The Good Doctor lines up Desperate Housewives star for spin-off

Desperate Housewives star Felicity Huffman has landed a key role in The Good Doctor's upcoming legal spin-off, The Good Lawyer.

Marking her first role since serving time behind bars for her involvement in the college admissions scandal, Huffman will guest star in the female-led series as Janet Stewart, an intelligent and dry-witted lawyer (via Deadline).

The backdoor pilot, which airs during The Good Doctor's sixth season on March 6, will see Dr. Aaron Glassman (Richard Schiff) hire Janet to represent Dr. Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore) when he finds himself in some legal trouble.

Meanwhile, Nancy Drew's Kennedy McMann takes the lead as Joni DeGroot, a "brilliant and funny" young lawyer with OCD who is relatively new to the firm.

Even though her OCD makes life challenging at times, Joni's attention to detail and compulsive over-thinking allow her "to see cases through a different lens".

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The relationship between Joni and Janet is described as being similar to that of The Good Doctor's Shaun and Glassman, but when Shaun says he wants Joni to represent him, Janet is forced to let her take lead.

Frazer Harrison//Getty Images

In other news, the upcoming fourth season of Nancy Drew will be the CW show's last.

Reacting to the cancellation back in October, leading lady McMann said in a statement: "It has been the greatest pleasure to begin my career as one small part of Nancy Drew's endless legacy.

"What a privilege to walk in her shoes for as long as I have, to be inspired by her and to grow with her. I wish our incredible fans could feel the heart and passion of our crew that has been ever-present on and off screen, day in and day out since the very beginning.

"You are every bit a part of this incredible show as we are. Thank you, thank you, thank you for every ounce of passion and kindness you have shared with me and with each other."

The Good Doctor airs on ABC in the US, and on Sky Witness and NOW in the UK.

Sony Pictures The Good Doctor: Season 1 [DVD]

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Credit: Sony Pictures

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