'The Good Doctor': ABC announces early Season 4 renewal of medical drama amid threats of Writers Guild strike
It wasn't a question of whether but when the renewal would be announced for ABC's 'The Good Doctor', starring Freddie Highmore. The Disney-owned broadcaster handed out a fourth season renewal to the medical drama developed by David Shore on February 10. This comes on the heels of news that the show has become ABC's number one show among viewer demographic of 18 to 49 years of age and had touched a figure of 9.6 million and counting.
The series is a co-production between Sony Pictures Television and ABC Studios, and has Daniel Dae Kim, Erin Gunn, David Kim and Sebastian Lee as executive producers, besides showrunner David Shore.
“We are incredibly thankful to ABC for all their continued support and to David Shore for bringing 'The Good Doctor' to television at the exact right moment; the show’s complicated, surprising and emotional journey is the perfect prescription for right now,” said Jason Clodfelter, co-president of Sony Pictures Television, in a statement.
'The Good Doctor' joins the network's other medical drama 'Grey's Anatomy' among early renewals by the network that is planning ahead amid the looming threat of a Writers Guild strike. Based on the lessons from the last strike, most networks are keen to stockpile scripts for the next season.
Traditionally, ABC waits to do the bulk of its renewals in May. Under ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke — who is now in her second year as head of the network — ABC has started to solidify its schedule sooner, with early renewals for popular series.
"'The Good Doctor' has been a cornerstone on Monday nights and is one of those special, heartfelt series that fearlessly tackles inclusivity,” Burke said in a statement to the press, announcing the pickup. "David Shore’s thoughtful storytelling, combined with an incredible cast led by Freddie Highmore’s nuanced performance as Dr. Shaun Murphy, are what have made this series a breakout hit over the past three seasons, and I’m excited to see where they take us next," she added.