Hello, everyone! How are you all doing? Today, I’m diving into a review of the drama The Good Doctor, a series that has enchanted viewers globally with its innovative take on medical narratives and pioneering representation.
The Good Doctor made its debut on September 25, 2017, and wrapped up its impressive seven-season journey on May 21, 2024, with a total of 126 episodes, each running around 43 minutes. Now streaming on Netflix in several regions, this medical drama, crafted by David Shore, revolutionized storytelling by focusing on a surgeon who has autism and savant syndrome.
This series distinguishes itself in the bustling world of medical dramas by emphasizing neurodiversity and questioning preconceived notions of what makes a capable doctor. It follows a gifted surgeon with autism and savant syndrome as he joins an esteemed hospital, encountering doubt from both patients and staff. The drama is particularly gripping for its genuine depiction of autism spectrum disorder while maintaining the thrilling medical cases that genre enthusiasts anticipate.
The show’s atmosphere strikes a balance between emotional profundity and medical procedural aspects, crafting a viewing experience that is both enlightening and profoundly touching. Each episode deals with intricate medical scenarios while delving into themes of acceptance, persistence, and the importance of seeing beyond superficial differences.
Dr. Shaun Murphy’s Journey: From Solitude to Belonging
Shaun Murphy, expertly portrayed by Freddie Highmore, is a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome who moves from a tranquil rural life to join the surgical team at a renowned hospital. His character development throughout the seven seasons is one of television’s most sophisticated portrayals of neurodiversity within a professional environment.
Shaun’s story begins with a sense of isolation, unable to forge personal connections. Yet, his exceptional medical talents become the key to saving lives and gradually earning his peers’ respect. Freddie Highmore’s performance lends authenticity and depth to the character, steering clear of stereotypes while highlighting both Shaun’s extraordinary skills and his very human challenges with social interactions and emotional expression.
Shaun’s transformation from a hesitant outsider to a confident surgeon who finds love, friendship, and professional acknowledgment forms the series’ emotional core. His growth is not merely professional but deeply personal, as he learns to manage relationships, marriage, and eventually fatherhood.
Dr. Aaron Glassman: A Mentor’s Steadfast Support
Richard Schiff delivers a stellar performance as Dr. Aaron Glassman, the hospital president who becomes Shaun’s most significant supporter and a paternal figure. Glassman’s unwavering confidence in Shaun’s capabilities, even in the face of doubt from others, creates some of the series’ most heartwarming moments.
Their relationship transcends the typical mentor-student dynamic, evolving into a genuine father-son connection that serves as an emotional anchor throughout the series. Glassman’s own health issues and personal challenges add depth to his character, making him more than just a supportive presence in Shaun’s narrative.
The chemistry between Schiff and Highmore brings authenticity to their interactions, whether they’re tackling complex medical procedures or dealing with personal crises. Glassman’s journey from skeptical colleagues to Shaun’s staunchest defender underscores the series’ central theme about the transformative power of looking beyond initial impressions.
The Climactic Final Season: Growth, Love, and Legacy
The ABC medical drama concluded with a 10-episode Season 7, bringing Shaun’s narrative to a fulfilling close. The final season emphasizes Shaun’s ongoing development as a surgeon and as a person, leading to significant personal milestones anticipated by long-time fans.
The pivotal episodes focus on Shaun’s evolution into a confident hospital leader, his marriage to Lea, and his path toward starting a family. The writers expertly balance the medical cases with personal growth, ensuring the conclusion feels both emotionally satisfying and true to the character’s journey across the series.
The final season also highlights the hospital staff’s progress in accepting and collaborating with Shaun, illustrating how his presence has transformed not only his own life but also the entire workplace culture.
Supporting Cast: Fostering a Culture of Acceptance
The ensemble cast, including Hill Harper as Dr. Marcus Andrews and Christina Chang as Dr. Audrey Lim, contributes to a vibrant array of characters, each offering their unique perspectives on working alongside Shaun. The supporting characters go beyond mere background roles, possessing their own intriguing storylines that intertwine meaningfully with Shaun’s journey.
Dr. Neil Melendez, Dr. Claire Browne, and Dr. Morgan Reznick each embody different approaches to medicine and collaborating with Shaun, fostering dynamic relationships that fuel both conflict and growth throughout the series. The show excels in depicting how Shaun’s presence encourages everyone around him to become better versions of themselves.
Netflix Triumph: Shattering Barriers and Shifting Views
As reported by TV Guide, an October episode attracted 18.2 million viewers, surpassing popular CBS shows NCIS and The Big Bang Theory as the most-watched primetime show that week. The Good Doctor‘s triumph on Netflix extends this impressive viewership, introducing the series to new global audiences who appreciate its distinctive mix of medical drama and social commentary. The show’s format of standalone medical cases paired with ongoing character development makes it ideal for both binge-watching and casual viewing. The series distinguishes itself with its commitment to genuine representation and its capacity to educate audiences about autism spectrum disorders while delivering engaging medical narratives that rival any in the genre.
If you’re a fan of medical dramas infused with heart, authentic representation, and outstanding character growth, The Good Doctor is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. The show proves that the most compelling stories come from embracing what sets us apart rather than conforming to expectations.
The Good Doctor offers a pioneering medical drama that combines remarkable storytelling with meaningful representation, demonstrating that diverse perspectives can save lives in more ways than one.
Series Details:
Number of Episodes: 126 episodes across 7 seasons Platform: Netflix (also aired originally on ABC) Rating: 8.0/10 Genre: Medical Drama Protagonists: Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, Richard Schiff as Dr. Aaron Glassman Antagonist: Various (societal prejudice, medical challenges, personal obstacles)