Freddie Highmore is stepping confidently into the next phase of his career with The Assassin, a tense British crime thriller that is quickly earning attention—and praise—from both critics and fans. The six-episode series, which marks Highmore’s first major television role since the conclusion of The Good Doctor, has debuted to a robust 86% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling a successful reinvention for the actor long associated with the beloved medical drama.
Produced in the U.K. and distributed internationally through Prime Video, The Assassin follows the story of Elliot, a young man whose world is upended when he discovers that his estranged mother is a highly skilled former government hitwoman. When a shadowy organization resurfaces to eliminate unfinished business, Elliot is forced into an uneasy alliance with the mother he barely knows. Their relationship—strained, complex, and emotionally volatile—forms the emotional backbone of a series otherwise filled with conspiracies, covert missions, and dangerous betrayals.
Critics have singled out Highmore’s performance as one of the show’s strongest assets. Known globally for his gentle, precise, and emotionally nuanced portrayal of Shaun Murphy, Highmore now pivots into a darker, more vulnerable character navigating fear, loyalty, and the lingering wounds of an unconventional upbringing. Industry reviewers say the actor delivers “one of his most mature performances to date,” bringing a grounded realism to a storyline layered with tension and psychological depth.
The limited series has also drawn praise for its tight pacing and cinematic production style. Shot across multiple U.K. locations, the show employs moody lighting, close-quarters fight choreography, and intimate character-driven scenes to distinguish itself from more conventional spy thrillers. The mother–son dynamic—played with equal intensity by Highmore and co-star Fiona Shaw—has been repeatedly described as the emotional heart that elevates the series beyond standard genre fare.
Despite the strong critic reception, audience reactions have been more mixed. While many viewers applaud the show’s concise structure and compelling performances, others have pointed to moments of uneven pacing and occasionally predictable plot turns. Still, the early interest has been significant: The Assassin climbed Prime Video’s trending charts in multiple regions during its first week and has sparked speculation about whether the limited series could expand into additional chapters.
For Highmore, The Assassin represents an important career milestone. After seven seasons on The Good Doctor and an earlier breakout in Bates Motel, the actor continues to diversify his portfolio with roles that challenge expectations. His return to a darker, more suspense-driven environment echoes his earlier work while showcasing new layers of maturity and range.
As awards season approaches and Prime Video invests heavily in prestige international productions, The Assassin appears poised to remain a standout. With a strong 86% Rotten Tomatoes score and growing global conversation, Freddie Highmore’s latest project confirms that his post–Good Doctor era is not only underway—it’s off to an impressive start.
