Everything to Know About ABC’s ‘The Good Doctor’ Spinoff ‘The Good Lawyer’: The Backdoor Pilot and More

Credit: ABC/Jeff Weddell

Everything to Know About ABC’s ‘The Good Doctor’ Spinoff ‘The Good Lawyer’: The Backdoor Pilot and More

ABC introduced viewers to The Good Doctor’s spinoff, The Good Lawyer, with a backdoor pilot in March 2023 — but eight months later the show was canceled. In January 2023, news broke that a backdoor pilot for the hit medical drama was in the works. According to the synopsis, Dr. Shaun Murphy’s (Freddie Highmore) crosses paths with young attorney Joni (Kennedy McMann) while looking for help with a case. Joni and Shaun develop an understanding because she can relate to him due to her obsessive-compulsive disorder. The Good Lawyer marked McMann’s first TV role after starring in The CW’s Nancy Drew from 2019 to 2023. The pilot episode also introduced Joni’s boss, who is played by Felicity Huffman. “THE DREAMIEST DREAM COME TRUE!!!!!” McMann captioned an Instagram post with the exciting show news in January 2023, noting that she felt a connection to her character due to her own OCD. “To be working on a project like this, to be a part of a representation of OCD in media that is genuine & true, is all I have ever wanted & more than I could have ever hoped for.” Scroll on for everything to know about The Good Lawyer:

Credit: ABC/Jeff Weddell

Everything to Know About ABC’s ‘The Good Doctor’ Spinoff ‘The Good Lawyer’: The Backdoor Pilot and More

ABC introduced viewers to The Good Doctor’s spinoff, The Good Lawyer, with a backdoor pilot in March 2023 — but eight months later the show was canceled. In January 2023, news broke that a backdoor pilot for the hit medical drama was in the works. According to the synopsis, Dr. Shaun Murphy’s (Freddie Highmore) crosses paths with young attorney Joni (Kennedy McMann) while looking for help with a case. Joni and Shaun develop an understanding because she can relate to him due to her obsessive-compulsive disorder. The Good Lawyer marked McMann’s first TV role after starring in The CW’s Nancy Drew from 2019 to 2023. The pilot episode also introduced Joni’s boss, who is played by Felicity Huffman. “THE DREAMIEST DREAM COME TRUE!!!!!” McMann captioned an Instagram post with the exciting show news in January 2023, noting that she felt a connection to her character due to her own OCD. “To be working on a project like this, to be a part of a representation of OCD in media that is genuine & true, is all I have ever wanted & more than I could have ever hoped for.” Scroll on for everything to know about The Good Lawyer:

Credit: ABC/Jeff Weddell

When Did 'The Good Lawyer' Pilot Air?

The introduction to The Good Doctor spinoff aired on ABC Monday, March 13, at 10 p.m. ET.

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Which Actors Starred in 'The Good Lawyer'?

McMann and Huffman appeared in the pilot alongside Bethlehem Million and were set to continue the roles if the show got picked up. Highmore, who has appeared in The Good Doctor since its debut, also made an onscreen cameo in the first episode.

Credit: Jeff Weddell/ABC

What Was 'The Good Doctor' Backdoor Pilot About? 

The episode introduced McMann as Joni DeGroot, who has obsessive-compulsive disorder. The pilot revealed that her boss would also play a major role as Joni tried to help Shaun with a case.

Credit: ABC/Jeff Weddell

What Did the 1st Look at the Backdoor Pilot Reveal?

In March 2023, ABC released photos of McMann's character in court.

Credit: ABC/Jeff Weddell

Did Characters From Both Shows Interact in the Pilot?

Shaun and Jodi were seen interacting in a show still and viewers later saw multiple scenes with both characters.

Credit: ABC/Jeff Weddell

How Did Fans Respond to 'The Good Lawyer' Backdoor Pilot?

Following the March 2023 episode, TVLine polled viewers for their reaction to the show. According to the outlet, 90 percent of its readers voted in favor of a full series.

Credit: ABC

Was 'The Good Lawyer' Picked Up for a Full Season?

TVLine reported in November 2023 that The Good Lawyer was not given a full-season order. Us Weekly reached out to ABC for further comment.