The phenomenon dubbed the “seven-year cancellation itch” has become a recurring pattern in broadcast television, where even popular series like The Good Doctor and Station 19 face abrupt endings after seven seasons. This trend, observed across networks like ABC, raises questions about the factors driving these decisions—ranging from economic pressures and changing viewer habits to creative fatigue and industry dynamics. The Good Doctor, a groundbreaking medical drama centered on Dr. Shaun Murphy, a neurodivergent surgeon, captivated audiences with its heartfelt storytelling and advocacy for neurodiversity. Yet, despite its strong viewership and cultural impact, it concluded in 2024 after seven seasons. By examining the interplay of financial, creative, and market-driven forces, we can understand why The Good Doctor and similar shows face cancellation at this pivotal milestone, reflecting broader shifts in the television landscape.
Economic Pressures and Rising Production Costs
One of the primary reasons behind the seven-year cancellation itch is the escalating cost of producing long-running series. By the seventh season, shows like The Good Doctor face significant financial hurdles. Cast and crew salaries typically increase with each season, especially for lead actors like Freddie Highmore, whose nuanced portrayal of Shaun Murphy became a cornerstone of the series. Additionally, production expenses—such as intricate medical sets, special effects for surgical scenes, and location shooting—compound over time. For The Good Doctor, which balanced complex medical cases with character-driven drama, maintaining high production quality was non-negotiable but costly.
Networks like ABC must weigh these rising costs against revenue from advertising and syndication. While The Good Doctor maintained strong viewership, posts on X suggest that its cancellation was unexpected given its ratings success. However, after seven seasons, the financial return on investment often diminishes, especially if a show has already been syndicated, reducing its profitability. Unlike streaming platforms that prioritize subscriber retention, broadcast networks rely heavily on ad revenue tied to live viewership, which has declined as audiences shift to on-demand viewing. This economic reality makes it harder to justify renewing expensive shows, even those with loyal fanbases.
Changing Viewer Habits and the Streaming Wars
The television landscape has transformed dramatically since The Good Doctor premiered in 2017. The rise of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ has fragmented audiences, challenging broadcast networks to compete for attention. Viewers increasingly prefer binge-watching on streaming platforms over weekly episodes, a trend that impacts traditional shows like The Good Doctor and Station 19. Although The Good Doctor was available on Hulu for streaming, its primary identity as a network drama tied it to a declining model of live TV viewership.
Moreover, the streaming wars have shifted network priorities toward shorter, high-impact series or franchises with spin-off potential. ABC’s decision to renew The Rookie for an eighth season while canceling The Good Doctor and Station 19 suggests a strategic focus on shows with broader franchise possibilities or lower production costs. The Good Doctor, despite its global adaptations in countries like South Korea, lacked the spin-off potential of a show like Station 19, a Grey’s Anatomy derivative. As networks adapt to a streaming-dominated market, long-running series face scrutiny unless they align with evolving business models.
Creative Fatigue and Narrative Closure
Creative considerations also play a role in the seven-year itch. By the seventh season, many shows, including The Good Doctor, risk narrative stagnation. The series followed Shaun Murphy’s evolution from a novice resident to a confident surgeon, tackling themes of neurodiversity, love, and professional growth. Key arcs, such as Shaun’s relationship with Lea and his mentorship under Dr. Aaron Glassman, reached natural conclusions by season seven. While the show remained emotionally resonant, maintaining fresh storylines without resorting to contrived drama becomes challenging after nearly 120 episodes.
Writers and showrunners often face pressure to escalate stakes—introducing improbable medical cases or personal conflicts—that can alienate audiences. The Good Doctor largely avoided this trap by staying true to its core themes, but the risk of repetition loomed. Canceling a show after seven seasons allows creators to craft a deliberate finale, as seen in The Good Doctor’s satisfying conclusion, rather than stretching the narrative beyond its natural lifespan. This creative pragmatism ensures the series leaves a lasting legacy, preserving its impact as a trailblazer for neurodiversity representation.
Industry Dynamics and Network Strategy
Network politics and scheduling constraints further contribute to the seven-year cancellation trend. ABC’s decision to end The Good Doctor and Station 19 sparked speculation among fans, with some attributing it to internal priorities or executive decisions. Broadcast networks operate with finite primetime slots, and renewing a veteran show means forgoing opportunities to launch new series that could attract younger demographics or generate buzz. In 2024, ABC likely prioritized refreshing its lineup to compete with streaming giants, even at the cost of established hits.
The seven-year mark also aligns with typical contract cycles for cast and crew, providing a natural breakpoint for renegotiation or closure. For The Good Doctor, retaining its ensemble cast—including Highmore, Paige Spara, and Richard Schiff—beyond seven seasons may have required costly new contracts, further straining the budget. Networks often view this milestone as a strategic moment to reassess a show’s viability, balancing its legacy against the potential of new programming.
The Cultural Legacy of The Good Doctor
Despite its cancellation, The Good Doctor leaves an indelible mark on television. Its portrayal of Shaun Murphy, a neurodivergent surgeon, challenged stereotypes and sparked global conversations about autism and inclusion. The show’s empathetic storytelling, blending medical drama with personal growth, resonated with millions, earning it international adaptations and a devoted fanbase. Its cancellation reflects not a failure but the harsh realities of an industry in flux, where even impactful series must navigate economic and strategic headwinds.
The seven-year itch, as evidenced by The Good Doctor and Station 19, underscores the tension between art and commerce in broadcast television. While fans mourn the loss of beloved shows, the trend highlights the need for sustainable models that balance creativity with financial viability. As streaming continues to reshape the industry, the legacy of shows like The Good Doctor endures, proving that meaningful stories can thrive within the constraints of a challenging medium.
Conclusion
The cancellation of The Good Doctor after seven seasons exemplifies the seven-year cancellation itch, driven by rising production costs, shifting viewer habits, creative fatigue, and network strategy. While economic pressures and industry dynamics forced ABC to make tough choices, the show’s impact as a champion of neurodiversity and emotional storytelling remains undeniable. Its conclusion serves as a reminder of television’s evolving landscape, where even the most beloved series must adapt to survive. As fans reflect on Shaun Murphy’s journey, The Good Doctor stands as a testament to the power of representation and the enduring challenge of sustaining meaningful narratives in a competitive industry.
