ABC has officially passed on The Good Lawyer, a spin-off from the hit medical drama The Good Doctor.
The Good Lawyer was introduced during a backdoor pilot episode of The Good Doctor, featuring Joni DeGroot (played by Kennedy McMann), a brilliant but socially awkward attorney living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The character was met with praise for her relatable and nuanced portrayal, and many viewers were excited about the potential of expanding the Good Doctor universe into the legal world.
Although the backdoor pilot showed promise, ABC ultimately opted not to pick up the series. Insiders suggest that scheduling challenges and the network’s strategic priorities played a role in the decision. Additionally, while the concept garnered attention, the network may have felt it didn’t align closely enough with their current programming slate.
Fans of The Good Doctor expressed disappointment on social media, with many praising Kennedy McMann’s performance and the unique premise. “We were ready for a fresh perspective on legal dramas,” one fan tweeted, while others hoped the series might find a home on another platform.
While ABC’s decision is a setback, there’s still hope for The Good Lawyer. In today’s streaming-driven entertainment landscape, it’s not uncommon for promising projects to be revived by other networks or streaming services. Producers may shop the series to platforms like Hulu or Netflix, which have previously embraced spin-offs and niche dramas. This spin-off could have been a natural extension of The Good Doctor, offering fans a new way to explore compelling stories about overcoming adversity and excelling in high-pressure professions. Although the show is currently on hold, the potential for future developments remains open.
