GOOD MOVE? The Good Doctor pulls unexpected show shakeup two weeks into new season as enraged fans slam series’ ‘shenanigans’
The beloved ABC drama has just started airing its final season
MORE bad news for fans of The Good Doctor.
For the second week in a row, the ABC drama has aired a repeat – despite returning to air less than a month ago.
The Good Doctor follows Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore), a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, who joins the surgical unit at the prestigious San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital.
The show has been on for seven seasons, and has cultivated quite a fan base – many of whom have been disappointed now that the show has aired repeats for the past two Tuesdays.
The rerun last week made sense, as it was Super Tuesday, a key date in determining the candidates for the upcoming presidential race.
Many networks aired old episodes of shows, as political races were updated throughout the night.
But last night’s rerun came with no explanation, with ABC only noting they were re-airing the first episode of the season in case fans who missed it originally need to catch up.
Online, fans decried the excuse.
“Hate that #TheGoodDoctor is a rerun tonight already,” one person tweeted.
Luckily for fans, The Good Doctor will return to ABC with a new episode on March 19.
GOOD BYE
But fans better not get too used to seeing new episodes.
Before Season 7 premiered, ABC announced that this would be the last season of The Good Doctor.
“Playing Dr. Shaun Murphy has been an immense privilege and one of the most remarkable and rewarding experiences of my life,” Freddie, 31, said in a statement, after news of the cancelation.
“I will always be grateful to (executive producers) David, Liz, and Erin as well as the hugely talented – and lovely – cast, writers, and crew who made this show possible.”
“Caring deeply is what got us here. Thank you to Sony and ABC, and to everyone who has watched along at home. With love from Vancouver,” he went on.
Freddie ended the statement on a light note, calling for “Tequila, stat!”
David, Liz and Erin shared a similar note of appreciation.
“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.”
The three teased a satisfying ending to the award-winning medical saga.
“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.”
GOOD GOING
This isn’t the first time fans of The Good Doctor have had to say goodbye.
Just a few months ago, one of the last original cast members announced he was leaving the show.
Hill Harper, who played Dr. Marcus Andrews on the medical drama, departed to focus on his bid for the U.S. Senate, according to TVLine.
Hill’s campaign spokesperson told the outlet, “Hill Harper feels strongly that there is a crisis in American democracy — too often, government only works for the rich and powerful while the rest of us struggle to find a voice.
“Hill is dedicating his efforts full time to fixing that, and he’s running for the U.S. Senate as an active union member to give working people more of a voice in Congress.”
The actor announced his decision to run for the U.S. Senate in July.
He wrote on Instagram, “We can all feel it. D.C. just isn’t getting things done for people – because special interests always come first.
“As a union organizer, single dad, and business owner, I understand the challenges Michiganders are facing right now. They demand a Senator who’ll do what’s right for ALL of us – not just lobbyists.
“That’s why today, I’m announcing my campaign for U.S. Senate! Believe in better – and please join our movement at the link in my bio.”
