Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama The Good Doctor, which has been captivating audiences worldwide with its unique approach to medical storytelling and groundbreaking representation.
The Good Doctor premiered on September 25, 2017, and concluded its remarkable seven-season run on May 21, 2024, delivering a total of 126 episodes with an average runtime of 43 minutes each. Now available on Netflix in many regions, this medical drama created by David Shore broke new ground by centering its narrative around a surgeon with autism and savant syndrome.
The series stands out in the crowded medical drama landscape by focusing on neurodiversity and challenging preconceptions about what it means to be a skilled physician. The show follows a talented surgeon with autism and savant syndrome who joins a prestigious hospital, where he faces skepticism from both patients and staff. What makes this drama particularly compelling is its authentic portrayal of autism spectrum disorder while maintaining the high-stakes medical cases that fans of the genre expect.
The show’s tone balances emotional depth with medical procedural elements, creating a viewing experience that’s both educational and deeply moving. Each episode tackles complex medical cases while exploring themes of acceptance, perseverance, and the power of looking beyond surface differences.
The Journey of Dr. Shaun Murphy: From Isolation to Integration
Shaun Murphy, portrayed brilliantly by Freddie Highmore, is a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome who relocates from a quiet country life to join a prestigious hospital’s surgical unit. His character arc throughout the seven seasons represents one of television’s most nuanced portrayals of neurodiversity in a professional setting.
Shaun’s journey begins with him being completely alone in the world, unable to personally connect with those around him. However, his extraordinary medical gifts become his bridge to saving lives and gradually earning the respect of his colleagues. Freddie Highmore’s performance brings authenticity and depth to the character, avoiding stereotypes while showcasing both Shaun’s remarkable abilities and his very human struggles with social interaction and emotional expression.
The evolution of Shaun’s character from a hesitant outsider to a confident surgeon who finds love, friendship, and professional recognition forms the emotional backbone of the entire series. His growth isn’t just professional but deeply personal, as he learns to navigate relationships, marriage, and eventually parenthood.
Dr. Aaron Glassman: The Mentor’s Unwavering Faith
Richard Schiff delivers a powerhouse performance as Dr. Aaron Glassman, the hospital president who becomes Shaun’s greatest advocate and father figure. Glassman’s unwavering belief in Shaun’s abilities, even when others doubt, creates some of the series’ most touching moments.
Their relationship transcends the typical mentor-student dynamic, evolving into a genuine father-son bond that provides emotional anchor points throughout the series. Glassman’s own health struggles and personal challenges add layers of complexity to his character, making him far more than just a supportive figure in Shaun’s story.
The chemistry between Schiff and Highmore brings authenticity to their scenes together, whether they’re discussing complex medical procedures or navigating personal crises. Glassman’s journey from skeptical colleagues to Shaun’s fiercest protector demonstrates the show’s central theme about the transformative power of seeing beyond initial impressions.
The Final Season Climax: Growth, Love, and Legacy
The ABC medical drama bid farewell with a 10-episode Season 7, bringing Shaun’s story to a satisfying conclusion. The final season focuses on Shaun’s continued growth as both a surgeon and a human being, culminating in major personal milestones that longtime fans had been hoping to see.
The climactic episodes deal with Shaun’s evolution into a confident leader within the hospital, his marriage to Lea, and his journey toward starting a family. The writers skillfully balance the medical cases with personal development, ensuring that the conclusion feels both emotionally satisfying and true to the character’s growth throughout the series.
The final season also addresses how far the hospital staff has come in terms of accepting and working with Shaun, showing that his presence has changed not just his own life but the entire workplace culture.
Supporting Characters: Building a World of Acceptance
The ensemble cast, including Hill Harper as Dr. Marcus Andrews and Christina Chang as Dr. Audrey Lim, creates a rich tapestry of characters who each bring their own perspectives to working alongside Shaun. The supporting characters aren’t just background figures but have their own compelling storylines that intersect meaningfully with Shaun’s journey.
Dr. Neil Melendez, Dr. Claire Browne, and Dr. Morgan Reznick each represent different approaches to medicine and to working with Shaun, creating dynamic relationships that drive both conflict and growth throughout the series. The show excels at showing how Shaun’s presence challenges everyone around him to become better versions of themselves.
Success on Netflix: Breaking Barriers and Changing Perspectives
According to TV Guide, one October episode attracted 18.2 million viewers, beating out both high-rated CBS shows NCIS and The Big Bang Theory for the most viewed primetime show that week. The Good Doctor’s success on Netflix continues this impressive viewership, introducing the series to new international audiences who appreciate its unique blend of medical drama and social commentary. The show’s format of self-contained medical cases combined with ongoing character development makes it perfect for both binge-watching and casual viewing. The series stands out for its commitment to authentic representation and its ability to educate viewers about autism spectrum disorders while delivering compelling medical storylines that rival any other show in the genre.
If you love medical dramas with heart, authentic representation, and exceptional character development, The Good Doctor is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. The show proves that the best stories come from embracing what makes us different rather than conforming to expectations.
The Good Doctor delivers a groundbreaking medical drama that combines exceptional storytelling with meaningful representation, proving that different 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)