TV Review: The Good Doctor, Starring Freddie Highmore, on ABC

When The Good Doctor premiered on ABC, it was met with curiosity and cautious optimism. A medical drama about an autistic surgical resident with savant syndrome could easily have gone wrong — reduced to stereotypes or sentimentality. Instead, the series, led by Freddie Highmore’s extraordinary performance, became one of the most compelling and emotionally intelligent shows on network television.

Highmore stars as Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon who joins San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital. Shaun’s brilliance in medicine is matched only by his difficulty navigating social situations, a result of his autism. It’s a role that could have felt clinical or exaggerated in the wrong hands, but Highmore, known for his nuanced work in Bates Motel, brings empathy, precision, and quiet intensity. His portrayal is never caricatured; instead, it’s deeply human — a window into a mind that sees the world differently but beautifully.

What sets The Good Doctor apart from other hospital dramas isn’t just the cases, though they’re often gripping and inventive. It’s the show’s heart. Creator David Shore, the mind behind House, crafts a series that balances the thrill of medical mysteries with genuine emotional depth. Like House, it centers on a gifted but socially challenged doctor. Unlike House, the show’s optimism and moral core make it refreshingly hopeful.

Highmore’s Shaun isn’t the only standout. Richard Schiff delivers a quietly powerful performance as Dr. Aaron Glassman, Shaun’s mentor and father figure. Their relationship anchors the show, exploring themes of trust, independence, and compassion. The supporting cast — including Antonia Thomas, Hill Harper, and Christina Chang — adds richness, creating a believable hospital ecosystem where professional and personal challenges often collide.

Visually, The Good Doctor maintains the slick, fast-paced rhythm expected of modern network dramas, but it’s the emotional beats that linger. Moments like Shaun’s first major surgery, his struggles to connect with patients, or his heart-wrenching breakdowns after failure, remind viewers that the show isn’t about medicine alone — it’s about understanding and acceptance.

Over the seasons, The Good Doctor has evolved, tackling complex issues such as workplace bias, relationships, and the meaning of empathy in a high-stakes environment. It has also deepened its exploration of neurodiversity, giving visibility to experiences rarely portrayed so sensitively on television.

Freddie Highmore’s Golden Globe-nominated performance is the beating heart of it all. His Shaun is vulnerable yet brilliant, awkward yet endearing, making audiences root for him at every turn. It’s a testament to Highmore’s skill that viewers forget they’re watching an actor and instead feel as if they know Shaun personally.

Ultimately, The Good Doctor succeeds because it sees difference as strength. It invites audiences to look beyond labels and find humanity in places they might not expect. In a genre often saturated with formulaic plots, this show stands out for its compassion, intelligence, and unflinching honesty.