The acclaimed medical drama The Good Doctor has surged in popularity after landing on Netflix, quickly securing a spot among the streamer's most-watched titles. This renewed interest has sparked a key question from UK viewers: is the show's star, Freddie Highmore, autistic in real life, just like his character?
The Role vs. Reality
In the series, Highmore delivers a compelling performance as Dr Shaun Murphy, a brilliant surgical resident with autism and Savant Syndrome. The narrative follows his journey at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital, where initial scepticism from colleagues gives way to respect for his exceptional medical mind.
However, despite his convincing portrayal, Freddie Highmore himself is not autistic. The actor has no developmental conditions. He took on the role shortly after concluding a five-series run on Bates Motel, where he played a young Norman Bates. Initially, Highmore turned down the part due to exhaustion but later reconsidered, dedicating himself to understanding Shaun's character.
Preparing for the Part
Highmore's preparation was meticulous. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, he explained his approach, stating he had personal connections to autism and undertook significant research. "I saw a brilliant documentary on Netflix called 'Autism in Love,' which is great because it focuses on the most human, deepest emotion that we may feel, which is being in love," Highmore revealed.
Critically, he did not work alone. The production team hired behavioural and autism consultant Melissa Reiner to ensure an authentic and respectful depiction. Reiner's goal was to avoid caricature, focusing on Shaun Murphy as a whole person. She told Kerry Magro, "The fact that he also has a diagnosis of autism, is only one part of who this person is." Reiner emphasised that the character often teaches those around him about life, making her involvement an honour.
A Streaming Success Story
The show's arrival on Netflix on 8 January 2026 has introduced Dr Shaun Murphy's story to a vast new audience, driving its chart success. Highmore's nuanced performance, built on research and expert guidance, continues to be a cornerstone of the series' appeal, highlighting the importance of accurate representation on screen.
The Good Doctor is now available to stream in full on Netflix.
