The Good Doctor, ABC's freshman medical drama, was renewed for a second season after the series brought in impressive ratings on the network, despite originally being rejected from CBS twice.

The series stars Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant-syndrome who leaves behind his rural life in Casper, Wyoming to join the staff at the prestigious St. Bonaventure Hospital in San Jose, California. Though he is unable to connect with his patients and coworkers on a personal level, Murphy quickly proves that his brilliant mind and unusual ways of thinking could make him a valuable member of the hospital's surgical team.

"The Good Doctor's message of inclusiveness resonates with our viewers and is a hallmark of what we aim to accomplish here at ABC," ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey said in a press statement announcing the renewal. "We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Shaun Murphy will be back for another season."



From cast changes to the premiere date, here's everything you need to know before watching season 2.

The Good Doctor Season 2 Trailer

Our first look at season 2 of The Good Doctor will give you goosebumps.

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"Shaun has a uniquely gifted mind. He faces challenges most of us could never imagine," Dr. Aaron Glassman (Richard Schiff) says in the video's voiceover. "He faces challenges most of us could never imagine. Like every one of us, he's made mistakes. But he sees things and has insights that are truly remarkable."

As the voiceover continues, there's a very significant detail about the new season's plot that's so subtle, you probably didn't notice. A medical scan of a brain flashes across the screen, along with the words "Low Grade Glioma"—a type of brain tumor. The scan appears just as Dr. Glassman states: "Shaun gives people hope...including me."



For those who forgot, it was revealed that Dr. Glassman has brain cancer during the season 1 finale. Now, this new teaser seems to suggest that Shaun will play an important role in the treatment plan for his tumors.

The Good Doctor Season 2 Premiere Date

Mark your calendars! ABC officially announced that season 2 will premiere on Monday, September 24. Deadline reports that the show will return in its usual 10 p.m. slot, which was formally troubled for the network but earned impressive ratings with last year's first season.

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2 MONTHS until SEASON 2! #TheGoodDoctor returns Sept 24! pic.twitter.com/Q0xHjrND4H — The Good Doctor (@GoodDoctorABC) July 24, 2018

The Good Doctor Season 2 Cast

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The second season will bring back most of the original cast, with the exception of one notable character. Deadline reports that Dr. Jared Kalu, played by actor Chuku Modu, will not be returning for season 2. In the show, the surgical resident was fired from the hospital after assaulting a doctor who had sexually harassed his girlfriend, and though he was able secure reinstatement of his job through legal blackmail, the season 1 finale saw him accept a surgeon job in Colorado.

Freddie Highmore Will Help Write and Direct Season 2

Not only will Freddie be the star of The Good Doctor, but he will be one of the writers this season as well. Executive produce Thomas L. Moran shared the news on Twitter with a photo of the script for the first episode of Season 2.

Fans were thrilled, and immediately began speculating about what the episode's title, "Hello", could mean.

Dr. Glassman's Cancer Battle Is Not Over

After we found out that Dr. Glassman has brain cancer, executive producer David Shore spoke with EW about what his character's diagnosis would mean for season 2.

"The impact that his condition has on Shaun and himself, and their relationship, is something worth exploring," he said. "I think it’s going to be very relatable. We’ve all had to, or will have to, deal with caring for people we love."



We're already getting emotional. Still, Shore wouldn't give up specifics on whether or not Dr. Glassman would actually be able to recover, after the initial scare of thinking his tumor was inoperable. "He’s not out of the woods yet. He’s got a lot of treatment," Shore revealed. It sounds like this is going to be a major plot point in the coming episodes.

Kelly O'Sullivan Content Strategy Editor Kelly O’Sullivan is the content strategy editor for The Pioneer Woman and manages the website’s social channels, in addition to covering entertainment and lifestyle news.

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