The Good Doctor prepares to conclude its seven-season run, fans of the hit ABC medical drama have something brand new to look forward to: a spin-off series is officially in the works — and it comes with an exciting twist. A beloved alum from Desperate Housewives is set to join the new show, breathing fresh energy into the Good Doctor universe and signaling a bold new direction for the franchise.

According to the show’s producers, Huffman’s character will be “complicated, layered, and crucial to shaping the moral compass of the show.” It’s a powerful pairing that could draw in fans of both dramas, especially those craving stories about strong, intelligent women navigating high-stakes careers.

Who Else Is Involved?

Alongside Huffman, Kennedy McMann (known for Nancy Drew) will reprise her role as Joni DeGroot, the young lawyer whose obsessive-compulsive disorder adds both challenges and insight to her work. Her performance in the backdoor pilot earned strong praise, and McMann herself has spoken openly about her own experience with OCD — lending authenticity and vulnerability to the role.

The showrunners behind The Good Doctor, including David Shore and Liz Friedman, will also helm The Good Lawyer, ensuring the same heartfelt tone and high-quality writing fans expect.

Themes and Direction: From Surgery to the Courtroom

While The Good Doctor focused on life-saving decisions in the operating room, The Good Lawyer will explore high-stakes cases in the courtroom, while continuing to center neurodiverse voices and struggles with mental health.

Joni’s OCD will not be a gimmick, but a central and serious part of the show’s identity. Expect storylines that examine how the legal system treats people who think differently — and how those same people can succeed in spaces that often feel stacked against them.

Early buzz suggests that the show will mix courtroom tension with deeply personal narratives, mirroring the emotional resonance that made The Good Doctor so successful.

Why This Spin-Off Matters

The Good Lawyer isn’t just an expansion of a successful show — it’s part of a broader movement in television to center characters with mental health conditions and neurodivergence, not as sidekicks or stereotypes, but as leads.

In a statement, Kennedy McMann said:

“It means so much to be able to portray a character like Joni — someone who lives with OCD and is not defined by it, but shaped by it. This is the kind of role I wish I had seen on TV growing up.”

Fans of The Good Doctor have long praised the series for its honest and empathetic portrayal of autism through Shaun Murphy. The Good Lawyer seems poised to do the same for OCD — and adding Felicity Huffman to the mix only raises the emotional stakes.

When Will It Air?

While ABC has not confirmed a premiere date, industry insiders believe The Good Lawyer could launch as early as midseason 2025, shortly after The Good Doctor concludes. Production is expected to begin later this year, and more casting announcements are on the way.

Given the built-in fanbase, familiar creative team, and the high-profile casting of Felicity Huffman, the spin-off is likely to be a priority for the network.

The Good Doctor has always been more than just a medical drama — it’s been a story about overcoming odds, redefining success, and embracing difference. As that series comes to a close, The Good Lawyer is ready to carry that legacy forward.

With the powerful return of Felicity Huffman, the inspiring performance of Kennedy McMann, and the creative minds that built The Good Doctor, this spin-off promises to deliver emotional, thought-provoking storytelling for a new generation.