni is both a responsibility and a gift.”
The trailer teases her dynamic presence: anxious yet determined, cautious yet courageous. There’s a spark in her performance that mirrors the early days of Freddie Highmore’s Shaun Murphy, and it’s clear that ABC is building another deeply empathetic lead. The backdoor pilot for The Good Lawyer aired as part of The Good Doctor’s sixth season, introducing Joni DeGroot as a legal defense lawyer brought in to help Dr. Shaun Murphy during a malpractice lawsuit. Her scenes were filled with tension, intelligence, and a surprising connection with Shaun himself, played to perfection by Highmore.
The chemistry between these characters made it clear that this wasn’t a one-time guest appearance—it was the beginning of a new story. That episode served as a soft launch for the spinoff, allowing fans of The Good Doctor to meet Joni in the context of the universe they already love. It’s a smart move from the creators, who understand the importance of continuity in building fan trust.
Supporting Joni in her legal endeavors is veteran lawyer Janet Stewart, played by Desperate Housewives alum Felicity Huffman. Janet serves as both a mentor and, at times, an adversary—adding layers of complexity to the courtroom drama. Just like The Good Doctor redefined what a leading man on television could look like, The Good Lawyer is doing the same with its female lead. Joni DeGroot doesn’t have everything figured out. Her OCD is real, raw, and often inconvenient. She’s not the polished, unflappable lawyer we’re used to seeing on screen. Instead, she’s relatable, vulnerable, and refreshingly honest.
The show doesn’t treat her condition as a gimmick or a source of magical abilities—it’s something she struggles with every day. And that’s what makes her triumphs all the more powerful. It’s also worth noting that both shows highlight neurodiversity and mental health in ways that are educational without being preachy. By humanizing these conditions, they help break the stigma that often surrounds them.
The early signs are promising. The trailer has racked up thousands of views and a flood of comments praising the casting and emotional resonance. Critics who saw the backdoor pilot have noted the show’s potential, particularly its ability to balance emotional weight with intellectual intrigue.
If The Good Lawyer can retain the storytelling strengths of its predecessor—empathy, heart, and moral complexity—while carving its own identity in the legal genre, it has every chance to be a hit. The Good Lawyer is more than just a spinoff—it’s a bold expansion of a franchise that has consistently championed compassion over cynicism. With Kennedy McMann at the helm and a storyline that explores the challenges of living with OCD in a high-pressure career, the show promises to be both meaningful and memorable. For fans of The Good Doctor, this is the next evolution. For newcomers, it’s a fresh start with a powerful lead. Either way, The Good Lawyer is prepared to argue its case—and we’re ready to watch.
