It was recently announced via Deadline, that the episode of The Good Doctor that sets up the potential spinoff The Good Lawyer has changed its premiere date. The episode that introduced the main characters of the spinoff was originally going to air on March 6. Still, due to storytelling, the decision was made to air the episode a week later on March 13.
According to Deadline, ABC ordered the embedded pilot episode that will introduce the protagonists of the new spinoff in an episode of The Good Doctor. The episode will guest star Kennedy McMann (Nancy Drew, Tell Me Lies) and Felicity Huffman (Desperate Housewives, Otherhood) and introduce them to the audience. The introductory episode was written by the co-showrunners of The Good Doctor David Shore (Sneaky Pete, House) and Liz Friedman (Elementary, Jessica Jones), and it was directed by Ruben Fleischer (Uncharted, Zombieland).
The Good Doctor episode will follow protagonist Dr. Shaun Murphy, played by Freddie Highmore (Bates Motel, The Vault), as he seeks legal representation to help him win a case. He chooses a young lawyer, Joni DeGroot, played by McMann, who has obsessive-compulsive disorder.
According to Deadline, young lawyer DeGroot is described as brilliant, funny, and self-aware as she begins her journey in the prestigious law firm that leads her to Shaun and his case. Even though Joni lives with OCD, she just wants to be treated like everyone else. While the symptoms interfere with her personal and professional life, her attention to detail allows her to see the cases given to her through a different lens.
As for Huffman, she will guest star as Janet Stewart, who is described as having a fierce intellect and dry wit while also being a highly regarded attorney and partner at the law firm. An experienced lawyer, Janet has represented Dr. Aaron Glassman, played by Richard Schiff (Ballers, The Affair), in many legal matters over the years. That is why he recommends her to his beloved protégé. But Shaun decides to have Joni represent him, and Janet is forced to let Joni take lead on the case.
According to Deadline, the relationship between the protagonists of The Good Lawyer is somewhat similar to the relationship that Shaun and Glassman share in The Good Doctor.
The introduction of The Good Lawyer spinoff will air on ABC on March 13. All seasons of The Good Doctor are available on Amazon Prime.