‘The Good Doctor’ season 2 renewal: ABC confirms show’s return for 2018-2019

ABC has announced that its hit medical drama series “The Good Doctor” will be scrubbing back for season 2. The show, which stars Freddie Highmore as the doctor with autism, will be part of the network’s TV slate for the 2018-2019 season.

the good doctor

“‘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, 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.”

The press release below also highlighted the show’s performance in the ratings in its debut season.

Currently in its first season, “The Good Doctor” has been a breakout since its premiere in 2017. It has become ABC’s most watched freshmen series in 13 years and is delivering triple-digit year-over-year time period increases to Monday’s 10 o’clock hour for ABC in Total Viewers (+172%) and Adults 18-49 (+162%). In fact, “The Good Doctor” is producing the strongest improvement to any hour across the major networks’ schedules this season.

Highmore plays Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, who relocates from a quiet country life to join the prestigious St. Bonaventure hospital’s surgical unit. Alone in the world and unable to personally connect with those around him, his only advocate, Dr. Aaron Glassman (Richard Schiff), challenges the skepticism and prejudices of the hospital’s board and staff when he brings him in to join the team. Shaun will need to work harder than he ever has before, as he navigates his new environment and relationships to prove to his colleagues that his extraordinary medical gifts will save lives.

The show also stars Antonia Thomas as Dr. Claire Browne, Nicholas Gonzalez as Dr. Neil Melendez, Chuku Modu as Dr. Jared Kalu, Beau Garrett as Jessica Preston, Hill Harper as Dr. Marcus Andrews, Richard Schiff as Dr. Aaron Glassman and Tamlyn Tomita as Allegra Aoki.

David Shore developed “The Good Doctor” for ABC based on a South Korean series.  Daniel Dae Kim, David Kim and Sebastian Lee serve as executive producers.