Autism Drama ‘The Good Doctor’ Awarded New Season
With sky-high ratings, network executives are green-lighting a second season for a prime-time drama centering on a physician on the spectrum.
ABC said this week that “The Good Doctor” will be back for the 2018-2019 season.
The hourlong drama stars Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, a surgeon with autism and savant syndrome who is medically gifted, but struggles to connect with those around him.
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The show debuted last fall as ABC’s most-watched new series in 13 years and continues to generate strong viewership.
“The Good Doctor’s message of inclusiveness resonates with our viewers and is a hallmark of what we aim to accomplish here at ABC,” said Channing Dungey, president of ABC Entertainment. “This series has quickly joined the zeitgeist and broken records in the competitive television landscape. We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Shaun Murphy will be back for another season.”
Though welcomed by many in the autism community, some have criticized Highmore’s casting since he is not actually on the spectrum. The show has included an appearance by Coby Bird, an actor with autism who played a patient with the developmental disorder.
“The Good Doctor” airs Mondays at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.
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