It took just one season—13 emotionally gripping episodes—for The Good Doctor to not only capture hearts worldwide but also shine a spotlight on Freddie Highmore in a way few roles ever had before. Though already known for his brilliant performances as a child actor in Finding Neverland and later as the chilling Norman Bates in Bates Motel, it was his portrayal of Dr. Shaun Murphy that finally earned him a long-overdue Golden Globe nomination. So how did The Good Doctor finally break through and land Highmore among the Hollywood elite? The answer lies in a perfect blend of timing, storytelling, and an unforgettable performance.
A Role Unlike Any Other
Freddie Highmore had already built a strong reputation in Hollywood for playing emotionally complex characters. But when he stepped into the shoes of Dr. Shaun Murphy—an autistic surgical resident with savant syndrome—he undertook a challenge few actors are prepared for: representing a neurological condition with truth, empathy, and depth.
Highmore didn’t approach the role as a caricature or fall into the trap of playing “quirky genius” stereotypes. Instead, he layered Shaun with heart, vulnerability, and an evolving sense of self. His performance was understated but powerful—marked by meticulous attention to movement, tone, and emotional timing.
Critics and audiences took note quickly. The authenticity of his portrayal created an instant connection with viewers—many of whom felt seen, represented, and moved. It wasn’t long before the awards buzz began to grow.
Ratings Meet Recognition
One reason Freddie Highmore’s performance turned heads in award circles was the show’s unexpected popularity. Premiering in 2017, The Good Doctor debuted to massive ratings. It was one of the top new dramas on network television, and international sales only boosted its reputation. In an era dominated by cable and streaming platforms, a network drama dominating the ratings was newsworthy in itself.
But more importantly, Highmore’s performance elevated the material. His nuanced portrayal turned what could have been a formulaic medical drama into something deeply human. Shaun Murphy wasn’t just solving medical mysteries—he was navigating loneliness, prejudice, friendship, and professional respect.
Golden Globe voters—known for being more receptive to network and international talent than the Emmys—finally took notice. In December 2017, Freddie Highmore earned a nomination for Best Actor in a Television Drama, competing alongside seasoned veterans from cable and streaming series. It was a validation not just of his performance, but of the show’s larger mission.
Breaking Stereotypes With Sensitivity
One of the reasons Highmore’s performance struck such a chord was his respectful depiction of autism. He worked closely with autism consultants and spent time researching the condition to ensure that Shaun’s characteristics weren’t based on assumptions, but on real experiences of people on the spectrum.
Unlike other portrayals that focused solely on a character’s “special abilities,” The Good Doctor allowed Shaun to be a fully formed human being—flawed, curious, loving, and brave. Highmore brought dignity to every moment, never shying away from showing Shaun’s discomfort or pain but also never reducing him to a diagnosis.
The Golden Globe nomination was more than just a personal accolade—it was a signal that Hollywood was beginning to recognize and reward inclusive storytelling done right.
A Nomination That Meant More Than a Trophy
Though Highmore didn’t win the Golden Globe that year, the nomination itself was a watershed moment. It put him on the map in a new way, not as a former child actor or a genre TV star, but as a leading man capable of anchoring a high-stakes, socially impactful series.
The nod also shone a light on The Good Doctor as a show worth taking seriously. It helped push the conversation forward about representation in mainstream media and opened the door for future projects, like The Good Lawyer, which also centers on neurodiversity and mental health.
Highmore has remained humble throughout, often deflecting praise onto the writers, consultants, and cast members who support him. But there’s no denying that his performance is the heart of the series—and the reason many fans keep watching.
Why the Timing Was Just Right
In many ways, Highmore’s Golden Globe nomination was the result of perfect timing. The show premiered during a moment when Hollywood was rethinking diversity and inclusion—not just in terms of race and gender, but also in how mental and neurological conditions were portrayed.
Additionally, there was growing fatigue with overly gritty or cynical dramas. The Good Doctor offered something rare: hope. It showed that goodness, kindness, and brilliance could coexist in one character. Highmore delivered all of that in every scene, and award voters couldn’t ignore it.
What Came Next
After the nomination, Freddie Highmore continued to evolve the character of Shaun Murphy, taking on producing and directing duties and becoming a key voice behind the camera. While he didn’t land another Golden Globe nod in the following seasons, his legacy as Dr. Murphy remains firmly intact.
And perhaps more significantly, the show’s success and his performance helped create space for more nuanced portrayals of neurodiverse characters in mainstream television.
