The winter finale of The Good Doctor is always a significant event for both fans and the cast.
One of the reasons The Good Doctor has remained a fan-favorite is due to the undeniable chemistry among the cast members. When they aren’t portraying doctors navigating intense medical cases, they can often be found goofing off, pulling pranks, or engaging in lighthearted banter.
In a recent behind-the-scenes clip from the winter finale, Freddie Highmore (Dr. Shaun Murphy) and Fiona Gubelmann (Dr. Morgan Reznick) shared a fun moment rehearsing a scene. The two couldn’t stop giggling between takes, especially when they had to deliver complicated medical jargon under the pressure of time. “It’s always the technical terms that get us,” Gubelmann quipped, as they both laughed at yet another flubbed line. Highmore added, “These are the moments that make shooting episodes like this enjoyable. It’s not all serious all the time.”
Every TV show has its behind-the-scenes pranksters, and The Good Doctor is no exception. Will Yun Lee (Dr. Alex Park) is known for keeping the cast and crew on their toes. During the winter finale shoot, he orchestrated a harmless but hilarious prank on Antonia Thomas (Dr. Claire Browne). During a break, Lee swapped her script with a mock version full of absurd dialogue. Watching Thomas’s confusion as she tried to rehearse lines that made no sense had the entire crew in stitches. “It’s moments like these that remind us how close we’ve become,” Thomas reflected. “We spend so much time together that it feels like a second family, and pranks are just part of the fun.”
The bond between the cast members doesn’t end with pranks, though. Between takes, they’re often found chatting, sharing stories from their personal lives, or enjoying meals together on set. Hill Harper (Dr. Marcus Andrews) and Christina Chang (Dr. Audrey Lim) are known for their deep conversations about life, medicine, and everything in between. “We joke that we’re playing doctors on screen, but the amount we’ve learned from each other over the years is profound,” Harper shared in a recent interview. “Off-camera, we talk about real-world issues, and that brings a richness to our work together.”
Shooting dramatic episodes, like the winter finale, can be emotionally taxing. Some of the most gut-wrenching scenes required the cast to delve into dark and difficult emotions. Yet, it’s the moments after filming these scenes where the true essence of the cast shines. As soon as the director yells, “Cut!” the atmosphere lightens, and the cast shifts from the heavy tone of the story back to laughter and support. Richard Schiff (Dr. Aaron Glassman), known for his intense and emotional portrayal, often brings a thoughtful energy to the set. But after filming his emotional scenes, Schiff is quick to break the ice. “We all need to laugh after scenes like that,” Schiff shared. “It’s what keeps us grounded, especially during a finale when the stakes feel higher.”
For many of the cast, this winter finale marks another milestone in their journey with The Good Doctor. Each finale represents a moment of pride in their collective work and growth as a cast. This year, they celebrated the wrap of the finale with a mini party on set, complete with cake and a heartfelt toast led by Freddie Highmore. “It’s incredible to be part of something that has touched so many lives,” Highmore said during the toast. “But it’s even more special to share this journey with all of you. Here’s to many more!”
