The medical drama genre is a beloved and enduring part of television, with iconic series such as “ER,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “House” dominating the landscape. Each of these shows has its own unique take on the medical profession, and “The Good Doctor” is no exception. What sets it apart, however, is its focus on a protagonist with autism and savant syndrome—an element that reshapes the typical formula for a medical drama.
While “House” presented Dr. Gregory House as a brilliant but deeply flawed doctor, “The Good Doctor” takes a more empathetic and inclusive approach to its lead character. Dr. Shaun Murphy, unlike House, is not driven by cynicism or arrogance. Instead, he navigates his personal and professional life with a sense of innocence and wonder, which allows the audience to experience the world of medicine through his eyes. His savant abilities in medicine make him an exceptional diagnostician, but his challenges with social cues and relationships give him a vulnerability that other medical protagonists often lack.
In comparison to “Grey’s Anatomy,” which leans heavily on interpersonal relationships and hospital drama, “The Good Doctor” places a stronger emphasis on Shaun’s internal growth and the relationships that help him overcome the challenges of living with autism. While “Grey’s Anatomy” also tackles medical ethics and moral dilemmas, it often focuses on the emotional drama between characters. “The Good Doctor” shifts the focus to the internal and external barriers that Shaun must navigate as he works to prove that his autism does not define his worth as a doctor.
Furthermore, “The Good Doctor” is one of the few shows that portrays autism in such a prominent way, offering a more realistic and nuanced look at the condition than previous portrayals in other medical dramas. The show does not rely on stereotypes; instead, it presents a deeply humanized version of Shaun, allowing viewers to see the character as more than just his diagnosis. In this way, “The Good Doctor” stands as a beacon for more inclusive and diverse storytelling in the medical genre.
