Beloved TV show canceled after seven seasons with fans heartbroken over the news – as others are happy to see it end after branding the series as a ‘ridiculous portrayal of autism’
The internet is divided over the news that ABC’s The Good Doctor has been canceled after seven seasons – with some social media users heartbroken over the news and others cheering after labeling the show as a “ridiculous portrayal of autism.”
The network revealed Thursday that the series would end after the upcoming seventh season, which premieres Feb. 20 — and the announcement has drawn mixed reactions.
Both Instagram and
The show, based on a 2013 South Korean series of the same name, was created by House showrunner David Shore.
The internet is divided over the news that ABC’s The Good Doctor has been canceled after seven seasons
Some social media users are heartbroken over the news, and others are cheering after labeling the show a ‘ridiculous portrayal of autism’
The film premiered in 2017 and stars Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, an autistic surgeon with a troubled past – which continues to haunt him as he adjusts to the harsh realities of being a doctor.
The show premiered in 2017 and stars Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, an autistic surgeon with a troubled past
Amid the news of it going off air, many people shared their heartbreak on social media.
“This can’t be true,” wrote one distraught X user. Another added: “This show was so good,” with a crying emoji.
“I’m definitely going to miss it,” someone else agreed. A fourth said: ‘No. It can’t end now.’
“Sad to see it go, but grateful for the great moments it provided,” a fifth tweet read.
“Thank you for creating a show that portrays autism in such a positive light – with all the highs and lows,” another user wrote. “I will miss this show and all the characters I have come to know and love.”
“I don’t want it to end, I’m autistic and I think it felt good to be represented in a way that others can see what we’re going through,” another fan shared. “I’ve learned so much about non-autistic people through this show.”
‘I had just been diagnosed with autism when I started watching TGD. Shaun helped me understand myself better, and I felt so deeply understood,” another revealed.
The network revealed Thursday that the series will go off the air after its upcoming seventh season — and many people were devastated to see it end
Others, however, called the series “ableist” and celebrated the decision
“I still remember the things this series taught me. Through difficult days and sleepless nights, you will all always have a special place in my heart.”
However, others didn’t have the nicest things to say about the show, especially the way it depicted people with autism.
“Unpopular view: I hate The Good Doctor and I’m so glad its ridiculous portrayal of autism has been canceled,” someone else tweeted.
“Every autistic person within 10 miles just cheered,” another user wrote.
‘Good. Now let’s look at some actual good autistic representation,” someone else responded to the news that it had been canceled.
‘I am on the spectrum and I thank this decision. This show (which made fun of people like me just because of a so-called actor) can be praised by people who have no idea what autism is,” said another disgruntled viewer.
“The ending of Good Doctor made my year,” another shared. ‘Time to abandon stereotypical autism images and create authentic images.’
Freddie, 31, addressed the cancellation in a statement, mentioning playing Dr. Murphy “an enormous privilege” and “one of the most remarkable and rewarding experiences of his life.”
“I will always be grateful to (the executive producers) and the immensely talented – and lovely – cast, writers and crew who made this show possible,” he added.
‘Deep caring is what got us here. Thank you to Sony and ABC, and to everyone who tuned in at home.”
Freddie, 31, addressed the cancellation in a statement, mentioning playing Dr. Murphy “an enormous privilege” and “one of the most remarkable and rewarding experiences of his life.”
Just months before the network confirmed the cancellation, news hit the internet that the show had lost one of its main stars, Hill Harper who played Dr. Marcus Andrews played.
TVLine reported in November that he was leaving the series to focus on his run for the U.S. Senate. He was seen in 2018
Some of the executive producers behind the show, David, Liz Friedman and Erin Gunn, also released a joint statement saying they were “incredibly proud” of the “message” the show delivered.
“The Good Doctor was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but it’s time to say goodbye,” they said.
“We are incredibly proud of the work we have done and the message we have been a part of.
“We look forward to giving our incredible fans, the truly extraordinary Freddie Highmore, the rest of our talented actors (and friends) and the best crew in the business the series ending you all deserve.”
Just months before the network confirmed the cancellation, news hit the internet that the show had lost one of its main stars, Hill Harper who played Dr. Marcus Andrews played.
TVLine reported in November that he was leaving the series to focus on his run for the U.S. Senate.
“Hill strongly believes there is a crisis in American democracy. Too often, government only works for the rich and powerful, while the rest of us struggle to find a voice,” his campaign spokesperson told the publication at the time.
“Hill is devoting his full-time efforts to solving them, and he is running for the U.S. Senate as an active union member to give working people more of a voice in Congress.”