Netflix has kicked off the new year with a major addition for fans of gripping medical dramas, making a substantial portion of the acclaimed series The Good Doctor available for streaming in the UK.
A Major New Year Addition to Netflix
From 1 January 2026, subscribers can dive into just under 100 episodes of the show. While the series concluded with its seventh season, UK viewers can now binge-watch the first five seasons in their entirety on the platform. For those eager to see the final two seasons, they are accessible via the NOW streaming service with an entertainment membership.
The Story Behind The Scalpel
The series was created by David Shore, the renowned creative force behind the global hit House and Sneaky Pete. It stars Freddie Highmore, who also wrote and directed several episodes, as Dr. Shaun Murphy. Murphy is a young surgical resident with autism and savant syndrome who leaves his quiet country life to work at the prestigious San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital.
Supported by his mentor, Dr. Aaron Glassman, Shaun must navigate a world where his extraordinary medical gifts are often met with scepticism from colleagues. The show explores his journey using his unique skills to save lives while struggling to form personal connections, a legacy of his troubled childhood.
Critical Reception and Fan Adoration
Although the show's medical realism has been questioned by some critics, it has forged a powerful connection with a global audience. Many fans hail it as a transformative and emotionally powerful watch.
Following its US debut, The Good Doctor became its network's most-watched premiere in over two decades, dethroning The Big Bang Theory. Fan testimonials included with the announcement reveal its profound impact, with viewers describing it as "life-changing", "one of the best medical series ever", and an inspiring story that "brings you back to reality".
For viewers without a Netflix or NOW subscription, the first five seasons are also currently available to stream for free on Channel 4.
