In The Good Doctor, Freddie Highmore’s Dr. Shaun Murphy doesn’t just stitch wounds—he weaves a tapestry of chosen family. Through Season 4’s COVID arc and Season 7’s finale, “Goodbye,” Shaun’s bonds with Lea, Dr. Glassman, and Claire become the heart of the show. Highmore’s heartfelt performance, blending vulnerability and strength, makes these relationships a beacon for fans of ensemble dramas. Stream all seven seasons on Hulu or ABC to see why Shaun’s family is worth rooting for.
In Season 4’s “Frontline, Part 2,” aired on November 9, 2020, Shaun faces COVID’s toll. As patients overwhelm St. Bonaventure, Shaun supports Claire (Antonia Thomas), who’s grieving, and leans on Lea (Paige Spara) for strength. Highmore’s performance—marked by soft-spoken empathy and fleeting panic—captures Shaun’s growth as a friend and partner. A scene where Shaun holds Claire’s hand, his eyes conveying unspoken understanding, moved fans, with X posts calling it “soul-stirring.” Highmore’s chemistry with Thomas and Spara grounds the episode’s chaos.
In “Goodbye,” aired on May 21, 2024, Shaun bids farewell to Glassman (Richard Schiff). Their final scene, set by a carousel, is a tearjerker. Highmore’s delivery of Shaun’s gratitude, laced with a trembling smile, feels like a love letter to their father-son bond. The episode, tying back to Season 1’s mentorship, showcases Highmore’s arc from isolated resident to family man. Fans on X shared clips, praising Highmore’s emotional depth and the scene’s closure.
Highmore’s Shaun builds family through small, deliberate acts. In “Frontline,” his support for Claire reflects his growing empathy, a far cry from Season 1’s social struggles. Highmore’s subtle gestures—a hesitant touch, a direct gaze—make Shaun’s care tangible. The episode’s stakes, rooted in 2020’s real-world fears, amplify its impact, with Highmore’s performance earning a People’s Choice Award nomination.
The Good Doctor’s ensemble shines through Highmore’s Shaun, making it a binge-worthy hit on Hulu and ABC. From COVID’s trials to a carousel’s farewell, Shaun’s family is a testament to connection. Join the millions who’ve streamed this emotional journey and let Highmore’s performance weave you into Shaun’s world.
