After six emotionally charged seasons and a loyal fan base that continues to grow, The Good Doctor is celebrating a major television milestone — its 100th episode. But this isn’t just a celebratory marker for the ABC medical drama. According to showrunner Liz Friedman, this episode is both a reflection of where the show has been and a bold glimpse into where it’s going, especially for Freddie Highmore’s brilliant and beloved character, Dr. Shaun Murphy.
In a recent exclusive, Friedman opened up about how reaching 100 episodes gave the writers a perfect opportunity to shake things up, push Shaun into new emotional territory, and realign the series with the larger questions that have always made The Good Doctor more than just another hospital show.
A Journey That Redefined Representation
Since The Good Doctor premiered in 2017, viewers have followed Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgical resident with autism and savant syndrome, as he navigates the often chaotic, high-pressure world of medicine. With Freddie Highmore’s nuanced and deeply respectful portrayal, the series managed to bring neurodiversity into mainstream entertainment in a way few network dramas had dared before.
The series was never simply about Shaun overcoming obstacles — it was about the medical establishment adapting and learning from him too. As Shaun grew more confident in the operating room, so did his voice outside of it. We watched him fall in love, confront his past, face discrimination, and take on fatherhood. And now, as the series nears its conclusion, the writers are using episode 100 as both a reward and a reckoning.
A “Big Deal” Episode That Looks Forward
In teasing the 100th episode, Liz Friedman said, “It’s a big deal for any show to get to 100, but we didn’t want to just do a victory lap. We wanted to ask ourselves, what’s next for Shaun — not just as a doctor, but as a man?”
This question becomes the thematic spine of the episode. As Shaun settles into married life with Lea and juggles the demands of parenthood, the hospital throws him a curveball that puts his leadership and judgment to the test. And while Friedman didn’t spoil any major plot twists, she confirmed that the episode will set up a “seasonal pivot” that realigns Shaun’s internal compass and pushes him to rethink what kind of doctor — and person — he wants to be.
Fans can expect emotional callbacks to earlier seasons, some returning faces (yes, a few surprises are in store), and an ethical dilemma that pushes Shaun in ways we haven’t seen since his early residency days.
Growth in Every Direction
Freddie Highmore has often spoken about how he’s grown alongside Shaun. What started as an acting challenge — embodying a complex character with such unique mannerisms and emotional rhythms — has turned into a personal and professional evolution. Highmore, who also serves as a producer on the show, has been deeply involved in shaping Shaun’s arc, especially in recent seasons.
With the 100th episode, Highmore’s commitment is on full display. “You’ll see a version of Shaun who’s still very much himself but is also learning how to adapt — not to please others, but to be the kind of father and husband he wants to be,” Friedman shared.
That sense of responsibility and maturity is something fans have wanted to see explored more deeply. While Shaun’s surgical skill has never been in doubt, the emotional weight of his personal life — especially in a world that constantly underestimates him — is now coming to the forefront.
A Series in Transition
While the show continues to thrive with a steady viewership and passionate fan discussions across Reddit, Twitter, and fan forums, there’s also a sense that The Good Doctor is entering its final chapters. Season 7 has already introduced major narrative changes, including shifts in the hospital’s power structure, new interns, and a more introspective tone.
Friedman didn’t confirm whether Season 7 will be the last, but she did acknowledge that the creative team is “writing with an endpoint in mind,” allowing for both closure and surprises. The 100th episode is key to that planning. “We wanted it to be meaningful — not just because it’s number 100, but because it sets off a chain of events that will ripple through the rest of the season.”
One of the most talked-about developments is Shaun’s struggle with balancing his surgical career and family responsibilities. In past seasons, we’ve seen him hesitate to speak up, to defer to authority figures, or to avoid confrontation altogether. Now, as a father and a senior voice at the hospital, those days are behind him. This episode is about stepping up.
Fans Reflect on Shaun’s Legacy
The fan response to the upcoming episode has already been electric. Reddit threads are buzzing with theories: Will Dr. Glassman return in a more prominent role? Will we get closure for Claire Browne’s storyline? Could Shaun make a dramatic career pivot?
Regardless of how the plot unfolds, what’s clear is that Shaun’s journey has left a lasting imprint. For viewers with autism or those raising children on the spectrum, Shaun isn’t just a character — he’s a symbol of visibility and hope. The writers have always walked a careful line between portraying Shaun’s neurodiversity accurately and not reducing him to a collection of symptoms.
It’s that balance — of storytelling and social responsibility — that continues to make The Good Doctor so resonant. Episode 100 promises to amplify that legacy.
What Comes Next
As the series continues into the second half of Season 7, fans can expect an emotional rollercoaster. Relationships will be tested, new challenges will arise at the hospital, and Shaun will face one of the most difficult decisions of his career — one that could redefine what success means to him.
Whether or not the show concludes this season, Liz Friedman’s vision for the 100th episode makes one thing clear: Shaun’s story still has more to say. And as long as fans are willing to listen, The Good Doctor will keep healing in more ways than one.
