As fans eagerly await the highly anticipated seventh season of The Good Doctor, they find themselves guessing which beloved characters will continue to grace their screens! If you’re wondering the same, then continue reading to find out more.
After seeing the cliffhanger of the previous season, fans are anxiously anticipating the return of the acclaimed series for its highly anticipated seventh season in order to learn what lies next for Dr. Shaun Murphy and his colleagues! But, amidst all the rising excitement, there’s one burning question on everyone’s minds: “Who won’t be back to San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital?”
This is a crucial concern of the fans that need to be addressed, as the show has been well-known for delving into gripping changes and surprising departures that usually leave the audience surprised, like us! So, if you want to know in advance which characters might not return in the new chapter, don’t worry. You have reached the right spot!
For your convenience, we have listed down all the details that might have affected the cast members’ direct departure from the show, as networks are considering major budget cuts as a direct result of the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes that will put the series on the air for another season but at the expense of a delayed release with some major cast shake-up!
For your convenience, we have listed four main characters who might not return as follows:
Brandon Larracuente as Dr. Daniel “Danny” Perez
Ahead of the sixth season finale, it was confirmed that Brandon Larracuente would not return for the seventh season. Brandon Larracuente was written out of the show in the Season 6 finale after his character, Daniel Perez, was in a terrible car accident. Perez survived the accident but had to be put on painkillers to make it through his treatment. He made the decision to check himself into rehab and move back home after being given the drugs. However, he would be open to reprising the role in a guest capacity which is a good sign for any future comebacks.
Hill Harper as Dr. Marcus Andrews
Recently, Hill Harper also announced that he’s running for U.S. Senate in Michigan on his official Instagram handle.
The official statement from Hill Harper reads: “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 the U.S. Senate!”
Due to this, many fans have speculated that his campaign will presumably interfere with his role on the show, and it is one of the prominent reasons why he won’t return in the new season. We don’t know what will happen to his character in the upcoming season as nothing has officially been confirmed by the network, for which we’ll have to wait some time!
Osvaldo Benavides as Dr. Mateo Rendón Osma
After being set up as a main cast member and becoming one in season 5, it was announced shortly after that the character would be leaving. Even though his character was a great addition to the cast, Osma quit the show because he had to travel to Guatemala immediately for a critical surgical assignment.
Ever since then, the fans have constantly hoped that the abrupt explanation for his exit might be expanded upon in the future, but considering how much time has elapsed, we don’t anticipate hearing from the character any time soon. This makes us speculate that the character might have gone for good and won’t be returning for the seventh season!
Richard Schiff as Dr. Aaron Glassman
The former President of San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital and now attending neurosurgeon’s fate in the series is quite unclear, as the network hasn’t confirmed if he’s leaving or coming back for Season 7. However, fans believe that his storyline at the end of The Good Doctor Season 6 could be setting up his exit. In the last season, we saw Dr. Shaun Murphy present Dr. Audrey Lim with a scan of Glassman’s brain, which revealed a region that was thought to be irreversibly damaged brain tissue after a stroke.
In the following episode, Lim decides to stop Glassman from having surgery, but he objects and says he’ll sue if that happens. Later in the episode, while doing surgery, Glassman forgets what to do next and leaves the procedure. After watching these scenes, it makes one wonder, just like the beloved fans are questioning whether the plot of The Good Doctor was preparing Glassman to depart the show by having him leave his position as a physician at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital.
If the network wants to reduce the screen time of some characters because of the ongoing strikes, then there is a chance that Dr. Aaron Glassman might not return to the show. We’ll just have to wait and see what the future holds!
How we're going into the weekend 😜 pic.twitter.com/j3wVLKnh5z
— The Good Doctor (@GoodDoctorABC) June 30, 2023
The Good Doctor Season 7 Release Date: When will it premiere on ABC?
The seventh season was ordered on April 19, 2023, by ABC, which isn’t surprising as it ranks as the #1 entertainment series in Monday’s 10 p.m. hour this season among Adults 18–49, tying with well-known series like “Quantum Leap.” Since then, the renewal has raised many eyebrows as fans were curious to know about the future of the show, as filming was initially expected to commence sometime around August 2023, just like the prior seasons.
But after the sudden writer’s and actor strike breakout, it is highly doubtful whether the creators will be able to release the new season for the 2023-24 fall broadcasting season. Right now, it seems ABC has postponed the series’ release for this year. This report has confirmed that ABC has shifted the fall schedule until next year as the network won’t premiere any scripted shows and will include all the unscripted shows, which include game shows, reality dating shows, etc., to cover up the fall broadcast season due to the lack of active writers due to the strike.
Until there is any more confirmation, we speculate that the season has been rescheduled entirely for next year, with the premiere date set for early to mid-2024 every Monday at 10 p.m./9 c. on the network, as many reports have also suggested that ABC has put a hold on major production until next year. In conclusion, any updates relating to this subject are just pure conjecture, as no comment about it has been made by the verified source.
So, we recommend readers follow social media handles to catch up with all the details whenever they are published. Also, check out the official renewal announcement as shared on The Good Doctor’s Twitter handle, quoting, “Get your scrubs ready, as #TheGoodDoctor is coming back for a new season.” Take a look at the official post below:
Get your scrubs ready, as #TheGoodDoctor is coming back for a new season 💙 pic.twitter.com/2O8PeIDhfs
— The Good Doctor (@GoodDoctorABC) April 19, 2023
The Good Doctor Season 7 Plot: What to expect in the new season?
Sadly, not much has been revealed, but we are certain that the theme will remain consistent in order to convey the story!
Recently, Liz Friedman assured the readers that they can expect some new blood in Season 7 by stating, “Yes, I think so. We’re going to have a little bit of a new, interesting sort of presentation for that new blood this time around.” After all, The Good Doctor is based on the 2013 K-drama Good Doctor but has made substantial storyline diversions from the original series since the first season.
The series has endeavored to remain unique in its storytelling and character arcs, which will continue in the upcoming season. Dr. Shaun Murphy, a surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, relocates from a quiet country life to join a prestigious hospital’s surgical unit. Alone in the world and unable to personally connect with those around him, Shaun uses his extraordinary medical gifts to save lives at St. Bonaventure Hospital’s surgical unit and challenges the skepticism of his colleagues.
Mom + Dad 🥰 pic.twitter.com/zr34aekJD9
— The Good Doctor (@GoodDoctorABC) July 10, 2023
Following their long-awaited wedding festivities and his promotion to surgical attending, Shaun and Lea’s relationship is immediately put to the test, and they must learn to navigate life together as a married couple. Meanwhile, the team is dealing with changes at the hospital and in their personal lives that will present new emotional and interpersonal challenges for them. As of writing this, we can assure readers that the specifics of the seventh season have been kept under wraps.
But it is without a doubt clear that the plot of the next season is expected to continue from the sixth season’s finale, “Love’s Labor,” which will follow Shaun and Lea as they head to the delivery room and everyone from the hospital is there, except for one very important person. Meanwhile, a tragic accident involving Drs. Perez and Kalu pull everyone away, including Dr. Murphy. While you wait for the next chapter, take a look at the official finale episode promo below:
The Good Doctor Season 7 Cast: Who will return in the new season?
The main cast who are expected to return are as follows: Freddie Highmore as Shaun Murphy, Fiona Gubelmann as Morgan Reznick, Will Yun Lee as Alex Park, Christina Chang as Audrey Lim, Paige Spara as Lea Dilallo, Bria Samoné Henderson as Jordan Allen, Noah Galvin as Asher Wolke, Richard Schiff as Aaron Glassman, and Hill Harper as Marcus Andrews. Savannah Welch, who plays Dr. Danica “Danni” Powell as one of the new residents in season 6, is also expected to return.
Many recurring cast members are also anticipated to join the principal cast in the new season. Lastly, “The Good Doctor,” is executive produced and co-show run by David Shore and Liz Friedman. Additional executive producers include Daniel Dae Kim, Erin Gunn, Thomas L. Moran, David Hoselton, Peter Blake, Jessica Grasl, Garrett Lerner, Mike Listo, Highmore, Shawn Williamson, David Kim, and Sebastian Lee. The series hails from Sony Pictures Television and ABC Signature.
Freddie Highmore, Director 🎬 #TheGoodDoctor pic.twitter.com/sEaLHKJguV
— The Good Doctor (@GoodDoctorABC) July 3, 2023
The Good Doctor Season 7 Episodes: Where to stream?
We can assure the readers that the official episode count of the new season hasn’t been revealed by the network. But if we follow the pattern then the show is likely to consist of at least 18 to 22 episodes with an average runtime of 41 to 44 minutes, which are expected to drop on a weekly basis. This count can be changed in case the two strikes aren’t resolved soon, which will eventually force the creators to shorten the season and release them earlier. If it happens, details will be confirmed later.
In the meantime, we recommend the reader check out all the seasons of The Good Doctor, which are currently on FuboTV and Hulu Plus, among other digital streaming services. The series is also available to rent or buy on iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Google Play, and Vudu, with a vast number of membership plans according to the preferences of the users. The series is also available on ABC’s official website and app, where the episodes are published after they air on the channel.
Streaming #TheGoodDoctor on Hulu to see our favorite cast 🤩 pic.twitter.com/i3dYRa5EwN
— The Good Doctor (@GoodDoctorABC) June 9, 2023
The Good Doctor Season 7 Official Trailer: Is it available?
Unfortunately, the ABC network hasn’t released any new teaser trailers for the new season, as filming hasn’t even commenced, which makes it impossible for the network to create and promote a teaser with new clips from the upcoming season to reveal some plotlines. Hence, we urge the readers to wait and be patient for some time!
In the meantime, check out this newly released official trailer for The Good Doctor Season 6, which showcases the season also exploring Shaun becoming a surgical resident at St. Bonaventure Hospital’s surgical unit. He faces more responsibility and pressure. He must deal with an attack on the hospital, new residents, and Lea’s high-risk pregnancy while navigating relationships to become a good leader and dad so that he can maintain his now stable life.
While you wait for more updates on The Good Doctor Season 7, catch up with the previous seasons, which are now available to stream on ABC.