The hit medical drama The Good Doctor has found a massive new audience after landing on Netflix in the UK, swiftly rising into the platform's Top 10 most-watched list. The series, which originally aired on ABC, has outperformed popular titles like Emily in Paris and Revealed: Death Cap Murders since its addition to the streaming library.
Is Shaun Murphy Based on a Real Surgeon?
At the heart of the show is Freddie Highmore's acclaimed portrayal of Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgical resident with autism and savant syndrome at the fictional San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital. A key question for many viewers is whether this complex character was modelled on a real-life individual. The definitive answer from the show's creators is no. Shaun Murphy was not based on a single, real person.
Instead, the character is a carefully constructed composite. Creator David Shore explained to TV Line that the team undertook extensive research, watching numerous documentaries and, crucially, consulting with individuals on the autism spectrum. "We have people on the spectrum who we're working with," Shore stated, emphasising their commitment to authentic representation.
Navigating the 'Razor's Edge' of Representation
The series, which is a remake of a 2013 South Korean show, ran for seven seasons from 2017 until its finale in May 2024. While it garnered a loyal fanbase, it also faced scrutiny over its storylines and depiction of autism. Kerry Magro, a writer for Autism Speaks who is himself on the spectrum, highlighted the challenge in a review, describing it as a "razor's edge" between creating meaningful programming and avoiding 'inspiration porn'.
Magro noted that The Good Doctor does a fine job of navigating this razor's edge, praising Highmore's debut performance for showing several characteristics that can accompany an autism diagnosis. Shore further clarified that Shaun is "a very specific character" who is "not there to represent autism." The core narrative challenge, he noted, was often Shaun's communication skills, where being medically correct could still lead to failure if he couldn't convey the information effectively.
A Satisfying Conclusion to a Seven-Season Journey
The show was renewed for its seventh and final season in April 2023, with episodes airing from February 2024. Freddie Highmore expressed satisfaction with how the series concluded, telling Parade that he loved how it "brought things full circle." He highlighted a particularly moving scene filmed in the same boardroom from the pilot episode, where Shaun has a poignant conversation with Dr. Glassman and Lea.
Despite mixed reviews from critics overall, Highmore's individual performance was consistently highly commended. His preparation and nuanced portrayal of a skilled doctor navigating everyday social challenges resonated deeply with audiences. Now, with all seasons available on Netflix, a new wave of UK viewers is discovering the unique world of The Good Doctor and the enduring legacy of Shaun Murphy.
